Are you a seasoned researcher passionate about digital technologies, children’s rights, and evidence‑driven global advocacy? UNICEF’s Research Specialist (Digital), P‑3 position — based at the Innocenti Global Office of Research and Foresight in Florence, Italy — offers a rare opportunity to shape how the world understands children’s digital futures and influences policy at the highest levels.
UNICEF is Hiring Research Job for 2026. Apply Now
A Mission‑Driven Role at UNICEF Innocenti
UNICEF operates in more than 190 countries, striving to safeguard children’s rights and help them thrive — from early childhood through adolescence. As part of this mission, the Innocenti Global Office of Research and Foresight serves as UNICEF’s intellectual engine: generating evidence on emerging issues, scanning future trends, and advising policymakers, practitioners, and thought leaders around the world.
The Research Specialist (Digital) position sits squarely within this context — focused on digital technologies and their impact on children’s lives. The post is a temporary appointment for 364 days with UNICEF Innocenti in Florence.
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Why This Role Matters
The digital landscape is reshaping how children learn, play, communicate, and even perceive their identities. Yet digital environments also present risks — from exposure to harmful content to online exploitation. UNICEF Innocenti’s Digital Engagement and Protection Unit leads research that explores both the opportunities and challenges children face online. This research fuels global projects covering more than 40 countries, especially in low‑ and middle‑income contexts.
In this role, the Research Specialist will lead the inception phase of a new longitudinal mixed‑methods study in the UK, shaping the research design, implementation strategy, and ethical framework from day one. This is a rare chance to influence data‑driven approaches to child wellbeing in digital spaces that ultimately inform global policy and program development.
What You’ll Do
The Research Specialist’s responsibilities include:
- Research Design & Strategy: Lead early stages of a major longitudinal study, defining methodologies, identifying collaborators, and establishing ethical safeguards.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Work with diverse partners — from academic institutions to civil society and private sector actors — ensuring research relevance and practical impact.
- Mixed‑Methods Coordination: Combine quantitative and qualitative tools to capture nuanced insights into children’s engagement with digital technologies.
- Ethics & Safeguarding: Address sensitive ethical dimensions of working with children, a central priority in all UNICEF research.
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Who Should Apply
UNICEF seeks a seasoned researcher with:
- An advanced university degree in a social science discipline such as sociology, psychology, public policy, or a related field.
- At least five years’ experience coordinating international research, including project design and data collection.
- Strong skills in research management, stakeholder collaboration, and both qualitative and quantitative methods.
- Fluency in English is a must, and knowledge of another UN language (e.g., French, Spanish) is a plus.
This role exemplifies UNICEF’s commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive workforce reflective of the global communities it serves. Candidates from all backgrounds with the necessary expertise are encouraged to apply.
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Final Takeaway
In an era where digital environments permeate every aspect of childhood, informed research has never been more vital. This Research Specialist role sits at the intersection of data, policy, and child rights advocacy — offering not just a job, but a chance to make a global impact. If you’re passionate about children’s digital futures and possess the research expertise to match, this position could be a defining step in your career.
