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, a fair chance

UNICEF PPD Brussels Office manages UNICEF’s relationship with the European Institutions (namely the European Commission including DG DEVCO, ECHO, NEAR; HOME; the Council of the EU; the European External Action Service; the European Parliament; and the Committee of the Regions) in order to make children a priority for EU institutions in terms of their policies and financial allocations. The Office is responsible for analyzing the EU funding environment and various financial instruments with a view to identifying and mobilizing quality resources in support of UNICEF’s Strategic Plan. The Office strives to profile UNICEF as a strategic partner and a broker of knowledge for children and women issues towards the EU Institutions with a clear positioning for an up-stream policy role and a result driven approach. The Office also works to enhance Country and Regional Offices understanding of UNICEF’s partnership with the European Institutions while supporting their strategic interactions with respective EU Delegations and ECHO offices at country level. The Office also closely coordinates with other UN agencies with a presence in Brussels.

How can you make a difference? 

UNICEF PPD Brussels Office manages UNICEF’s relationship with the European Institutions (namely the European Commission including DG DEVCO, ECHO, NEAR; HOME; the Council of the EU; the European External Action Service; the European Parliament; and the Committee of the Regions) in order to make children a priority for EU institutions in terms of their policies and financial allocations. The Office is responsible for analyzing the EU funding environment and various financial instruments with a view to identifying and mobilizing quality resources in support of UNICEF’s Strategic Plan. The Office strives to profile UNICEF as a strategic partner and a broker of knowledge for children and women issues towards the EU Institutions with a clear positioning for an up-stream policy role and a result driven approach. The Office also works to enhance Country and Regional Offices understanding of UNICEF’s partnership with the European Institutions while supporting their strategic interactions with respective EU Delegations and ECHO offices at country level. The Office also closely coordinates with other UN agencies with a presence in Brussels.

Purpose for the job

The Public Partnerships Specialist will contribute to UNICEF's advocacy efforts for the promotion of children's rights and investment in children by the EU, and to strengthen UNICEF's partnership with the EU, S/he will be developing UNICEF's engagement with the European Parliament, lead on thematic files on climate, and digital and child rights, and support partnership with Permanent Missions of EU Member. States (EUMS) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). S/he will be expected to:

1. Identify and pursue opportunities to promote children's rights (particularly on external action/aid, public finance, and thematic priorities), in line with existing UNICEF strategies.
2. Deepen the collaboration with the European Parliament to influence key policies related to children, increase visibility and political space, and promote meaningful mechanisms for child participation.
3. Support deepening strategic partnership with EUMS Permanent Missions to support the EU Presidency and key EUMS on children's issues.
4. Monitor policy developments and provide political analysis on EU issues affecting children within and outside the EU. S/He may also serve as a focal point and resource for colleagues on specific thematic areas of strategic relevance for partnership development with the EU, including climate and digital technologies.

Key functions, accountabilities, and related duties/tasks

1. Gathers intelligence and monitors relevant policy and legislative developments in the European Parliament, particularly on external action, budgetary affairs, and thematic priorities of UNICEF.
2. Develops and maintains deep knowledge and familiarity with relevant European Parliament's Committees and other stakeholders. Supports UNICEF's partnership with the Intergroup on children's rights and the cabinet of the President. Expands strategically UNICEF's network of key interlocutors to advance children's rights in policies and legislation.
3. Supports senior management in the identification and pursuit of opportunities for public outreach, engagement, policy influence and collaboration with the European Parliament, including on how to anticipate and respond to risks and promote emerging priorities. Ensures that UNICEF's interests, perspectives, and knowledge are considered in relevant policy and institutional processes. Contributes written inputs for legislative and non-legislative procedures and communication instruments that inform and influence decision makers. Contribute to strategies for engagement and
4. The development of innovative partnerships with the European Parliament, including through the promotion of child participation.
5. Contributes to the development and management of initiatives for high-level outreach, including for UNICEF's Senior Management. Supports UNICEF's. Country Offices, Regional Offices, Divisions and National Committees connection to European Parliament's field visits, hearings, or consultations. Works closely with UNICEF colleagues to ensure that policy advocacy and outreach is strongly grounded in the experience and insights of the programs that UNICEF's supports.
6. Acts as the focal point and resource for colleagues on specific thematic areas of strategic relevance for partnership development with the EU, particularly in the areas of climate, and digital technologies.
7. Performs other related duties as assigned by the supervisor to support the Office in reaching corporate priorities.

Impact of Results

The Public Partnerships Specialist will identify strategic opportunities for engagement with the European Parliament and increase the impact of the advocacy work carried out by the Brussels office with EU Institutions.
- Given the institutional role and increasing impact of the European Parliament, this contribution will facilitate and make more effective UNICEF's ability to influence EU policies, leverage resources for children and widen its partnership with the EU institutions.

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

Minimum requirements:

• Education: An advanced university degree is required in one of the following fields: international relations, political science, communications, international development, or another relevant technical field.
  
  
• Work Experience: A minimum of five years of professional experience in one or more of the following areas is required: public affairs, programme management, resource mobilization, external relations, or other relevant area.
  
  
• Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French 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. For this position, eligible and suitable male candidates 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.