How to Get a Job at UNICEF India?: A Comprehensive Guide for 2024

Founded on December 11, 1946, UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories, tackling some of the world’s toughest challenges to protect children’s rights and enhance their lives. UNICEF’s efforts include providing immunizations, treating HIV, improving nutrition, enhancing sanitation, promoting education, and offering emergency relief. By partnering with local organizations, UNICEF maximizes its impact and strengthens local capacities. In this blog, we will learn how to get a job at UNICEF India, offering effective tips and tricks to help you succeed.

How to Get a Job at UNICEF India?

Finding a job at UNICEF India can be a fulfilling career choice, allowing you to make a positive impact on the lives of children and communities. Now, let’s get into how to get a job at UNICEF India.

Step 1: Discover Your Area of Interest

Firstly, identify the role that interests you and aligns well with your skills and passion. This helps you find the right job and tailor your application accordingly. UNICEF India offers a variety of roles aimed at fulfilling its mission to advocate for the protection of children’s rights. Below is a brief overview of some of the key job roles available at UNICEF India with their key responsibilities:

1. Program Specialist: Develops, manages, and monitors child-focused programs to ensure alignment with UNICEF’s strategic objectives and improve overall child well-being.
2. Health Specialist: Focuses on improving child and maternal health through initiatives like immunization and disease prevention, providing technical assistance, and monitoring health outcomes.
3. Education Specialist: Enhances access to quality education for all children, especially marginalized groups, by developing educational programs and advocating for policy changes.
4. Child Protection Officer: Works to safeguard children from violence, exploitation, and abuse by creating child protection policies and collaborating with law enforcement and social services.
5. Nutrition Officer: Aims to improve the nutritional status of children and mothers through nutrition programs, monitoring outcomes, and collaborating with health and agricultural sectors.
6. WASH Specialist (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene): Ensures access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities by designing and managing WASH projects and promoting best practices.
7. Communications Officer: Manages public relations and communication strategies to raise awareness about UNICEF’s work, handle media relations, and organize advocacy campaigns.
8. Human Resources Officer: Oversees recruitment, development, and welfare of UNICEF staff, ensuring the organization attracts and retains skilled professionals dedicated to its mission.

Explore UNICEF’s Careers page for detailed information on their functional areas and job categories. 

Step 2: Understand UNICEF’s Culture and Values

Understanding a company’s values and culture is essential to making a good impression in the application. You can find employee stories and news on the UNICEF website to gain insights into their work environment and culture. 

UNICEF has 6 core values that guide its operations and interactions. Here’s how UNICEF infuses these core values into everything they do:

• Care: Prioritizes staff well-being and growth in challenging environments.
• Respect: Fosters diversity, inclusion, and mutual respect.
• Integrity: Upholds high ethical standards with honesty and transparency.
• Trust: Relies on each other to act in line with their mission for children.
• Accountability: Holds themselves responsible for their actions.
• Sustainability: Ensures environmental sustainability in work and personal lives.

Step 3: Build Relevant Skills Via UNICEF Agora

The next step in your guide on how to get a job at UNICEF India is to build the relevant skills. Agora is a learning platform offering tailored development opportunities to UNICEF staff, partners, and supporters. Utilizing Agora can significantly enhance your skills and increase your chances of securing a job at UNICEF India. It has a user-friendly interface and can be accessed by anyone for free. 

Here are a few of the many courses Agora offers:

• Child Rights Toolkit: Integrating Child Rights in International Partnerships
• Care for Children with Wasting in East Asia and the Pacific
• Initial Support for Gender-Based Violence (GBV)
• CHAT: A Toolkit to Improve Community Engagement in Emergencies

Upon course completion, you will be entitled to an online certificate of completion. Here’s why you should consider upskilling yourself via Agora: 

• Focus Areas: Learn about the global humanitarian and development environment, the UN human rights framework, and other initiatives related to UNICEF’s mission.
• Strategies: Understand the strategies and normative principles guiding all UNICEF efforts as described in UNICEF’s current strategic plan.
• Leading and Managing: Develop leadership and management skills for projects, teams, partnerships, and more.
• Operational Support: Gain knowledge about software, guidelines, and processes essential for UNICEF’s effective operation and delivery.
• Communication & Languages: Enhance your ability to communicate ideas clearly and effectively in various contexts and languages.
• Career Support: Develop personal skills and competencies, including management, leadership, and desktop computer skills.

