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, dedication

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programmes, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — will not only give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

How can you make a difference?

The Deputy Representative reports to the CO Representative for general supervision and direction. The Deputy Representative supports the Representative on the overall management of the CO and for coordinating closely with the different programme sections on all phases of the Country Office Programme, from formulation to delivery of results in accordance with UNICEF’s Strategic Plans, standards of performance and accountability framework, ethics and integrity.

The Deputy Representative supports the Representative in leading and leveraging partnerships with both the public and private sectors to achieve results and fulfill the rights of children, with the following key functions/accountabilities:

1. CO Programme planning and development

• Coordinate the planning and updating of the situation analysis by the programme sectors in the CO to establish comprehensive data and information for programme development planning, management, monitoring and evaluation.
• Guide the various sectors throughout the process of programme formulation, planning and preparation of the Country Programme ensuring harmonization of approaches and alignment with UNICEF’s Strategic Plan, corporate guidelines, policies/procedures and regional and national priorities. Provide technical and operational support throughout the process
• Coordinate the necessary technical programming support from PD/Regional Office.
• Review the Country Programme recommendation before approval by the Representative to ensure the quality of the Country Programme recommendation and alignment with the UNICEF’s Strategic plan, compliance with policies and procedures and that documentation materials are completed accurately and comprehensively to facilitate Executive Board review and approval.

  2. Support to the Representative on managing the Country Office

• Serve as officer in charge in the absence of the Representative.
• Monitor and assess programmes and operations and provide advice on best and innovative programming and management practices to enhance programming and operations.
• Advise the Representative on CO annual work planning, setting priorities/targets and establishing performance measurements.
• Monitor implementation and progress of work plans; collaborate with colleagues to assist, advise and guide the Representative to ensure achievement of results according to targets and performance standards. Take timely decisions to achieve results and/or alert the Representative for timely action.
• Establish clear performance objectives, goals and timelines; and provide timely guidance to his/her team to enable them to perform their duties responsibly and efficiently. Plan and ensure timely performance planning, management and assessment.
• Work collaboratively with the Representative and the various sectors to facilitate/contribute to the preparation of the CO budget proposal.
• Monitor critical issues to resolve problems and/or recommend to the Representative appropriate action to ensure appropriate and optimum use of resources.

  3. Monitoring and quality control of Programmes

• Participate in meetings/events and annual/midterm reviews with the government and other counterparts/stakeholders to contribute to strategic programme discussions, planning and assessments.
• Evaluate overall programme progress; identify weaknesses, bottlenecks and potential problems. Collaborate with the sectors and/or other partners and stakeholders to resolve issues and/or advise the Representative on resolutions to ensure delivery of results as planned and allocated.
• Monitor the optimum and appropriate use of programme resources (financial, human, administrative and other assets) and verify compliance with organizational rules, regulations and procedures, donor commitments and standards of accountability and integrity.
• Approve disbursements and allocations in accordance with delegation of authority established by the Representative.
• Coordinate and/or provide advice on the preparation of mandated programme and operational reports. Confirm accuracy of reports prior to approval by the Representative.

  4. Representation, alliance building and UN System coordination

• Represent the UNICEF Representative in the UN Country Team (UNCT) to collaborate with the UN system partners to strengthen UN system interagency coherence, collaboration, cooperation and harmonization of programming, common services and operations.
• Ensure organizational position, interests and priorities are fully considered and integrated in the UN joint planning and agenda/priority setting. Croatia does not the UN RC system.
• Build and strengthen strategic partnerships with government institutions, national stakeholders and global partners/ allies/ donors/ academia to advocate UNICEF goals to advance child’s right to survival, development and good being, mobilize resources, seek cooperation and establish alliances.

