UNICEF Recruitment Portal 2025 is now Open. Apply now for the latest UNICEF recruitment 2025/2026 Job opportunities in Nigeria and abroad. Learn how to register on the official UNICEF recruitment portal, explore job vacancies, internships, eligibility criteria, and step-by-step guide to successfully apply for UNICEF careers.
In a world where millions of children face poverty, hunger, conflict, and lack of education, one organization has remained a symbol of hope the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).
For over seven decades, UNICEF has been on the frontlines of global humanitarian and development work — protecting children’s rights, improving access to healthcare and education, and providing emergency relief where it’s needed most.
The UNICEF recruitment portal is your gateway to joining this powerful movement. Whether you’re a recent graduate, an experienced humanitarian professional, or a passionate volunteer, working with UNICEF gives you a platform to create real, lasting change in the lives of children and families worldwide.
This article will guide you through:
- The UNICEF recruitment process
- How to access the official UNICEF recruitment portal
- Available job categories and eligibility criteria
- UNICEF internship and volunteer opportunities
- How to apply successfully and stand out as a candidate
Let’s explore how you can become part of the UNICEF family and contribute to a world where every child thrives.
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About UNICEF: A Global Force for Good
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) was created in 1946 by the United Nations to provide emergency aid to children affected by World War II. Today, it operates in over 190 countries and territories, making it one of the largest humanitarian organizations in the world.
UNICEF’s work spans multiple sectors:
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Child protection
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Education
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Health and nutrition
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Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH)
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Emergency response
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Gender equality and social inclusion
With its headquarters in New York, USA, and regional offices around the world, UNICEF collaborates with governments, NGOs, and local communities to deliver life-changing programs.
Joining UNICEF means becoming part of a diverse team dedicated to ensuring every child has the opportunity to survive, learn, and reach their full potential.
Why Work for UNICEF?
Working at UNICEF isn’t just another job — it’s a calling. It’s an opportunity to use your skills to change lives on a global scale.
Here are some key reasons professionals around the world aspire to join UNICEF:
1. Global Impact
UNICEF works across continents, reaching children in remote communities, war zones, and disaster areas. Your work contributes directly to saving and transforming lives.
2. Diverse Career Opportunities
From program management to communications, education, health, and IT — UNICEF offers a wide range of roles that fit different skill sets and backgrounds.
3. Competitive Pay and Benefits
As a UN agency, UNICEF offers attractive salary packages, including tax exemptions in some cases, health insurance, pension plans, relocation allowances, and paid leave.
4. Professional Growth
UNICEF encourages continuous learning and offers global training programs, leadership development, and mobility opportunities across countries.
5. Mission-Driven Work
Few organizations offer such meaningful work. Every day at UNICEF is about improving the lives of children and families, especially in vulnerable communities.
Overview of UNICEF Recruitment 2025/2026
UNICEF’s recruitment process is designed to attract talented, passionate individuals who share its vision of equality and opportunity for all children.
Each year, the organization recruits for permanent, temporary, and consultancy roles across various departments and country offices, including UNICEF Nigeria.
The UNICEF recruitment portal serves as the official online platform where applicants can search and apply for jobs, internships, or volunteering opportunities.
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
Category | Who It’s For | Typical Roles |
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Professional Staff | Experienced professionals | Program Manager, Education Specialist, Supply Officer, HR Advisor |
General Service Staff | Administrative/Support roles | Drivers, Administrative Assistants, Office Clerks |
Consultants | Short-term technical experts | Data Analysts, Policy Advisors, Evaluators |
Internships | Students or recent graduates | Communications Intern, Project Support Intern |
Volunteers | Individuals who want to serve temporarily | Field Assistants, Community Mobilizers |
UNICEF Recruitment Portal: Official Website
All recruitment and application processes are conducted online via the official UNICEF recruitment portal.
Official Website: https://www.unicef.org/careers
This portal lists all global vacancies, including those available in UNICEF Nigeria Country Office and other African countries.
Once on the site, you can:
- Browse current vacancies
- Create a user profile
- Submit applications
- Receive notifications about new job openings
Important:
UNICEF does not charge any fee for job applications or interviews. Avoid fraudulent websites claiming to represent UNICEF.
How to Apply via the UNICEF Recruitment Portal (Step-by-Step Guide)
Follow these steps to complete your application on the UNICEF Careers Portal:
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Go to https://www.unicef.org/careers.
Step 2: Click “Search Job Openings”
You’ll find all available jobs worldwide. You can filter by country, job category, level, or keywords (e.g., “Nigeria,” “Education Specialist,” “Finance”).
Step 3: Review Job Descriptions
Click on any position to read full details — including duties, required qualifications, experience, and deadline.
Step 4: Create a UNICEF Account
If it’s your first time applying, click “Register Now” to create an account with your email and password.
Step 5: Fill in the Application Form
Provide accurate personal information, education history, and professional experience.
Step 6: Upload Required Documents
Upload the following:
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Updated CV/resume
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Cover letter
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Academic certificates
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Professional licenses or references (if required)
Step 7: Submit and Track
After submitting, you’ll receive a confirmation email. You can log in anytime to track your application status.
UNICEF Recruitment Requirements 2025
Eligibility criteria vary by position, but here are the general requirements you’ll need to meet:
Educational Qualification
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Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as Social Sciences, Education, Public Health, International Relations, Development Studies, Engineering, or Communication.
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Advanced degrees (Master’s or PhD) are preferred for senior roles.
Work Experience
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Minimum of 2–5 years for entry/mid-level roles.
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Up to 10 years or more for senior managerial positions.
