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 for as long as we are needed. 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 professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

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

For every child, the right to a future

How can you make a difference?

The Global Disability Team and Global Mental Health Team require time-bound programme coordination and organizational support for selected activities planned in 2027. These include coordination of disability-related meetings and events, preparations for the 2027 Conference of States Parties to the CRPD, organization of an internal MHPSS learning series, and planning and coordination of the 2027 UNICEF Global MHPSS Network Meeting.

If you would like to know more about this consultancy, please review the complete Terms of Reference here: External ToR TMC0007469.pdf

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

Minimum Requirements:

Education:

Advanced university degree (minimum Master’s) in a field relevant to the consultancy, such as international development, public health, mental health, psychology, social policy, disability studies, human rights, law, international relations, social sciences or a related field.

Work Experience:

At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in programme coordination, research, international cooperation, mental health and psychosocial support, disability inclusion, child and adolescent wellbeing, or related areas. Experience in coordinating international programmes, partnerships, research initiatives or activities related to mental health and psychosocial support would be particularly relevant.
Demonstrated experience in research, analysis, information management and documentation, including reviewing and synthesizing information, preparing reports, briefing materials, guidance documents or other knowledge products. Experience in legal, policy or programme-related research would be an asset.
Demonstrated experience in programme and project coordination, including organizing meetings, consultations, workshops or other events; coordinating with multiple stakeholders; preparing relevant documentation; and ensuring timely follow-up on agreed actions. Experience working with international organizations, government institutions, research institutions or other partners would be an asset.
Prior experience with UNICEF, another UN organization, international or regional institutions, or organizations engaged in international cooperation and development is an asset.
Experience in international partnerships, programme development, funding mechanisms, proposal preparation or resource mobilization, including engagement with European institutions and partners, is an asset.

Language Requirements:

Proficient in English (excellent oral and written skills).

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills:

Good understanding of mental health and psychosocial support for children and adolescents.
Knowledge of disability inclusion and the rights of children and young people with disabilities.
Strong research, analytical and writing skills, including the ability to synthesize information and prepare clear, practical guidance.
Strong coordination and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively across teams and with diverse stakeholders.
Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
Ability to work effectively across different time zones and in multicultural environments.

Desirables:

Experience engaging with young people, including young people with disabilities, and supporting their meaningful participation.
Familiarity with European funding and partnership mechanisms, including the European Union and/or UNICEF National Committees.
Knowledge of the UN human rights system and the work of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 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

UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.

UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.

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.

Qualified candidates are invited to submit the following documents via the online recruitment portal, TMS (Talent Management System):

An up-to-date TMS profile and curriculum vitae (CV)
Cover letter
A separate financial proposal (only acceptable in the format of the linked template) Financial proposal TMC0007469.docx

Remarks: If the TOR or financial proposal documents are not downloadable on certain recruitment platforms, please visit our official page Vacancies | UNICEF Careers.

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.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.

Programme Support Consultant, New York Headquarters, GPD, 7 month, Office Based