UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.
At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.
UNICEF is a place where careers are built. We offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.
Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.
For every child, the right to Safety.
How can you make a difference?
This assignment aims to support the launch and quality of UNICEF’s Staff Working Paper Series by providing senior editorial review of research and analytical papers authored by UNICEF staff. The consultant will assess papers for clarity, rigor, evidence and overall quality, provide constructive feedback to authors, and help establish editorial standards that ensure timely publication of high-quality, accessible and impactful papers on issues affecting children.
If you would like to know more about this consultancy, please review the complete Terms of Reference here: TMC0008520 ToR.pdf
Minimum requirements:
- Education:
- Advanced university degree (Master’s or PhD) in social sciences, public policy, economics, public health, international development or a related field.
- A PhD is an asset.
- Work Experience:
- At least 10 years of experience in research and policy publishing, including an extensive record of publishing in and/or reviewing for peer-reviewed journals (for example as a regular peer reviewer, editorial board member or journal editor).
- Experience working with first-time authors and authors writing in a second language; gives tactful, clear and timely written feedback.
- Language requirement:
- Excellent written English required;
- French and/or Spanish an asset.
- Skills:
- Proven ability to assess the quality of research and policy papers and to write constructive, actionable review reports that help authors sharpen their argument, structure and use of evidence.
- Sound understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methods and of publication ethics (e.g. COPE guidelines, plagiarism screening, disclosure of AI use).
Desirables:
- UNICEF/UN experience is an asset.
- Experience editing a working paper series, academic journal or flagship report for an international organisation, think tank or university.
- Knowledge of child-focused programmes or social policy is an asset.
For every Child, you demonstrate...
UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values
UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.
UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.
UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.
Qualified candidates are invited to submit the following documents via the online recruitment portal, TMS (Talent Management System):
- An up-to-date TMS profile and curriculum vitae (CV)
- Cover letter
- A separate financial proposal TMC0008520 Financial Proposal Template.docx
Remarks: If the TOR or financial proposal documents are not visible on certain recruitment platforms, please visit our official page Vacancies | UNICEF Careers.
UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.
All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.
Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.
UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18).
UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.
