Programme Specialist (Migration), P-4, Programme Division, New York Headquarters, #17030

The Programme Specialist (Migration) will provide technical support to UNICEF and its partners in their efforts to address the needs of migrant and refugee children arriving in the US from Central America by: a) providing UNICEF’s global positioning and technical expertise; b) building upon and expanding existing initiatives; c) developing partnerships and networks. In particular, the incumbent will be expected to coordinate closely with the US Fund and LACRO to ensure that actions for migrant and refugee children in the US are consistent with UNICEF’s programme and policy actions in Central America and Mexico

UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of every child. UNICEF has spent 70 years working to improve the lives of children and their families. Defending children's rights throughout their lives requires a global presence, aiming to produce results and understand their effects. UNICEF believes all children have a right to survive, thrive and fulfill their potential – to the benefit of a better world.

For every child, save lives

UNICEF is mandated by UN General Assembly to advocate the protection of children's right, to help meet their basis needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential. To achieve this UNICEF generates the latest evidence on children and works with governments and the public to ensure children receive the services they need, that their voices are heard, and that there is a progressive realization of their rights. Specially, with partners, including governments, non-governmental organizations, civil society actors and the private sector, UNICEF promotes the strengthening of all components of child protection systems - human resources, finances, laws, standards, governance, monitoring and services. Depending on the country context, child protection systems may cut across part of the social welfare, education, health, and security sectors.

For more information please visit www.unicef.org

How can you make a difference?

The Programme Specialist (Migration) will support the development of new and rapidly emerging work around migration and refugees in UNICEF, which is becoming a new priority for the organization.  He/ she will provide technical support to UNICEF and partners in their efforts to address the needs of migrant and refugee children in the US and Central America by: a) providing UNICEF’s global positioning and technical expertise; b) building upon and expanding existing initiatives; c) developing partnerships and networks. 

This will involve:

1.         Program development, management and monitoring

Support work planning, implementation and reporting processes, formulate, design and prepare project proposal and application for fundraising, and ensuring alignment with UNICEF Strategic Plan and Migration Programme Frameworks and Policies and coherence with UN frameworks, regional strategies and national priorities, required for the efficient and effective development of the US focused migration and refugee policy and programming.

2.         Advisory services and technical support

You will provide sound technical advice in the process of developing strategies, theories of change and policy positions on migration related issues in the context of the US, Central America and Mexico in coherence with UNICEF’s global mandate and positions.

3.         Advocacy, networking and partnership building

Strengthen strategic partnerships with key stakeholders through networking and advocacy with Governments, the UN system and other inter-governmental organizations, civil society, research institutes and the private sector to pursue opportunities to advance the protection of children in the context of migration.

To qualify as a champion for every child you will have…

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in Social Sciences (preferably in law, migration studies, public policy or migration study is required.
• A minimum of eight (8) years of professional experience in experience in provision of technical advice and/or programme development, design and/or management and/or other related areas at the national and international levels is required.
• Prior experience in In-depth knowledge on child-related migration and displacement issues is required.
• Experience in both development and humanitarian contexts is considered an asset.
• Fluency in English (written and oral) is required. Knowledge of Spanish is preferred and another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian) is an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

Our core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results. To view our competency framework, please click here.

This position is classified as “rotational” which means the incumbent is expected to rotate to another duty station upon completion of their tour of duty,

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply.