Chief – People, Planet & Prosperity #124374, P5, 2-year Fixed Term position @ Global Office of Research & Foresight (GORaF), Florence Italy

We are seeking an experienced and suitably qualified candidate to provide overall leadership for a complex and ambitious programme of research that contributes to advocacy, programming, and policy reform to advance children’s rights.

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, Research

How can you make a difference? 

Job organizational context:

UNICEF Innocenti – Global Office of Research and Foresight (GORAF)- represents the organization’s foremost analytical capacity and serves as the lead for excellence in research and foresight on children and child rights within UNICEF, the United Nations and the global community. The Office focusses on three areas:

1- Linking research on successful practices and global trend analyses to influence and drive positive changes for children.

2- Uncovering new issues facing children, on upcoming topics in the face of the changing global economy, political and security environment.

3- Creating an enabling environment and platform for children and young people, transforming their contribution into an influential platform and action for positive change.

Within the framework of Innocenti’s three focus areas, this post leads and manages the work programme of the People, Planet and Prosperity (PPP) team. This post reports to the Deputy Director (D1) of UNICEF Innocenti.

Purpose for the job:

The incumbent is responsible for setting strategic directions for the work programme; providing oversight and technical leadership of a portfolio of research and foresight projects; and managing a high performing, interdisciplinary team.

The team provides thought-leadership and generates child-centered research focusing on assessing and improving understanding of two primary streams of work: (i) children living in multidimensional poverty (health, nutrition, access to water, etc), inclusion, and well-being; and (ii) the impact of changes in the environment, security, and global governance systems on services and systems essential for children.

The incumbent will provide overall leadership for a complex and ambitious programme of research that contributes to advocacy, programming, and policy reform to advance children’s rights. The post holder will support the design and implementation of the team’s workplan and ensure that it is impactful and contribute to the achievement of the Office Strategic Plan.

The incumbent will lead a multi-disciplinary team of staff members and consultants and work closely internally (with others in UNICEF GORAF, DAPM, Programme Group, PFP, EMOPS, Regional Offices, National Committees) and externally (other UN entities, academics, researchers, and policy practitioners). The incumbent will lead the exchange and promotion of relevant knowledge through networking, communication, and advocacy with a wide range of internal and external partners.

Key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks:

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

Lead and contribute to research and foresight strategy and agenda setting, research analyses and publications covering thematic areas related to child-centered research focusing on assessing and improving understanding of children living in multi-dimensional poverty, inclusion, and well-being; and the impact of changes in the environment, economy, security, and global governance systems on services and systems essential for children. Ensure respect for UNICEF’s overall policies and approaches, including the development of concepts, frameworks and plans for producing evidence-based analysis, and action- and foresight-oriented research and policy advocacy in all country contexts.

1. Provide strategic guidance and oversee the team’s work programme. (i) Provide strategic direction, guidance and quality assurance so that all of the team’s activities add value, reflects innovation, are foresight-oriented, methodological and analytical rigor, and sensitivity to contexts and prevailing issues; (ii) Ensure that findings and evidence are communicated effectively to relevant audiences through a wide range of media, including high-profile publications, technical reports, databases, conference materials and related documents; and (iii) Promote and initiate new partnerships and collaboration to generate actionable evidence about emerging issues affecting children’s rights and well-being in a variety of contexts.

2. Maintain and actively promote partnerships to advance the work of PPP and Innocenti GORAF at large. (i) Work closely with teams internally (others in UNICEF GORAF, DAPM, Programme Group, PFP, EMOPS, Regional Offices, National Committees for UNICEF) and externally (other UN entities, academics, researchers and policy practitioners) to enhance collaboration, coherence and research; (ii) Maintain and expand partnerships with a wide range of external partners, including other United Nations entities, multilateral organizations, research institutions, think tanks, donors and implementing partners; and (iii) Contribute to the implementation of the Office-wide Resource Mobilization Strategy and seek financial or in-kind contributions to support and advance the team’s workplan.

3. Contribute towards future-informed policies and strategies on PPP thematic areas by promoting the use of data and analytics that is foresight-oriented. This includes leading research to project the situation of children due to the likely impacts of environmental change, demographic shifts, the economy, armed conflicts, and changes in national and global finance and governance systems.

4. Contribute to the implementation of an effective knowledge management system. (i) Maintain an overview of research, foresight, and policy discourse both within UNICEF and outside relating to the areas falling under the remit of the PPP team and portfolio. (ii) Collaborate with HQ Divisions and Regional Offices to build and enhance networks of collaborative research in all regions; and (iii) Develop publicly accessible syntheses of significant research findings and analyses to address priority knowledge gaps for possible inclusion in future research.

5. Contribute to inter-regional and cross-disciplinary research and activities within and beyond Innocenti to advance the Organization’s equity agenda in contributing to achieving the SDGs.

6. Provide management, leadership and guidance to each of the team members. (i) Plan and ensure timely implementation of the section’s work, ensuring linkages to the overall objectives of GORAF; (ii) Manage performance, ensure well-being of team members, and develop the capacity of the team to fulfill its roles and responsibilities; (iii) Contribute to the overall management of the Global Office of Research and Foresight, its work programme and advise on -UNICEF Innocenti’s strategic direction; and (iv) Act as a resource person for key UNICEF meetings and advocacy activities as requested by the Director’s Office.

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

Minimum requirements:

Education: 

An advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant field, including public health, development, humanitarian, climate studies, political science and/or social sciences, and/or a related field is required.

A PhD degree in a relevant field of education would be considered as an asset.

Work Experience: 

Required:
1. At least ten years of professional experience at national or international levels in managing research, with demonstrated experience in at least one relevant area of research, such as child rights, poverty, nutrition, inclusion/disability, environmental or climate issues, behavioral science.

2. Demonstrated track record and experience in policy analysis and research including the management of research, and in developing and maintaining networks of contacts.

3. Demonstrated experience in evidence-based advocacy and in negotiating and advocating for policies and programs with government or multi/bilateral institutions.

4. Experience in developing and implementing strategic resource mobilization plans including fostering relationships with funding partners and stakeholders.

5. Excellent managerial skills and demonstrated ability to nurture and develop teams and to forge and manage collaborations.

6. Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Desirable:

7. Experience in risk-informed humanitarian and development nexus programming. Track record and experience in carrying out implementation research in humanitarian or development settings.

8. Proven track record of successfully mobilizing resources from diverse sources to support research-based initiatives.

9. Record of professional publications in relevant areas.

Skills:

• Proven ability to conceptualize, plan and manage research programmes and studies and to transfer knowledge and skills.
• Proven team leadership skills and ability to nurture and develop teams.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including the ability to speak in public and represent the Organization.
• Demonstrated ability to engage in policy advocacy

Language Requirements: 

Fluency in English required.  Knowledge of other UN languages desirable.

Other:

• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency. 

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 

Functional Competencies:

• Leading & Supervising
• Formulating Strategies & Concepts
• Analyzing
• Relating & Networking
• Deciding & Initiating Action
• Persuading & Influencing

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

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. 

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.

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

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.