UNICEF is the world’s largest children’s charity working to protect vulnerable children, globally and here in Australia. Run entirely on voluntary donations, we work to improve the lives of every vulnerable child, no matter who they are or where they live. Every day our teams are on the ground in 190 countries working with local partners to deliver lifesaving help and create lasting change. From vaccinating children in war zones to providing early childhood education access in Indigenous communities, donations help us to protect every child, no matter what.
We are offering a full time permanent position, working in a flexible environment, built around the diversity of our team and their needs. A competitive salary commensurate with the not for profit sector is offered together with a broad range of wellbeing benefits.
About the role
With knowledge and expertise in the humanitarian and/or international development sector, you will manage and oversee a portfolio of Directly Supported Programs, acting as the key liaison with UNICEF partner Country Offices and ensuring programs are administered in line with DFAT accreditation, ACFID Code of Conduct, and UNICEF Australia’s policies and procedures.
Your focus will be on day-to-day engagement with programmatic teams in UNICEF Country Offices, supporting effective grant implementation, development of procedures and processes , cross-organisational capacity building fundraising and communications activities, and advocacy objectives. You’ll deliver high-quality internal reporting and donor submissions and contribute to robust risk management processes.
What we are looking for
We’re seeking a collaborative team player with strong interpersonal and cross-cultural consultative skills, who thrives in a flexible and dynamic environment. Highly developed communication skills, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and ability to work with a diverse range of partners and stakeholders are important for this role. Adaptability, attention to detail, and a genuine passion for advancing children’s rights are essential, along with the ability to manage competing priorities and contribute positively to our team culture.
Your day will include
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Leading the end-to-end management of a portfolio of predominantly emergency program grants, which may include proposal and budget development, monitoring (including in-country visits), supporting program evaluations, and reporting.
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Supporting fundraising and communications teams with technical and programmatic information, contributing to donor proposals and visibility requirements, and directly engaging with donors and partners through meetings, webinars, and other events.
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Liaising with relevant DFAT posts to highlight UNICEF Australia’s programs, maintaining an understanding of Country Investment Plans and Development Partnership Plans (DPPs), and supporting the relationship between the Australian Government and UNICEF in-country.
We would like you to have the following skills and experience
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Direct experience in program design, implementation, monitoring, reporting, and evaluation
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Demonstrated understanding of humanitarian and/or international development standards, policies and procedures, and reporting requirements, as well as experience in one or more of UNICEF’s core thematic areas, such as: child protection, education, health, nutrition, WASH, adolescent development, or climate change.
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Strong written and oral communication skills with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail in preparing reports, submissions, and donor-facing materials.
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Experience in managing demanding work priorities
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Demonstrated financial acumen – experience in appraisal of budgets and financial reporting
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Familiarity with and experience of DFAT accreditation and ACFID code of conduct standards is highly regarded
What will it feel like to work at UNICEF Australia
- An environment and culture built on the importance of teamwork, collaboration and shared purpose
- Sector leading salary packaging and a competitive salary commensurate with the NFP sector
- A flexible work environment with balance between home and office work, which puts the wellbeing of our staff at the centre of our decision making
- A positive and values-driven work culture which celebrates our achievements and recognises our teams
- A wellbeing package which includes such things as access to Birthday leave, EAP, nutrition, exercise, financial and legal support
- Commitment to our child-first philosophy with generous paid parental leave and offering
- The opportunity to support a global impactful cause and make a difference for every child
How To Apply
To apply for this fantastic opportunity please select "Apply" and submit the following documents in PDF format:
- Your Cover Letter, outlining your relevant experience and highlighting a summary of your strengths
- Your CV
For further information on this position, please be in touch with our People & Culture Team: recruitment@unicef.org.au.
We welcome you to contact us to discuss any requirements that will ensure you can participate fully in our recruitment experience.
Applications for this position close Sunday 11th January 2026.
All applicants are required to be legally entitled to work in Australia. UNICEF Australia has a zero-tolerance approach to abuse and exploitation and adheres to strict safeguarding principles. All successful candidates will be required to undergo rigorous background checks (including National Police Check and Working with Children Check) and sign and abide by our Code of Conduct on Child Safeguarding & Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.
UNICEF Australia is committed to ensure all our People, from any background, feel heard, considered, and able to contribute to their full potential. We are striving to build a truly inclusive workplace, one that our team feel they can bring their best self to work and is reflective of the wider community that we serve.