  5. Business Engagement and Partnerships

• Lead the creation of a conducive and optimal environment, capacities and systems within the country office, to allow the business and public sectors to be engaged appropriately for achieving programmatic results.
• Systematically integrate considerations and strategies around work with and on the private sector into programme strategies and plans; articulate the private-public sector joint contribution to achieving results for children in support of the Country Programme; and where applicable, the programmes globally.
• Ensure the consideration and integration of the Business Sector[1] as an active stakeholder across programme sectors in the country programme planning process and (SitAn, Stakeholder Mapping, ToCs, Strategy Notes, Results Framework and Country Programme Management Plans) and subsequent roll out strategies and plans.
• Actively engage in identification and prioritization of potential Business and Public Sector stakeholders who can contribute significantly to achievement of country office results and global Strategic Plan Goals.
• Lead the office to build strategic engagements with the Business Sector to advance UNICEF’s programmatic goals through different engagement modalities at outlined in the Programme Guidance for Country Offices on Engagement with Business.
• Support the development and smooth execution of the resource mobilization strategy from public and private sectors, linking to the programme results. Engage with partners on concrete initiatives, linked to programmes initiatives that are supported by them.
• Manage the planning, monitoring and reporting of achievements and results (qualitative and quantitative) of business engagement and partnerships initiatives within the country programme planning cycle and process, to create a holistic results narrative.
• Ensure alignment and stay updated on the latest developments, tools and guidance linked to Business for Results (B4R) through the Regional Offices, Regional Programme Networks, Regional Support Centers for PFP and Headquarter Divisions especially Programme Division. Lead the application of these tools and the capacity building of staff to integrate private sector engagement systematically in all programme areas.

  6. Innovation, knowledge management, and capacity building

• Advise the Representative and other internal colleagues in the CO on the conceptualization, development, and implementation of policies and procedures, use of latest information technology and introduction of innovation and best practices in the CO to ensure optimum efficiency and efficacy in programming and operations.
• Coordinate the collection, institutionalization and sharing of lessons learned to enhance performance and to use lessons learned in development/policy planning.
• Promote learning and development through planning and organization of training events, activities and other capacity-building initiatives to enhance the competencies/productivity of staff members.

Impact of Results

The efficient and effective support of the DR to the successful development, planning, and implementation of the country programme and achievement of concrete and sustainable results directly impacts the establishment of a healthy and protective environment for the most marginalized and vulnerable women and children in the country, and this, in turn, contributes to maintaining/enhancing the credibility and ability of UNCEF to continue to provide programme services to protect the rights of children, promote greater social equality to enable children to survive, develop and reach their full potential in society.

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

Minimum requirements:

Education:

• An advanced university degree in one of the following fields is required: social sciences, international relations, government and public relations, public or social policy, sociology, social or community development, or another relevant technical field.

Experience:

• A minimum of eight years of professional development experience that combines technical and managerial leadership in development cooperation at the international level, some of which served in developing countries, is required.
• Relevant experience and/or in-depth familiarity with the role of UNICEF in an Upper Middle Income/High-Income country context with upstream advocacy and programmes is highly desirable.
• Proven professional and successful experience in partnership building and resource mobilization is highly desirable.
• Prior experience as a Deputy Representative is desirable.
• Prior hands-on experience in emergency programming, including preparedness, planning, and support in humanitarian crises, is ideal. Relevant professional experience in any UN system agency or organization is considered an asset.
• Previous hands-on experience in strategic and managerial leadership (including in managing multiple teams) is required.
• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English is required. Working Knowledge of the local language of the duty station is considered 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…

Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (3)
Works Collaboratively with others (3)
Builds and Maintains Partnerships (3)
Innovates and Embraces Change (3)
Thinks and Acts Strategically (3)
Drive to achieve impactful results (3)
Manages ambiguity and complexity (3)
Nurtures, leads and manages people (3)

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

This position has been assessed as an elevated risk role for Child Safeguarding purposes as it is either a role with direct contact with children, a role that works directly with identifiable children’s data, a safeguarding response role, or an assessed risk role. Additional vetting and assessment for elevated risk roles in child safeguarding (potentially including additional criminal background checks) apply.

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.