UNICEF: Exciting Research-Based Career Opportunities Across Multiple Locations . APPLY NOW

2 weeks agoLast Updated: November 23, 2024

6 minutes read

UNICEF: Exciting Research-Based Career Opportunities Across Multiple Locations . APPLY NOW

Position : Multiple Research Based
Location : Various
Organization : UNICEF
Application Deadline : 30 Nov 2024

Introduction

UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund, is one of the world’s most prominent international organizations dedicated to improving the lives of children and families. Established in 1946, UNICEF works in more than 190 countries and territories, tirelessly advocating for children’s rights and working to ensure their access to education, healthcare, protection, and equality. With its mission to reach the most vulnerable children and communities, UNICEF provides unparalleled opportunities for professionals in various fields, especially research.

Research plays a pivotal role in UNICEF’s work. It guides policy decisions, informs programming, and measures the effectiveness of interventions. If you are passionate about making a meaningful impact in the world, UNICEF’s research-based jobs could be an excellent fit for you. The organization is currently offering numerous research positions across various locations globally, and these roles provide an exciting opportunity to contribute to innovative projects that address some of the world’s most pressing issues.

Types of Research-Based Jobs at UNICEF

UNICEF offers a wide range of research-based roles, from data scientists to policy analysts, across its global offices. Here’s an overview of some of the most common types of research positions you can find at UNICEF:

1. Research Officer

Research Officers at UNICEF are responsible for conducting and managing research projects across various sectors, including health, education, protection, and nutrition. This role involves data collection, data analysis, report writing, and ensuring that findings are translated into actionable insights. Research Officers also collaborate with government agencies, other UN agencies, and partner organizations to ensure research findings are integrated into UNICEF’s programs.

2. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Specialist

Monitoring and Evaluation specialists focus on tracking the effectiveness and impact of UNICEF’s programs. They play a critical role in developing systems and methodologies for monitoring data collection and analysis. These specialists also ensure that the programs are aligned with UNICEF’s goals and objectives and contribute to improving outcomes for children. M&E experts are often engaged in both quantitative and qualitative research to evaluate programs’ success and recommend improvements.

3. Data Scientist/Analyst

With the increasing importance of data-driven decision-making, UNICEF has been expanding its use of advanced data science. Data scientists or analysts at UNICEF are responsible for collecting, processing, and analyzing large data sets to generate insights that guide policies and strategies. These professionals may work with survey data, demographic data, and even real-time information to assess trends and make predictions related to children’s rights and wellbeing.

4. Policy Research Specialist

Policy research specialists at UNICEF focus on conducting research related to global policy trends, government strategies, and socioeconomic issues that affect children. These experts analyze and assess the broader political, social, and economic contexts in which UNICEF operates. They generate policy briefs, reports, and recommendations that help shape UNICEF’s advocacy efforts and inform global, regional, and national policy development.

5. Education and Child Development Researcher

UNICEF also focuses heavily on research related to education, child development, and the impact of different types of interventions on children’s learning and growth. Researchers in this field collect evidence on what works best in improving educational outcomes, especially in conflict-affected regions and low-income countries. Their findings often guide the development of programs aimed at enhancing quality education and child development, particularly for marginalized groups.

Key Locations for Research-Based Jobs

UNICEF has offices all over the world, and its research positions are available in various regions, including regional offices, country offices, and headquarters. Some of the key locations where UNICEF frequently hires for research positions include:

1. New York, USA (Headquarters)

As the global headquarters, New York is home to many of UNICEF’s central research and policy functions. The offices here are responsible for overseeing global programs and strategies, which include research activities that inform the organization’s direction. Many research specialists, policy advisors, and data experts are based in New York, making it one of the most important hubs for research positions.

2. Geneva, Switzerland (Regional Office for Europe)

UNICEF’s office in Geneva plays a key role in managing and coordinating the organization’s work in Europe and Central Asia. The research opportunities here are focused on analyzing regional trends, health data, and policy analysis. Research officers and evaluation experts in this location often collaborate with European Union institutions, governmental bodies, and NGOs to design evidence-based strategies for improving children’s rights in the region.

3. Nairobi, Kenya (Regional Office for East and Southern Africa)

UNICEF’s Nairobi office is responsible for overseeing programs and research across East and Southern Africa, two regions with some of the greatest challenges to child welfare, such as malnutrition, disease, and lack of access to education. Researchers based in Nairobi focus on understanding the socio-economic challenges in these regions and developing context-specific research to inform intervention strategies.

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4. Bangkok, Thailand (Regional Office for East Asia and Pacific)

The Bangkok office focuses on UNICEF’s work across the East Asia and Pacific region, one of the most diverse regions in the world. Research roles in Bangkok cover a range of issues, from child protection to climate change, education, and health. Researchers working in this office contribute to high-impact studies on vulnerable children and their access to services across a range of countries, from urban centers to rural areas.

5. Cairo, Egypt (Regional Office for Middle East and North Africa)

UNICEF’s Cairo office serves as the hub for its work across the Middle East and North Africa, regions with unique challenges in terms of conflict, displacement, and education. Research professionals in Cairo focus on understanding how socio-political conditions, such as conflict and displacement, affect children and generate recommendations for improving the situation in affected countries.

6. Dhaka, Bangladesh (Country Office)

Bangladesh is one of the most populous and economically diverse countries in South Asia, and UNICEF’s Dhaka office leads research efforts to address local challenges related to child health, education, and protection. Research positions here are often focused on data collection, field surveys, and developing evidence-based solutions tailored to local needs.

7. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (Country Office)

Ethiopia has one of the largest populations in Africa, and UNICEF’s Addis Ababa office focuses on research that informs interventions aimed at improving child health, nutrition, and education in the country. Research jobs in Addis Ababa are often linked to assessing the impact of UNICEF’s projects in rural and remote regions of the country, especially in health and education.

Why Work for UNICEF?

Working for UNICEF offers unique opportunities to be part of an organization that is dedicated to improving the lives of children around the world. Research professionals at UNICEF have the chance to contribute to high-impact projects that directly affect policy decisions, improve child protection mechanisms, and help mitigate the impacts of poverty and conflict on children.

Here are a few reasons to consider applying for a research-based job with UNICEF:

Global Impact: Your work will directly influence global policies, educational programs, and humanitarian strategies that improve the lives of children across the world.
Collaborative Environment: UNICEF promotes a culture of teamwork and collaboration. Researchers work alongside experts from various disciplines and partner organizations, creating a rich environment for professional growth.
Professional Development: UNICEF offers numerous training opportunities, workshops, and leadership programs to help employees build their skills and grow professionally.
Work-Life Balance: UNICEF recognizes the importance of work-life balance and supports flexible working arrangements, making it an attractive employer for people seeking both professional fulfillment and personal time.

How to Apply

UNICEF posts its job openings on its official website, where you can filter opportunities based on job category, location, and experience level. For research-based positions, UNICEF typically requires candidates to have advanced degrees in fields such as social sciences, economics, public health, or international development, along with relevant experience in research or data analysis.

If you’re passionate about contributing to UNICEF’s mission and have the necessary qualifications, a research-based job at UNICEF could be your chance to make a difference in the world.

By joining UNICEF, you’re not just pursuing a career – you’re committing to a future where every child has the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive. Explore UNICEF’s current job openings, and begin your journey to a fulfilling, impactful career today.