Step 4: Craft a Resume and Cover Letter

Your resume and cover letter are the first things potential employers see, making it essential to ensure they stand out. At UNICEF, applicants are urged to follow the below tips and strategies for building a strong resume and cover letter.

a) Resume Writing Tips

The resume is the first document the recruiter views for shortlisting applications. When preparing your resume for a role at UNICEF India, follow these useful tips:

• Start your resume with a concise 3-4 line summary highlighting your key skills to capture the hiring manager’s interest. 
• Detail your relevant work experience and include your academic and professional qualifications, along with any specialized training you’ve completed. 
• Add information about languages you speak, IT or technical skills, and volunteer work. 
• Mention unique experiences or interests. 
• Use action verbs and quantify your achievements to showcase your impact.

b) Cover Letter Writing Tips

Your cover letter offers an opportunity to provide more context and depth to your qualifications and experiences. Follow these tips to write an effective cover letter for a job at UNICEF India:

• Provide a 2-3 paragraph summary explaining why your previous experience makes you an ideal candidate for the position and what contributions you can offer to the organization.
• Include your academic qualifications, the duration of your professional experience, and proficiency in any pertinent UN languages (or a local language if applicable). 
• Emphasize how your background and skills meet the role’s requirements and the distinctive value you can bring to the organization.
• Conclude with a strong statement of your enthusiasm and drive for applying. 
• Ensure the cover letter is concise, not exceeding one page, and free of grammatical or spelling mistakes.

Step 5: Take Part in UNICEF Talent Programmes

UNICEF offers three talent programs. Taking part in them would allow you to gain hands-on experience and provide you with a competitive edge over other applications. Here’s an overview of the three programs offered along with their eligibility criteria.

i. Junior Professional Officer (JPO)

It is a government-sponsored initiative where UNICEF offers young professionals the chance to gain practical experience within the organization. The JPO program aids in the development of young talent eager to advance within UNICEF and contribute significantly to its future endeavors. Typically, one out of every two JPOs transitions to a permanent position at UNICEF after completing their assignment.

How To Apply for the JPO Programme? 

Vacancies are published throughout the year on the UNICEF vacancies page and donor government websites. To enroll yourself under JPO, make sure you meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Donor Country: Must hold nationality from a donor country; certain nations also sponsor individuals from developing countries.
• Age Limit: Generally, must be under 32 years old.
• Education: Possess an advanced university degree and proficiency in English.
• Experience: At least two years of pertinent professional experience.

ii. Internship

The UNICEF Internship Programme provides students and recent graduates with the chance to acquire hands-on experience in UNICEF offices around the globe. Interns can select either full-time or part-time positions, usually lasting between 6 and 26 weeks. Additionally, the program offers monthly stipends to interns. In times of sufficient funding, a one-time lump sum may be provided to help cover travel and visa expenses.

How to Apply for the Internship Programme?

Internships are offered throughout the year on the UNICEF vacancies page. Make sure you review each opportunity from time to time. If you are wondering how to get a job at UNICEF India, make sure you meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Age: Must be at least 18 years old.
• Education: Currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral program.
• Language Proficiency: Must be fluent in English, French, or Spanish. Additional language requirements may apply.
• Family Restrictions: No immediate family members employed by UNICEF or within the reporting line of authority.
• Performance: Demonstrated strong academic achievements and high motivation.
• Experience: Relevant professional experience is advantageous.

iii. Volunteer

UNICEF works with volunteers mainly through the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) program and National Committees. It recruits and places volunteers across the UN system, including UNICEF.

How to Apply for the Volunteer Programme?

Visit the UNV candidate signup page to register your profile and search for the currently advertised volunteering opportunities. To enroll yourself under the UNICEF Volunteering, make sure you meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Education: Requires an undergraduate degree.
• Experience: Several years of work experience.
• Interest: Interest in global volunteer opportunities.

Step 6: Find Job Opportunities

If you want to know how to get a job at UNICEF India, you should find the right role and the right mode of application. Here are some effective methods you can employ to do the same:

a. Utilize the UNICEF Careers Page

1. Visit UNICEF’s Career Page: Go to the official UNICEF careers page where all job opportunities are posted.
2. Utilize the Filtering and Sorting Options: You can ease out your job search by leveraging the built-in filtering and sorting options as follows: 
   • Location: Select ‘India’ under the relevant sections, such as headquarters, Middle East regions, South Asia regions, etc.
   • Contract Type: Choose from the following options:
     • Consultant
     • Fixed Term Appointment
     • Internship
     • Stretch Assignment
     • Temporary Appointment
   • Functional Areas: Explore job opportunities under various sections to find roles that match your interests. Some of the roles you will see are Emergency, External Relations, Management, Programmes and Policy, etc. 
   • Position Level: Apply the appropriate filters to narrow down the job listings.
3. Filter and Select Suitable Roles: Use the chosen filters to view roles that fit your criteria. Read through the job descriptions to find positions that align with your skills and career goals.
4. Apply Directly on the Site: Click on the desired job listing and follow the instructions on the job posting page to apply.
5. Submit Your Application: Now, the website will ask you for your e-mail address. A pop-up window will appear asking you to upload your resume. Complete the form asking for your personal information and click on <Submit Application>.
6. Receive Confirmation: After submitting your application, you will receive a notification confirming that your application has been successfully received.

