How to land a job at UNICEF

As one of the world's leading humanitarian organizations dedicated to championing the rights and well-being of children worldwide, UNICEF operates in “dynamic and sometimes challenging environments,” said Sajid Ali, deputy director of the human resources division at the U.N. agency. This is why they are on the lookout for candidates with “strong people management skills, demonstrated capability to work effectively in emergency situations, versatile multisector skills, and fluency in a second United Nations language,” Ali said. UNICEF was established in December of 1946 during the aftermath of World War II and has since evolved into a cornerstone of global efforts to address the most pressing challenges facing children and adolescents, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. From providing vaccines and access to clean water to promoting education and protection from violence, UNICEF's work is present in over 190 countries and territories. Moving forward, the organization said it is committed to diversifying its workforce and ensuring that it has “the right expertise to tackle the challenges ahead,” Ali said, including hiring more women in areas such as water, sanitation, and hygiene, and information and communication technology. Speaking to Devex, Ali shared more on the roles currently in demand at UNICEF, how to stand out during the initial screening process, and what consultants can do to position themselves for landing short-term roles. This conversation has been edited for length and clarity. Which technical skills are currently in demand at UNICEF? At UNICEF, the sought-after technical skills include expertise in advocacy and communications, project management, building partnerships, public financing, knowledge management, resource mobilization, grant management, risk management, and evaluations. What kind of professional experience, besides technical expertise, helps make an application stand out during the initial screening process? In addition to technical proficiency, we also look for candidates with strong people management skills, demonstrated capability to work effectively in emergency situations, versatile multisector skills, and fluency in a second United Nations language. These additional qualifications contribute significantly to the holistic evaluation of candidates and provide us with a fuller picture of what candidates bring to the table and how they’ll thrive in the dynamic and sometimes challenging environments UNICEF operates in. What types of roles have been a priority for UNICEF this past year, and what roles will be a focus moving forward? Over the past year, UNICEF has prioritized recruitment across a spectrum of essential roles. We're talking about positions like section chiefs; managers; and specialists in critical areas such as health, planning, monitoring and evaluation, climate and sustainability, legal affairs, human resources, audit and investigations, innovative financing, risk management, evaluation; [and] shared service center staff, heads of offices, and the list goes on. Moreover, we're actively seeking to attract talented women in fields like water, sanitation, and hygiene, and information and communication technology. This is all part of our ongoing commitment to diversifying our workforce and ensuring we have the right expertise to tackle the challenges ahead. What can consultants do to stand out and land shorter-term roles? Consultants can significantly enhance the appeal of their applications by showcasing a well-rounded skill set that encompasses technical expertise as well as soft and interpersonal abilities. Showing through concrete examples a track record of consistently delivering high-quality results within designated timelines is paramount. Including testimonials from previous clients can provide valuable insights into the consultant's professionalism and effectiveness. Demonstrating a keen understanding of the specific challenges faced by the hiring office and articulating how their expertise can address these needs is also useful. Consultants should also highlight their soft skills, like their ability to coordinate tasks effectively, collaborate with diverse teams, facilitate discussions, deliver compelling presentations, and communicate ideas clearly through writing. Ready to stand out from the crowd and get noticed by the recruiters who matter most? Update your Devex profile and start connecting with top global development recruiters now.