Join UNICEF Brazil as a Programme Officer for the Selo UNICEF Initiative

If you are passionate about child advocacy, local governance, and creating lasting social impact, an exciting career opportunity awaits you in Brasilia. UNICEF is currently recruiting a dedicated Programme Officer (Selo UNICEF) to help strengthen municipal governance and protect children’s rights across Brazil.

This position offers a meaningful chance to work at the intersection of public policy, municipal development, and community empowerment. If you have a background in social sciences, public administration, or international development, here is everything you need to know about this role and how you can apply.

Role Overview

• Position Title: Programme Officer (Selo UNICEF)
• Job No: 594726
• Contract Type: Temporary Appointment (TA, 364 days)
• Duty Station: Brasilia, Brazil
• Level: NO-1
• Functional Category: Programme Management
• Posting Date: July 24, 2026
• Application Deadline: August 3, 2026 (E. South America Standard Time)

Note: As a National Officer (NO) position, applicants must hold valid work authorization and residence status in Brazil, as UNICEF does not facilitate visas or work permits for this category.

The Mission: What You Will Be Doing

Working under the supervision of the Chief of Child Protection, you will collaborate closely with field offices and internal programme sections. Your core focus will be supporting the planning, coordination, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of two key initiatives: Selo UNICEF and Agenda Cidade UNICEF.

These initiatives are designed to accelerate equitable results for children and adolescents by strengthening local governance and intersectoral collaboration across participating Brazilian municipalities.

Key Responsibilities

• Programme Planning & Support: Contribute to the overall design, development, and delivery of Selo UNICEF and Agenda Cidade UNICEF strategies.
• Monitoring & Reporting: Track progress against established goals, analyze municipal performance data, and ensure evidence-based decision-making.
• Technical Assistance: Strengthen local capacities by helping municipal governments implement child-centered public policies and decentralized service delivery systems.
• Partnership & Network Building: Engage with key stakeholders across government institutions, civil society organizations, academia, and the private sector.
• Knowledge Sharing: Facilitate institutional learning, promote knowledge exchange, and encourage innovative approaches to local development.

Who UNICEF Is Looking For

To succeed in this role, you need a solid foundation in public policy, strong analytical abilities, and a deep understanding of Brazil’s federative system and municipal structures.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in Public Administration, Social Sciences, International Development, Public Policy, Economics, Sociology, Education, Political Science, Law, International Relations, or a related discipline.
• Experience: At least 1 year of professional experience in programme management, local governance, public policy, social development, or municipal development.
• Sector Experience: Proven experience working with public institutions, civil society organizations, municipalities, or development partners.
• Core Skills: Strong background in stakeholder engagement, partnership management, monitoring, and capacity building.
• Languages: Professional fluency in both English and Portuguese is required.

Desirable Experience

• Prior experience with UNICEF, UN agencies, or international organizations.
• Demonstrated expertise in data analysis and results-based management.
• Direct experience in development, fragile, or humanitarian settings at the country level.
• Deep knowledge of Brazil’s decentralized governance structure and policy landscape.

Core Competencies

UNICEF values professionals who align with its core values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Sustainability, and Accountability (CRITAS). Successful candidates must demonstrate the ability to:

1. Build and maintain strategic partnerships.
2. Drive results for high impact.
3. Think and act strategically.
4. Work collaboratively with diverse teams.
5. Innovate and adapt to complex, ambiguous environments.

Workplace Culture, Inclusion, and Safeguarding

UNICEF is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming work environment. Applications are encouraged from all qualified individuals regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, religion, socio-economic background, or sexual orientation.

Benefits and Support

• Competitive UN compensation package.
• Paid parental leave and dedicated health/wellness support.
• Reasonable accommodations provided throughout the recruitment process and employment for individuals with disabilities.

Safeguarding and Vetting

Because this post involves working with child-focused programmes and data, it has been designated as an elevated risk role for Child Safeguarding purposes. The selection process involves thorough background checks, academic credential verification, criminal record checks, and medical clearances. UNICEF maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy regarding sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, and discrimination.

How to Apply

If you meet the requirements and are ready to advance your career while making a tangible difference for children in Brazil, make sure to submit your application before the deadline.

Application Deadline: August 3, 2026

To review the complete Terms of Reference and submit your application directly on the official portal, click the link below: https://secure.dc7.pageuppeople.com/apply/671/gateway/default.aspx?c=apply&lJobID=594726&lJobSourceTypeID=796&sLanguage=en-us