Current vacancies

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, to defend their rights, and to help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

For every child, knowledge

The Research Specialist is a seasoned researcher with strong skills in qualitative research methodologies and child-centred methods. The Research Specialist should have extensive experience with research on technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and abuse, a range of qualitative analysis methods including but not limited to thematic analysis, and a strong background in coordinating multi-country research projects. The quality of work performed by the Research Specialist directly impacts on the reputation of UNICEF Innocenti. They follow established procedures and are expected to implement qualitative research on sensitive topics to the highest standard, following best practice in research ethics and safeguarding. The Research Specialist would contribute to cutting-edge research on online sexual exploitation and abuse and have the opportunity to significantly influence national policies and protection systems around the world.

If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here:  Research Specialist (Digital).pdf

To qualify as a champion for every child you will have:

• Minimum requirements 

• • 1. 1. Education: Master or equivalent (Advanced University Degree) in Psychology, Public Health, Sociology, Social Science, Psychiatry and any other related fields.
       2. Work Experience: At least 5 years of relevant work experience in Research, Digital Engagement, Qualitative Data Collection, Mixed-Methods Analysis, Thematic Analysis, Child Rights, Online Protection, Multi-country Research, Online child sexual exploitation and abuse.
       3. Skills: Qualitative analysis, inductive methods, deductive methods, thematic analysis, journey mapping, trauma-informed research
       4. Language Requirements: Fluent in Spanish and in English is required.
• Desirables
  
  1. 1. Language: Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian) or Italian
     2. PhD, Peer-reviewed academic publications
     3. Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergencies.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

We offer a wide range of measures to include a more diverse workforce, such as paid parental leave, time off for breastfeeding purposes, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks: 

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF's active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable male candidates from programme countries are encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.