Deputy Executive Director – Humanitarian Action and Supply Operations, Assistant Secretary-General, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)

DEPUTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - HUMANITARIAN ACTION AND SUPPLY OPERATIONS Assistant Secretary-General

Deputy Executive Director – Humanitarian Action and Supply Operations, Assistant Secretary- General The Secretariat of the United Nations and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)) welcomes applications for the position of Deputy Executive Director – Humanitarian Action and Supply Operations. This position is at the Assistant Secretary-General level and is based in New York, USA. Background United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) works to protect the rights of every child, especially the most disadvantaged and those hardest to reach. Across more than 190 countries and territories, UNICEF works to help children survive, thrive and fulfil their potential. The Deputy Executive Director (DED), Humanitarian Action and Supply Operations, Assistant Secretary- General in the United Nations Children’s Fund reports to the Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UNICEF. Closing date The United Nations Secretariat and UNICEF welcomes applications to supplement the Secretary-General and the Director-General’s search and consultations and would especially welcome the application of women candidates Applications must be submitted through the following website: https://jobs.unicef.org/en- us/job/594738/deputy- executive- director-humanitarian-action-and-supply-operations-assistant- secretary- general-new-york-usa by Monday, 7 September 2026 (11.59 pm New York time) All applications will be treated with strictest confidence, and short-listed candidates will be contacted directly to undergo an assessment process, reference and background checks, including human rights and conflicts of interest screening. Duties and Responsibilities; Education, Skills and Expertise. Duties and Responsibilities; Education, Skills and Expertise The attached terms of reference will be used to identify an outstanding leader as the next Deputy Executive Director – Humanitarian Action and Supply Operations, Assistant Secretary-General Languages For this position, fluency in English is required. A working knowledge of other United Nations official language will be an advantage.

Human rights screening Individuals who seek to serve with the United Nations in any individual capacity will be required, if short- listed, to complete a self-attestation stating that they have not committed, been convicted of, nor prosecuted for, any criminal offence, including sexual exploitation and abuse, and have not been involved, by act or omission, in the commission of any violation of international human rights law or international humanitarian law, including sexual exploitation and abuse. Conflicts of interest screening All United Nations staff members are expected to uphold the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity. Senior leaders in particular have the responsibility to serve as role models in upholding the organization’s ethical standards. A conflict of interest occurs when, by act or omission, a staff member's personal interests interfere with the performance of their official duties and responsibilities, or call into question their integrity, independence and impartiality. Risk for conflicts of interest may arise from a staff member's engagement in outside (non- UN) employment or occupation; outside activities, including political activities; receipt of gifts, honours, awards, favours or remuneration from external (non- UN) sources; or personal investment. In particular, no staff member shall accept any honour, decoration, favour, gift or remuneration from any Government (staff regulation 1.2 (j)). Where a real or perceived conflict of interest does arise, senior leaders are obligated to disclose this to the organization without delay. In order to avoid real or perceived family influence or preferential treatment and conflicts of interest that could stem from such situations, the United Nations Staff Rules provide that appointments “shall not be granted to anyone who is the father, mother, son, daughter, brother or sister of a staff member” (staff rule 4.7 (a)). Short-listed individuals will also be required to complete a pre- appointment declaration of interests for senior positions to identify possible conflicts of interest that may arise and to proactively prevent and manage, as much as possible and in a timely manner, situations in which personal interests may conflict or appear to conflict with the interests of the United Nations, should the individual be appointed to this position.

Deputy Executive Director – Humanitarian Action and Supply Operations, Assistant Secretary- General

Within delegated authority and under the direct supervision of the Executive Director of UNICEF, the Deputy Executive Director (DED), Humanitarian Action and Supply Operations, advises and assists the Executive Director of UNICEF in the overall direction and strategic leadership of the organization, with particular focus on humanitarian policy and response, and on ensuring the delivery of and sustainable access to essential products and services for children in need.

The DED Humanitarian Action and Supply Operations leads the implementation of UNICEF's core commitments for children in humanitarian settings (CCCs), and UNICEF’s delivery of products for children in line with UNICEF’s programmatic activities, including rapid response to emergencies. The DED Humanitarian Action and Supply Operations provides leadership for UNICEF’s humanitarian policy and action in response to emergencies, including public health emergencies and pandemic preparedness, and UNICEF’s supply operations across UNICEF programmes of cooperation and humanitarian crises, including procurement services on behalf of governments and partners. He/she oversees engagement in the children and armed conflict agenda.