Core Skills
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Strong communication and writing skills
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Project management and analytical ability
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Teamwork and leadership capacity
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Knowledge of child rights and humanitarian principles
Language Proficiency
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Fluency in English (and French for international roles) is required.
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Knowledge of local languages is an advantage, especially for UNICEF Nigeria jobs.
UNICEF Internship Program 2025/2026
The UNICEF Internship Programme provides students and recent graduates with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in UNICEF’s work.
Eligibility Requirements
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Be enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or PhD program (or have graduated within the last two years).
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Be proficient in at least one working language of the organization (English, French, or Spanish).
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Have excellent academic performance (minimum GPA of 3.0 or equivalent).
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No immediate relatives working at UNICEF.
Benefits
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Monthly stipend allowance
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Travel support (where applicable)
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Valuable professional experience with global exposure
How to Apply
Visit https://www.unicef.org/careers/internships to check internship openings by region or department.
UNICEF Volunteering Opportunities
Beyond paid employment, UNICEF also welcomes volunteers who want to contribute their time and skills.
The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) program works closely with UNICEF to place volunteers in countries around the world, including Nigeria.
How to Volunteer:
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Visit https://www.unv.org
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Click on “Become a Volunteer”
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Create a UNV profile and apply for UNICEF-related assignments.
Volunteering with UNICEF offers an inspiring way to serve communities while gaining experience in humanitarian work.
UNICEF Nigeria Recruitment 2025/2026
UNICEF Nigeria operates from its Country Office in Abuja with field offices in Lagos, Enugu, Maiduguri, Bauchi, and Kano.
The organization regularly recruits for roles in:
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Health and Nutrition
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Education
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Child Protection
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Communications and Advocacy
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Supply and Logistics
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Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)
Examples of Past Job Openings:
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Education Officer (Abuja)
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Supply & Procurement Specialist
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Monitoring & Evaluation Consultant
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WASH Project Coordinator
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HR Associate (Lagos Field Office)
All Nigeria-based vacancies are posted on the UNICEF Careers Portal and can be filtered using the keyword “Nigeria”.
Common UNICEF Job Categories
Here’s an overview of popular job categories at UNICEF:
Job Category | Example Roles |
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Programme & Policy | Education Officer, Nutrition Specialist, Child Protection Officer |
Operations & Management | Finance Officer, HR Associate, Admin Specialist |
Communications | Digital Media Specialist, Advocacy Officer, Public Relations Expert |
Emergency & Relief | Field Coordinator, Emergency Response Officer |
Technical & Engineering | WASH Engineer, Construction Supervisor, ICT Analyst |
UNICEF Recruitment Process – What to Expect
The UNICEF hiring process involves several stages designed to ensure fairness and transparency.
Stage | Description |
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1. Application Screening | HR reviews all applications to shortlist qualified candidates. |
2. Written/Online Assessment | You may be asked to complete a test to evaluate technical skills. |
3. Competency-Based Interview | Conducted via phone, video, or in-person, focusing on your past experience and values. |
4. Reference & Background Check | Professional references and background verification. |
5. Offer & Onboarding | Successful candidates receive an offer and onboarding instructions. |
Tips for a Successful UNICEF Application
To improve your chances of success, follow these expert tips:
1. Customize Your CV and Cover Letter
Align your experience with UNICEF’s core values (Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability).
2. Highlight Achievements
Show measurable results in previous roles — for example, “trained 200 health workers on WASH best practices.”
3. Demonstrate Passion for Children’s Rights
UNICEF values people who believe in equity, inclusion, and compassion. Show that in your motivation letter.
4. Apply Early
Most roles have strict deadlines. Apply early before vacancies close.
5. Prepare for Behavioral Interviews
Expect questions like:
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“Describe a time you worked in a multicultural environment.”
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“How did you handle a project with limited resources?”
UNICEF Salary Structure & Benefits
As part of the United Nations system, UNICEF follows an internationally competitive pay structure.
Position Level | Estimated Annual Salary (USD) |
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Entry-Level (NOA/P1) | $40,000 – $60,000 |
Mid-Level (NOB/P2) | $60,000 – $90,000 |
Senior Level (P3–P5) | $90,000 – $150,000 |
Consultants | $150–$400 per day (depending on expertise) |
Interns | Stipend varies by location |
Additional benefits include:
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Health and life insurance
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Education grant for dependents
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Relocation assistance
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Paid annual leave and holidays
UNICEF Recruitment Portal FAQs
1. What is the official UNICEF recruitment website?
https://www.unicef.org/careers
2. Does UNICEF recruit Nigerians?
Yes. UNICEF Nigeria regularly posts vacancies for local professionals and nationals.
3. How much does it cost to apply?
Application is free. UNICEF does not request payment for recruitment.
4. Can undergraduates apply?
Undergraduates can apply for internships or volunteer roles, not full-time positions.
5. What language should I apply in?
English is the official application language for UNICEF Nigeria jobs.
Why UNICEF Recruitment Matters
Working with UNICEF goes beyond personal gain — it’s about making the world a safer, fairer place for children.
From improving water systems in Borno to building classrooms in Adamawa, UNICEF staff in Nigeria and beyond are driving real social change.
As UNICEF itself states:
“We are committed to diversity and inclusion within our workforce and encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply.”
If you’ve ever dreamed of working for an organization that values humanity, fairness, and action — this is your chance.
Conclusion
The UNICEF Recruitment Portal 2025/2026 is your official gateway to a meaningful career in international development and humanitarian service.
Whether you’re applying for a professional job, consultancy, internship, or volunteer position, UNICEF offers a platform where your skills can create real-world impact.
Start your application today at: https://www.unicef.org/careers
Join UNICEF — and help build a world where every child survives, learns, and thrives.