University of Minnesota



 

 

Organization: United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)

 

Website and contact information:

www.unicef.org

Mailing address:

UNICEF House
3 United Nations Plaza
New York, New York 10017
U.S.A.

 

Visitor’s address:

3 United Nations Plaza
44th Street between 1st and 2nd Avenues
New York, New York

212-326-7000

212-887-7465

212-887-7454

 

Location of headquarters:

New York, NY

 

Year founded:

1946

 

Mandate and/or mission statement:

UNICEF is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to advocate for the protection of children's rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential.  UNICEF is guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child and strives to establish children's rights as enduring ethical principles and international standards of behaviour towards children.  UNICEF insists that the survival, protection and development of children are universal development imperatives that are integral to human progress.  UNICEF mobilizes political will and material resources to help countries, particularly developing countries, ensure a "first call for children" and to build their capacity to form appropriate policies and deliver services for children and their families.  UNICEF is committed to ensuring special protection for the most disadvantaged children - victims of war, disasters, extreme poverty, all forms of violence and exploitation and those with disabilities.  UNICEF responds in emergencies to protect the rights of children. In coordination with United Nations partners and humanitarian agencies, UNICEF makes its unique facilities for rapid response available to its partners to relieve the suffering of children and those who provide their care.  UNICEF is non-partisan and its cooperation is free of discrimination. In everything it does, the most disadvantaged children and the countries in greatest need have priority.

UNICEF aims, through its country programmes, to promote the equal rights of women and girls and to support their full participation in the political, social, and economic development of their communities.

UNICEF works with all its partners towards the attainment of the sustainable human development goals adopted by the world community and the realization of the vision of peace and social progress enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.

 

Relevant programs and projects:

Focus areas: child survival and development, basic education and gender equality, HIV/AIDS and children, child protection, policy advocacy and partnerships

 

Current head/director (and nationality):

Ann M. Veneman, Executive Director, U.S.

 

Number of Member States and/or Observer States:

192 Member States of the UN

 

Operating budget:

$2,762 million (2005 total income before adjustments)

 

Number and location of missions or field offices (if applicable):

8 regional offices, 126 country offices worldwide.

 

Number of employees:

7,200

 

Grades descriptions:

See Job Classification Standards in the United Nations

 

Where does this organization advertise when there are job openings?

Current vacancies

Short-term opportunities

Current vacancies for JPO (note: citizenship requirements are listed here)

 

What is the job application process?

Current vacancies Send in a resume, in English, and download and complete the United Nations Personal History form available in Word Submit as directed in the text of the vacancy notice(s).

Young Professional Programme- Programme currently under review, no vacancies available.

Junior Professional Programme- The general minimum requirements an individual must meet for entry into UNICEF as a JPO are: Citizenship of the respective country (Note:  selected participating donor governments sponsor a limited number of nationals from developing countries*). Age: between 28 and 32 years.  University degree equivalent to a Master's Degree or, as an absolute minimum, to a Bachelor's Degree; Two years of relevant professional work experience; Computer literacy in standard software applications; Demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations (UN), and of UNICEF in particular, and have a personal commitment to UNICEF’s mission and to the ideals of the UN Charter; and Demonstrate the ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which includes willingness to try, understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views. Languages: Fluency in written and spoken English and another UN working language, i.e. Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish or Russian.

JPO from a developing country: Please refer to the "current vacancies" link and apply as instructed.
You should write directly to:

Human Resources Officer (JPO)
DHR, CDS (TA-26-78)
UNICEF House
3 United Nations Plaza
New York, NY 10017
E-mail: jpo@unicef.org

Interested candidates from the Netherlands and Canada are invited to submit their application, CV and a completed United Nations Personal History (P-11) form (which can be downloaded here) directly to UNICEF at the address above. All other candidates from donor countries should write to their respective contacts listed on the website.

 

Does this organization take volunteers?  

Yes, through UN Volunteers.

 

What are the expectations, minimum requirements and application procedures for volunteers in this organization?

UNICEF does not recruit volunteers directly.  Volunteers may apply through the UN Volunteers process:

Online volunteers

Application process: Join the Online Volunteer Service

Basic requirements for Online volunteers: The UNV OV service is open to all people worldwide that are beyond the age of legal majority according to the law in their respective countries. In principle, everyone who is motivated, has the required profile for an online volunteering assignment, and has a regular access to the Internet can apply.

UN Volunteers

Online application for professionals and humanitarian aid specialists

Basic requirements for UN Volunteers:

          A university degree or higher technical diplomas;

          Several years of relevant working experience;

          At least age 25 (no maximum age limit);

          Good working knowledge in at least one of the three working UN languages: English, French and Spanish;

          Strong commitment to values and principles of volunteerism;

          Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment;

          Ability to adjust in difficult living conditions;

          Strong interpersonal and organizational skills;

          Prior volunteering and/or working experience in a developing country is an asset.

 

 

For US-based volunteer opportunities, contact the U.S. Fund for UNICEF for information on volunteer opportunities throughout the United States. The mailing address is: United States Fund for UNICEF, 333 East 38th Street, 6th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10016.

If you are a national of an industrialized country, you may contact the UNICEF National Committeein your home country for further information

 

Does this organization take interns? 

Yes

 

What are the expectations, minimum requirements and application procedures for interns in this organization?

You need to be currently-enrolled graduate or post-graduate student in a field related to UNICEF’s interests. You must be enrolled during the proposed internship period.  At this time we do not accept undergraduates.  You should be fluent in English and one other UNICEF working language i.e. French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian or Chinese. 

Your academic performance should be excellent, as demonstrated by recent university or institution records.  Your application for an internship should be supported by your university or related institution. A minimum requirement is a letter from one of your professors supporting your application.   Applicants must have a demonstrated interest in the field of international development.  Ability to adapt and work in a multi-cultural setting.  Has strong commitment to the values and principles of the United Nations and UNICEF's mission, guiding principles and Convention of the Rights of the Child.

Additional consideration will be given for any past work experiences. However, please keep in mind that even if you meet these qualifications, there is no guarantee of placement. We receive many more applications from qualified candidates than we can place. Placement is subject to availability of meaningful assignments.

 

Internship application procedure: Application form plus CV or P-11 form. Follow instructions for applying.

 

What are the basic requirements for prospective applicants? 

Education

Master’s Degree or equivalent experience.

Experience

Relevant professional work experience, some of which in a developing country:

at least five (5) years for mid-career

two (2) to three (3) years for entry-level, JPO and YPP

Language

Proficiency in English and in another UN working language (i.e. Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish). Knowledge of local language of duty station an asset.

Competencies

Management skills: planning, standard setting, staff development.

Negotiation skills: influence, advocacy.

Communication skills.

Systemic thinking: professional judgement, analytical ability, conceptualizing.

Strategic thinking.

Team work.

Honesty, integrity, respect for diversity, drive, optimism and enthusiasm.

 

 



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