Mission and objectivesFor 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children's survival, protection and development. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence and exploitation. UNICEF believes that all children have a right to survive, thrive and fulfil their potential โ to the benefit of a better world. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.
ContextUNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save childrenโs lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfil their potential, from early childhood through adolescence. At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job โ it is a calling. UNICEF is a place where careers are built. We offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture. coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package. UNICEF is committed to leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) for advancing childrenโs rights globally, ensuring innovations are inclusive, equitable, ethical, and aligned with our core values. As AI tools, platforms, and partnerships proliferate, there is a growing need for strategic leadership to map the AI ecosystem, align partnership opportunities with field demands, and ensure that UNICEF harnesses these technologies responsibly and impactfully.
Task DescriptionThe Global AI Hub aims to hire a Strategy Specialist who can improve the distribution of AIrelated guidance. The AI Strategy Specialist will work under the guidance of the Chief of AI and in close collaboration with the AI Hub, ICTD, TeamOne and regional/country AI focal points. The specialist will be responsible for the following workstreams: 1. AI Strategy Development & Maintenance -Lead the development and continuous refinement of UNICEFโs AI strategy, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and ethical principles. -Develop an external-facing AI strategy framework to position UNICEF as a global thought leader in responsible AI for children. -Serve as a strategic advisor to regional and country offices on AI adoption, providing tailored guidance for responsible implementation in diverse contexts. 2. Portfolio Management -Oversee UNICEFโs global portfolio of AI initiatives, ensuring strategic alignment, responsible use, and measurable impact. -Establish and institutionalize portfolio management methodologies to track progress, assess value creation, and manage risks. -Support the transition of AI solutions from sandbox and testing environments into scaled sustainable production. 3. Roadmap & Value Framework -Design and manage an integrated AI roadmap (Sandbox, Hub, and Portal), with clear milestones, timelines, and KPIs. -Deliver regular insights, dashboards, and recommendations to inform decision-making by senior management. -Monitor organizational progress against the roadmap, adapting priorities in response to emerging needs, technological developments, and available resources. 4. Governance & Oversight -Act as Secretariat to the AI Steering Committee, developing governance charters, meeting materials, and decision-tracking mechanisms. -Co-lead the AI Strategy & Value Realization Working Group, defining value levers, standard metrics, and impact measurement methodologies. -Ensure transparency, accountability, and ethical guardrails are embedded across all AI-related initiatives. 5. Capacity Building & Partnerships -Provide high-level strategic advice to UNICEF senior leadership on global AI trends, risks, and opportunities. -Develop policy briefs, thought leadership papers, and briefing notes for both internal and external audiences. -Build and maintain cross-agency collaborations and partnerships with UN entities, academia, the private sector, and civil society to advance UNICEFโs AI agenda. -Strengthen organizational capacity through knowledge-sharing, peer learning, and the development of toolkits and guidance for regional and country offices.
Competencies and valuesCore Values: 1. Care 2. Respect 3. Integrity 4. Trust 5. Accountability 6. Sustainability Competencies: 1. Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (1) 2. Works Collaboratively with others (1) 3. Builds and Maintains Partnerships (1) 4. Innovates and Embraces Change (1) 5. Drives to achieve impactful results (1) 6. Manages ambiguity and complexity (1)) 7. Thinks and Acts Strategically (1)
Living conditions and remarksa) Geographic situation Valencia is the 3rd largest city in Spain, after Madrid and Barcelona. And is located on Spainโs eastern coast, at the mouth of the Turia River, right in the centre of the Gulf of Valencia. It is situated on the shores of the Mediterranean, a stretch of water which has gradually forged the city's character over the centuries. b) Climate, weather and clothing Valencia enjoys a mild temperate Mediterranean climate. The average annual temperature is 17ยบC with warm summers and mild winters. The temperature in Valencia rarely falls below 10ยบC and there is only light rainfall mainly in autumn and the beginning of spring. c) Other Remarks Please note that the amounts can vary according to fluctuations of the monthly post adjustment. Monthly Living Allowance (Per month): USD 2618.68 Entry lump sum (one-time payment): USD 4000 Family allowance: $250 per month for one dependent. $450 per month for two or more dependents Exit allowance (for each month served, paid on completion of contract): USD 225 Medical and life insurance: Cigna Private Insurance Leave entitlements: Annual leave: 2.5 days accrued per calendar month Certified sick leave: UN Volunteers are entitled to up to 30 days of certified sick leave based on a 12-month cycle. This amount is reset every 12-month cycle. Uncertified sick leave: 7 days for 12 months and 4 days for shorter assignments Learning leave: 10 working days per consecutive 12 months (shorter assignments are prorated) Maternity Leave: 16 weeks Paternity Leave: 10 days