By following these steps, you can efficiently navigate the UNICEF careers page and apply for job opportunities that align with your professional background and aspirations. Read about the frequently asked questions on UNICEF to learn more about vacancies. 

b. Explore Job Portals

Besides the careers page, UNICEF also posts job openings on job portals. You can also utilize the portal’s resources, such as company reviews and salary insights, to better prepare for applications and interviews. It also provides you with filtering and sorting options to make your job-hunting process convenient. 

c. Lookout For Referrals

Consider connecting with current or former UNICEF employees on professional networking sites like LinkedIn. You can ask them to recommend you for your desired role at the organization. This is one of the most effective ways to land a job at UNICEF.

Step 7: Follow Up

After applying, it’s important to follow up on your application. If you haven’t heard back within a few weeks, consider sending a polite follow-up email to the hiring team. This helps you stay updated on the progress of your application.

The Recruitment Process of UNICEF

The recruitment process of UNICEF involves four critical stages designed to identify the best candidates for different job roles. Here’s what you can expect at each stage:

i. Self-Assessment

• Conduct an Honest Self-Assessment: Reflect on your strengths, skills, experience, and personal values. Identify what makes you an outstanding candidate for the position.
• Evaluate Your Suitability: Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements and desirable qualifications. Also, determine your enthusiasm and motivation for the role.
• Use a Comparison Table: Compare the job’s qualifications with your own to organize your application.

Pro Tip: Use this comparison table to assess the job’s qualifications with your own.

They are seeking…	I can offer…
An advanced university degree in communications.	I have a Master of Arts in Communications.
At least 5 years of experience in communications.	I have 7 years of progressively responsible experience.
Knowledge of content strategy.	Developed content strategies as a Communications Officer.
Expertise in writing for various platforms.	7 years of professional writing and editing experience.

ii. Application Submission

Your job application for UNICEF will primarily consist of three major documents: preparation of an online recruitment profile, CV/resume, and a cover letter. While submitting your application, you will find the option of “Save my progress” which allows you to come back to your application and submit it only after you have submitted the details. Once you have cross-checked, click on the “submit” button. Upon submission, you will receive a confirmation e-mail thanking you for applying. 

iii. Shortlisting by the Hiring Team

The hiring team reviews applications to identify eligible candidates. They may use additional criteria to refine the shortlist, which can take a few days to several months, depending on priorities and the vacancy type.

iv. Assessments

The shortlisted candidates may undergo various assessments, reference checks, and interviews. Preparing for interviews and assessments at UNICEF involves several types of evaluations, each designed to assess different aspects of your suitability for the role. Here’s how you can get ready:

1. Blended Interview: You’ll face a mix of technical, competency, motivational, and situational questions. To prepare, research the job requirements and recall similar challenges from your experience. 
2. Technical Interview: Expect questions focused on the required technical skills. Research these skills and be ready to discuss relevant experiences that demonstrate your expertise.
3. Competency-Based Interview (CBI): These questions aim to assess specific behavioral competencies needed for the job. Reflect on past experiences that highlight these competencies.
4. Presentations: Prepare a dynamic presentation following the given instructions. While at it, keep it engaging and adhere to the time limit provided.
5. Tests and Exercises: The assessment includes tests and exercises to test your technical skills, analytical abilities, and more. For this, practice managing your time effectively and familiarize yourself with relevant policies.
6. Assessment Centres: Simulate real work scenarios. Be aware that your performance is continuously evaluated.
7. Desk Review/Hiring Manager Review: Ensure your application is clear and comprehensive to stand out during this detailed review.
8. Informal Conversation: Treat this as a formal interview. It’s a chance for mutual understanding between you and the team.
9. Technical Assessment: Practice online tests to get comfortable with the format and speed required.

v. Outcome Notification

To learn how to get a job at UNICEF India, note that the length of the selection process varies from role to role. Shortlisted candidates who participate in assessments will be notified of the outcome by the respective office. Keep an eye on the email address you provided, as UNICEF will use it to communicate any next steps or updates regarding your application status.

Conclusion 

Securing a job at UNICEF India is both challenging and rewarding. Persistence and continuous improvement are key. By following this 7-step guide on how to get a job at UNICEF India, you’ll enhance your chances of joining UNICEF India and contributing to its vital mission. By leveraging the strategies and tips outlined, your journey toward making a meaningful impact becomes more attainable. Also, check out how to apply for jobs on LinkedIn.

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