Job Number: 496165 | Vacancy Link
Location: Data, Research and Policy
Work Type : Fixed Term Staff
If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world’s leading children’s rights organization would like to hear from you.
For 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children’s survival, protection and development. The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.
Purpose of the Position
The Policy Specialist, Migration and Displacement, provides global policy and engagement support on migration and displacement, and technical support to Country and Regional Offices working on advocacy, policy, finance and engagement on migration and displacement. Such support will enable UNICEF to better advocate for and represent the rights of children in migration and displacement processes at the global, regional and national levels, including in high-income countries where UNICEF does not have a country office presence but may have a National Committee. The Policy Specialist may be called on to be part of surge and other emergency staffing procedures in times of large sudden onset migration flows.
The Policy Specialist works to achieve the results outlined in the annual Sustainability and Policy Action Unit work plan, specifically the goals and targets related to migration and displacement.
Key Expected Results
The policy supported proved by this position will enhance leadership and coordination in the development of organizational approaches to and partnerships on migration and displacement issues. The incumbent also will provide technical support to UNICEF offices on policy and advocacy related to migration, displacement and related demographic trends. The result of this work will be more coherent and consistent approaches to migration and displacement across the organization. This will support UNICEF efforts to reach and respond to the needs of the most marginalized children and families – regardless of where they are.
Key Accountabilities and Duties & Tasks
1. Guide a coordinated organizational approach to policy, advocacy and engagement on migration and displacement issues.
- Convene staff from across the organization working on migration and displacement issues in order to develop and maintain a coherent and strategic organization-wide approach on migration and displacement issues.
- Coordinate a strategic framework for migration and displacement work in UNICEF, and its subsequent rollout across the organization
- Represent UNICEF in partnerships and external coordination and engagement on migration and displacement issues, including inter-agency fora such as the Global Migration Group.
2. Strengthen the evidence base on key issues related to children, migration, and displacement.
- Identify evidence gaps on relevant topics and – in coordination with other staff and partners – developing a prioritized agenda for filling those gaps.
- Develop timely and relevant research and advocacy products as well as managing the production of additional products from externally contracted individuals and firms.
3. Provide technical support to country and regional offices.
- Support country and regional offices in addressing policy challenges around migration and displacement issues, including conducting in country missions.
- Work with country offices required technical policy support for large migration flows, and provide surge capacity support as needed.
4. Identify and recommend organizational positions on emerging trends on topics related to migration, displacement, and other demographic shifts.
- Determine current and emerging topics of interest in these policy areas, regularly updating senior management and guiding policy development on emerging topics.
Qualifications of Successful Candidate
An advanced degree (Master’s) in international development, international relations, public policy or other related field is required.
A minimum of eight (8) years work experience on public policy and advocacy,particularly in high-level organizations. In-depth knowledge of socio-economic development issues, including in relation to children, equity and migration and demographic dimensions of development is required.
Proven experience in successfully developing, formulating and implementing strategies and response in migration and displacement at global and national levels is required.
Expertise in staff capacity building, developing tools and providing training is required.
Excellent analytical and writing skills, advocacy and presentational skills is an asset.
Work experience in a development or humanitarian setting is required and UNICEF country or regional office experience is preferred.
Fluency in English (written and verbal) is required.
Knowledge of a second UN language is considered an asset.
Competencies of Successful Candidate
Core Values
- Commitment
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Integrity
Core competencies
- Communication – Level II
- Working with People – Level III
- Drive for Results – Level II
Functional Competencies
- Formulating strategies & concepts – Level III
- Relating & networking – Level II
- Persuading & influencing – Level II
- Deciding & initiating action – Level III
- Analyzing – Level III
- Creating and innovating – Level II
To view our competency framework, please click here.
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