Roster of Experts on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Global Opportunities (may be in-person or remote) at UNICEF

How can you make a difference? 

• In this context, UNICEF is seeking to develop a roster of experts across multiple regions on Anti-Racism, Gender Equality and Male Engagement, Disability Inclusion, Intergenerational inclusion, LGBTIQ+ inclusion, and overall issues of workplace Diversity and Inclusion. Our objective is to support regions and country offices on their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) journey under the overall guidance, support and supervision of the Culture and Diversity team in the Office of the Executive Director.
• The expert consultants will work with UNICEF offices and staff on various aspects of DEI based on identified needs and gaps. In some cases, this would involve DEI diagnostics as a starting point, i.e., to conduct an analysis of the DEI situation in different UNICEF offices - number and specific offices to be determined as this will be based on demand. Based on the findings, the consultants will then present a roadmap with recommendations on actions to address the main concerns and provide continuous support to move the office ahead on their DEI journey.

The consultants will also support specific actions aimed at improving DEI in the offices, which may include:

• DEI awareness and reflection sessions on specific topics identified.
• Conducting training or capacity building activities on specific topics such as how to address unconscious biases, racism, discrimination and microaggressions in the workplace.
• Recommending actions to help build and sustain a culture of inclusion to retain our employees and further develop their talents.
• Supporting offices to implement an inclusive culture in which everybody feels valued, listened to and recognized in a meaningful way that instils a sense of belonging.
• In addition, the consultants will support leadership development on DEI in the offices they are engaged with, based on the needs that the DEI diagnosis will define as well as regional and global organizational needs.

Description of Assignment

The Culture and Diversity team in OED (Office of the Executive Director) will choose specific UNICEF Offices to be supported by the Consultants. Depending on need and context, the Consultants will work directly with UNICEF offices, with the support of the Culture and Diversity team in OED, in the following areas:

• To develop a Situational Analysis/Diagnostic of the Office workforce culture and diversity, with the aim of identifying specific obstacles and opportunities for the Office to become more diverse and inclusive.
• To prepare a roadmap with recommendations on actions to address the identified issues and present this to the Office Leadership Team/Country Management Team, securing their agreement and support.  
• To develop and deliver a specific learning package for the office leadership team/country management team on DEI, empowering managers, and senior leaders to engage in and encourage conversations within their teams about DEI.
• To conduct theme specific session with offices based on need and request, as advised by the Culture and Diversity team.

As noted above, each assignment will be based on the needs of the client office. Thus, specific terms of reference and timelines will be defined for each assignment based on the scope of work and the timing most suitable for the client office. The assignments could therefore cover some or all the four outputs above.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have… 

• Education: University degree or advanced university degree in social sciences, psychology, human rights, international development, human resources, or related fields. In lieu of an advanced university degree, demonstrated equivalent years of experience working on grassroots human rights and DEI issues with marginalized groups, plus some certification would be considered.
• Experience: Minimum 5 years of specific experience in organizational culture, diversity, equity and inclusion, including in facilitating brave conversations and training on sensitive matters. Prior experience in other areas of programming, international development, human resources management with a human centered and human rights based approach is strongly preferred. Experience in working within the UN System, in particular country and/or regional offices is desirable.
• Languages: All applicants should have fluency in English and at least one other official UN language (French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, Chinese) and/or other regional/local languages