How can you make a difference?
Aligned with the 2026–29 Strategic Plan and ongoing programme shift, UNICEF’s health programme is transitioning from direct implementation support to upstream advocacy and systems strengthening. In this context, upstream work means influencing policies, strategies, financing decisions, institutional arrangements, standards, planning processes and accountability mechanisms that shape how health services are designed, funded, delivered and monitored at scale. Advocacy means using evidence, analysis, convening power and strategic communication to influence government and partner decisions, secure commitment, remove bottlenecks and promote equitable prioritization of children and adolescents in national and sub-national health agendas. Adopting a systems approach means working through and strengthening national and sub-national health systems, government platforms, policies, financing, data, workforce capacities and accountability mechanisms, rather than relying primarily on standalone or project-based interventions. The Health Specialist will help drive this shift by advancing evidence-informed policy engagement, strategic partnerships and government-led reforms that improve service delivery, reduce bottlenecks and achieve sustainable impact at scale. Convening stakeholders, fostering cross-sectoral convergence and leveraging partnerships will be central to improving health outcomes for children and adolescents.
The role has a strong focus on upstream engagement through policy advocacy, systems strengthening, strategic partnerships, and the application of UNICEF’s 3Cs—Convene, Converge, and Catalyze—for Every Child approach to advance sustainable improvements in health systems and outcomes.
Summary of key functions/accountabilities
- Support to programme development and planning by applying a systems-strengthening approach
- Programme management, monitoring and delivery of results
- Technical and operational support to programme implementation
- Networking, partnership building and upstream advocacy to influence policy, financing, planning and accountability for child and adolescent health
- Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building
Minimum requirements
Desirables
- MBBS with MD in Community Medicine is highly desirable.
- Experience in supporting large-scale government health programmes through strengthening systems, including work with government platforms, policy and planning processes, service delivery systems, data use, capacity development and accountability mechanisms, is highly desirable.
- Experience in upstream advocacy, including evidence-based policy engagement, strategic communication, stakeholder convening, partner coordination, resource mobilization or influencing government planning and financing decisions for public health is also highly desirable.
- Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is considered as an asset.
- Experience in health emergency preparedness and response is desirable for Guwahati position.
- Experience working in a developing country is considered as an asset.
- Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset. Basic knowledge of Hindi for Ranchi position is highly desirable.
For every Child, you demonstrate...
UNICEF competencies required for this post are…
(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness
(3) Drive to achieve results for impact
(4) Innovates and embraces change
(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity
(6) Thinks and acts strategically
(7) Works collaboratively with others
(8) Nurtures, leads and manages people
UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.
UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). 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 based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promoting 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, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.
UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments are conditional on the selected candidate’s willingness to comply with current or future vaccination requirements, should UNICEF mandate it for personnel. Failure to comply with such requirements, where applicable and without a duly approved medical exemption from the relevant UN authority, will result in the cancellation of the selection or may lead to other administrative measures, including separation from service.
Remarks
As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.
UNICEF is committed to fostering an inclusive, representative, and welcoming workforce. For this position, eligible and suitable female candidates are encouraged to apply.
Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.
UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants' bank account information.
Humanitarian action is a cross-cutting priority within UNICEF's Strategic Plan. UNICEF is committed to stay and deliver in humanitarian contexts. Therefore, all staff, at all levels across all functional areas, can be called upon to be deployed to support humanitarian response, contributing to both strengthening resilience of communities and capacity of national authorities.
Visa residence requirements: i.e. UNICEF shall not facilitate the issuance of visa and working authorization for candidates under consideration for positions at the national officer and general service category.
All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.
National officer positions require candidates with local knowledge, established networks, and the ability to engage effectively with Government partners.