Policy Specialist (Innovation/Foresight), NO-C, FT, São Paulo, Brazil # 129161

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential. Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, all their rights

Since 1950, UNICEF has supported the most important transformation for children and adolescents in Brazil. UNICEF Brazil with its main office in Brasília and nine field offices UNICEF works in close partnership with national and sub-national government, corporate partners, youth, and civil society organizations. For information of the work of our organization in Brazil, please visit our website: UNICEF Brazil.

How can you make a difference?

Under the general guidance of the Chief Field Office in São Paulo, S/he will work collaboratively with colleagues across teams and with external partners to drive changes in policy and practice; and secure political commitments for children. This encompasses both direct programme work with government and civil society partners as well as linkages and support to teams working on UNICEF programmatic area. She/He will also foster a systemic approach to seeking innovative approaches to serve effectively children in a complex urban metropolis and in Brazil in general build this approach of solid/proven data, alliances and dynamic programming.

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

• Provide technical support in developing a robust policy strategy, with SMART outcomes, compelling calls to action, and a clear theory of change. Analyze political, economic and cultural trends from a wide range of sources and identify potential policy opportunities and challenges.
• Coordinate the implementation of policy strategies and plans, working across teams to deliver a range of policy tactics.
• Provide technical assistance in designing and delivering effective outcomes for policy in the country.
• Provide substantive information and coordinate engagement in key areas of the UNICEF priorities including, Progress on Children’s Well-Being: Centring child rights and other related areas.
• Help to build and maintain strong relationships with various Line Ministries/, Think Tanks, International Organizations, including UN and others counterpartners.
• Provide technical assistance in gathering data, identifing trends and producing relevant reports as part of the value of using data to make better decisions based on facts;

 

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

• Education:

An Advanced University degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Public Policy, Political Science, International Relations, International Development, Public Administration, Economics, Communication, Innovation or other relevant fields.

• Experience

• At least five (5) years of progressively responsible and relevant professional work experience in policy work, policy innovation, planning, or policy analysis in governmental contexts, NGOs, or the private sector with a policy focus, especially for the rights of children.
• A track record of roles where the candidate has assumed increasing responsibility, demonstrating growth in the complexity and impact of tasks undertaken. The experience should show a clear progression in decision-making levels, team leadership, project management, or coordination of larger-scale initiatives is required.
• Experience in innovation can include using new technologies, data-driven approaches, agile methodologies, or design thinking to reformulate policies or enhance public services is an asset.
• Experience working with diverse teams or in areas requiring collaboration across various sectors (such as education, health, sustainability, economic development) is an asset.

• Language

Fluency in English and Portuguese required. Knowledge of Spanish will be considered as an asset.

 

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS).

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

• Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (1).
• Works Collaboratively with others (1).
• Builds and Maintains Partnerships (1).
• Innovates and Embraces Change (1).
• Thinks and Acts Strategically (1).
• Drive to achieve impactful results (1) and
• Manages ambiguity and complexity (1).

Click here to learn more about UNICEF’s values and competencies.

Child Safeguarding

Child safeguarding involves proactive measures to limit direct and indirect collateral risks of harm to children, arising from UNICEF’s work, UNICEF personnel or UNICEF associates. The risks may include those associated with physical violence (including corporal punishment); sexual violence, exploitation or abuse; emotional and verbal abuse; economic exploitation; failure to provide for physical or psychological safety; neglect of physical, emotional or psychological needs; harmful cultural practices; and privacy violations.

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. 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.

UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children.

Remarks:

• We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.
• Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF.
• UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable from diverse populations (afro-descendants, indigenous, LGBTQIA+ and other minorities) are especially encouraged to apply. We are committed to supporting inclusion and diversity within UNICEF Brazil.
• UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

This job opportunity is presential and for Brazilians nationals only or internal candidates with a work permit for Brazil.