UNICEF is inviting applications for the position of Partnerships Officer (P-2), offered through the Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Programme. Based in Washington, D.C., this role supports UNICEF’s Public Partnerships Division (PPD), which leads engagement with governments and intergovernmental actors to advance children’s rights globally. The post is open exclusively to Canadian citizens.
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Eligibility: Open exclusively to Canadian citizens
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Deadline: 20 December 2025 (EST)
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Contract Type: Fixed-Term Appointment
- Duty Station: Washington, D.C., United States
UNICEF’s office in Washington, D.C., established in 2025, serves as a strategic hub for partnerships with the governments of the United States, Canada, and Israel, as well as International Financial Institutions. The JPO will contribute to strengthening these partnerships through high-level advocacy, coordination with partners, knowledge exchange, and support for resource mobilization efforts. The position plays a key role in enhancing UNICEF’s visibility, influence, and engagement with public donors.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the implementation of the work plan for UNICEF’s Public Partnerships in the North America/IFI Pillar.
- Maintain and strengthen relationships with public sector development partners, assisting in meetings, briefings, concept notes, and proposals.
- Support engagement with member states, UN agencies, NGOs, and other partners.
- Contribute to the organization of high-level events and strategic meetings hosted by the Washington office.
- Attend meetings with UN and multilateral bodies, preparing notes and supporting information sharing.
- Assist in preparing materials that advocate UNICEF’s strategy, programme impact, and priorities.
- Monitor political and social developments affecting UNICEF and provide timely analysis to support decision-making.
- Conduct research on prospective partners and maintain updated partner profiles.
- Draft and review donor reports and ensure compliance with reporting standards.
- Support development of frameworks, templates, and agreements for approval.
- Provide guidance to UNICEF country offices on donor engagement.
Qualifications
- Advanced university degree in social sciences, public health, or a related field.
- Minimum of two years of professional work experience; experience in external relations, fundraising, or grant management is an asset.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively in multicultural environments.
- High proficiency in MS Office and ability to manage databases.
- Self-motivated with the ability to work under tight deadlines.
- Fluency in English; knowledge of another UN language is an asset.
Eligibility Requirements for the Canada JPO Programme
- Canadian citizenship.
- Maximum age of 32 at the time of application.
How to Apply
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Submit application before 20 December 2025 (EST)
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Include all required documents (CV, cover letter, proof of Canadian citizenship, and other supporting materials as indicated)
- Apply online via the UNICEF careers portal here.
Learning and Development
The JPO Programme provides extensive training opportunities, including:
- UNICEF JPO Orientation Week
- E-learning courses in management and UNICEF programming
- Coaching, mentoring, and buddy programme
- Stretch assignments across different offices
- Career transition support
A duty travel and training allowance (DTTA) is provided for learning and professional development activities.
UNICEF is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in its workforce. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. UNICEF maintains a zero-tolerance policy on misconduct, including sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates undergo rigorous background checks.
For more information, please consult the full Terms of Reference available on the UNICEF careers page.
UNICEF is recruiting a Canadian national for the Partnerships Officer (JPO), P-2 role in its Washington, D.C. office. This junior professional appointment supports UNICEF’s Public Partnerships Division in strengthening strategic relationships with governments and international financial institutions. The position involves policy analysis, donor engagement, research, event coordination, and support to resource mobilization. Applicants must hold an advanced degree, have at least two years of relevant experience, and meet the eligibility requirements of the Canadian JPO Programme. The deadline for applications is 20 December 2025.
For more opportunities, click here.
