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

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for personal and professional development that will help them develop a fulfilling career while delivering on a rewarding mission. We pride ourselves on a culture that helps staff thrive, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, commitment

Under the overall supervision of the Deputy Executive Director, Partnerships, and direct supervision of the Executive Manager, the Senior Executive Associate is accountable for procedural communications, operations and administrative support services, as well as specialized administrative functions, to enhance the smooth running of the DED’s day-to day activities, as well as his/her front office. The Senior Executive Associate also represents the supervisor in initiating, following up on and resolving issues pertaining to administrative requests. The post is a key interface with a broad range of contacts including high ranking officials, both within and outside of the organization. The post prioritizes tasks and organizes work independently based on general direction from the supervisor.

How can you make a difference? 

The Senior Executive Associate is responsible for providing following duties:

• Provide executive and administrative assistance to the Office of the Deputy Executive Director to ensure smooth running of the office and effective processing of information and data.
• Assist with the immediate office operations with respect to communications, meetings, time management and workflow, efficient planning with regard to priority issues.
• Provide information and guidance to staff at all levels within the organization to ensure understanding of deadlines.
• Arrange appointments and maintain Deputy Executive Director’s Calendar. Receive visitors and answer telephone calls and queries. 
• Organize high-level meetings including taking responsibility for timely finalization and distribution of meeting agenda, invitations and background documentation. Distribute meetings reports and information and ensure follow-up on required actions.
• Establish and maintain internal tracking systems and procedures for electronic and hardcopy correspondence and documents.
• Undertake travel arrangements for the DED and Executive Manager, including arranging itineraries, visa and hotel reservations. 
• Initiate and contribute to effective preparation and knowledgeable delivery of correspondence/communications, documentation and reports contributing to achievement of work objectives.
• Contribute to well-managed and effective office operations, systems and procedures that facilitate team work and the overall work of the offices.
• Initiate long-term planning and anticipate needs and deadlines for the overall running of the DED's office

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• Prior experience in providing administrative support to a senior executive is considered an asset.
• Ability to meet tight deadlines through excellent time management, organization and multi-tasking skills.
• Strong planning and coordination skills.
• Proven ability to work on a team.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Stress resilience under pressure
• High sense of confidentiality, initiative, and good judgment.
• Knowledge of UNICEF and United Nations organizational structure is considered an asset. 
• Thorough knowledge of UNICEF’s organizational structure, administrative policies and procedures is an asset.

Minimum requirements:

• Completion of secondary education is required, preferably supplemented by technical courses related to the field of work.
• A minimum of six (6) years of relevant administrative, coordination and clerical experience is required. A bachelor’s degree from a recognized academic institution in a field relevant to the position may replace three years of related work experience. A master’s degree may replace an additional two years.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships

(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness

(3) Drive to achieve results for impact

(4) Innovates and embraces change

(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity

(6) Thinks and acts strategically

(7) Works collaboratively with others 

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. To create a more inclusive workplace, UNICEF offers paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. Click here to learn more about flexible work arrangements, well-being, and benefits.

According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. In its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2022-2030, UNICEF has committed to increase the number of employees with disabilities by 2030. At UNICEF, we provide reasonable accommodation for work-related support requirements of candidates and employees with disabilities. Also, UNICEF has launched a Global Accessibility Helpdesk to strengthen physical and digital accessibility. If you are an applicant with a disability who needs digital accessibility support in completing the online application, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF.

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 based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, 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, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

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. F

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.

This positions is office-based and requires office presence. 

[CO/ HQ specific: visa residence requirements: i.e.: UNICEF shall not facilitate the issuance of a visa and working authorization for candidates under consideration for positions at the national officer and general service category.]

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.