Explore careers at UNICEF
Have the most meaningful career with us.
At UNICEF, we focus on attracting and retaining the best talent with the skills and commitment to make UNICEF’s vision a reality. What do you get in return? A meaningful career complete with diverse and exciting professional and personal development opportunities to make a real difference for every child. Join us!
Job functions
UNICEF offers a range of challenging and exciting opportunities across our key functional areas of work. Discover UNICEF's work for every child below, and see where you fit in.
Programmes
UNICEF’s programme work is the core of our organization and the foundation for our ability to drive results for children. Our field programming responds holistically to children’s needs and to the environments in which they grow up. UNICEF achieves results within the overall framework of the goals outlined in the Strategic Plan 2022-2025 and in response to the universal scope of the Sustainable Development Goals.
External relations
UNICEF believes that partnerships are critical to delivering results for children and realizing their rights and communication and public advocacy are an integral part of UNICEF in our efforts to put the rights and wellbeing of the most disadvantaged children at the heart of social, political and economic agendas. We also work with different sectors of society to raise funds that support our programmes for children.
Management
The management pillar at UNICEF focuses on providing advice on best and innovative management practices to enhance operational performance. Colleagues in this area are strategic business partners, assuring the best use of UNICEF assets in alignment with sound management practices, office priorities and goals to deliver results for children.
Executive management
UNICEF embraces a leadership culture that prioritizes outcomes for children. Our leaders empower staff to deliver results for children, and hold them accountable for the achievement of these results. UNICEF leaders also need to demonstrate a high degree of self-awareness, and develop their teams to be effective, strategic and collaborative.
Job categories
UNICEF's workforce is made up of diverse types of employees reflecting various levels of responsibilities, expertise and duties. From our international professionals, to national officers, general service staff and consultants, everyone makes unique contributions to achieving our mandate.
International Professional
International Professionals are recruited internationally and serve in all duty stations globally. They hold leadership, managerial or specialist functions which require a high level of technical expertise.
National Officer
National Officers are nationals of the country where their duty station is located and perform a range of functions. These staff members have in-depth knowledge of the local setting, institutions and partners.
General Service
General Service staff are locally recruited and provide administrative and support services across all areas of the organization in both headquarters and field duty stations.
Consultant & individual contractor
Consultants and individual contractors are engaged by UNICEF for their expertise in a specific field. They provide specialized services for a range of time-bound projects and initiatives.
Talent programmes
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your career to the next level, our talent programmes offer exciting opportunities for professional development. Explore them below.
Junior Professional Officer
This government-sponsored programme provides young professionals with an exceptional opportunity to acquire hands-on experience at UNICEF.
Internship
Our internship programme offers students and recent graduates the opportunity to gain direct practical experience with UNICEF's offices worldwide.
Volunteer
UNICEF works with volunteers primarily through the United Nations Volunteers programme. Opportunities are also through our National Committees.