Together with the DED Programme, the DED Humanitarian Action and Supply Operations will guide and lead UNICEF's work on children on the move, protection against sexual exploitation and abuse, and disaster risk reduction, and provide strategic leadership on the humanitarian- development-peace nexus. The DED Humanitarian Action and Supply Operations supervises and leads the work of the Office of Emergency Programmes, the Office of the Security Coordinator, and the Supply Division. As a member of the executive leadership team, the DED Humanitarian Action and Supply Operations participate with the other Deputy Executive Directors in the formulation and implementation of UNICEF’s institutional strategies and corporate policies. He/she also provides guidance to and maintains regular contact with Regional Directors and heads of field offices on matters relating to emergency policy and operations. The DED Humanitarian Action and Supply Operations effectively and efficiently directs and manages assigned resources in accordance with UNICEF’s rules, policies, procedures, and standards, and promotes a work environment that values and supports staff as the organization’s greatest asset. The DED Humanitarian Action and Supply Operations plays an active role in facilitating consultations with Member States, collaborating closely with them and other partners as appropriate. In addition, the DED Humanitarian Action and Supply Operations carries out any other activities as requested by the Executive Director in support of UNICEF’s mandate and mission and assumes overall responsibility for the functioning of UNICEF in the absence of the Executive Director.

Education:

• An advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in international relations, public administration, political or social sciences, business administration, or related area. Experience:

The position requires a distinguished record of progressively responsible leadership experience at the senior executive level, including:

• At least fifteen years of progressively responsible professional experience in leading and managing diverse and complex teams at an international level, including, but not limited to, international organizations, governments, private sector or NGOs.
• Being a strong leader and manager with highly developed diplomatic and public policy skills, including senior managerial experience at the international level.
• Demonstrating a strong track record in managing complex organizations and programmes, organizational strategy and development, including results-based management.
• A track record in strategic partnership building, management for results, advocacy and resource mobilization, demonstrated commitment and ability to work in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment and commitment to UNICEF and its vision.
• a strong track record in leading humanitarian action in complex environments.
• Extensive experience in leading and managing complex security situations.
• A results-driven and people- oriented management approach with strong ability to influence, negotiate, and build networks and partnerships.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a collaborative leadership style, and demonstrated ability to work in a diverse multicultural, multi-ethnic environment, including working effectively in inter-agency and cross- sectoral leadership teams.
• Excellent political and diplomatic skills, combined with a proven ability to achieve results in a complex political environment.
• A strong capacity to distill, analyze and translate multifaceted and critical issues from various sources.
• Knowledge of development and humanitarian issues and policies.
• Excellent communication skills, fluency in English, and working knowledge of another official UN language.
• Experience in or knowledge of the UN system and knowledge of UNICEF’s work.
• Familiarity with the international humanitarian coordination architecture, including the Inter-Agency Standing Committee.
• Willingness and ability to undertake extensive travel, including assignments in humanitarian and emergency contexts.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following:

The duties of the DED Humanitarian Action and Supply Operations will require frequent interaction with UNICEF Senior Management as well as senior staff within the UN system, representatives of government, non-governmental organizations and the private sector, as well as chairpersons and members of intergovernmental bodies.

Results Expected:

The DED Humanitarian Action and Supply Operations ensures that UNICEF delivers timely, effective, and accountable humanitarian responses while strengthening organizational preparedness for emergencies and public health crises. The role advances UNICEF’s global leadership and influence in humanitarian policy and inter-agency coordination to better protect the rights and well-being of children and women affected by conflicts and disasters. The DED Humanitarian Action and Supply Operations overseas efficient and innovative supply, logistics, and procurement operations that improve equitable access to essential commodities and strengthen national systems. The position also requires effective stewardship of organizational resources, promoting a high- performing and supportive work environment, and driving operational excellence across humanitarian and supply functions. The role also ensures accountability to

beneficiaries, meaningful community and country engagement as well as duty of care towards beneficiaries, including prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse.

UNICEF’s Core Values

Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

UNICEF’S Competencies

• Builds and maintains partnerships (level III)
• Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (level III)
• Drive to achieve results for impact (level III)
• Innovates and embraces change (level III)
• Manages ambiguity and complexity (level III)
• Thinks and acts strategically (level III)
• Works collaboratively with others (level III)
• Nurtures, leads and manages people (level III)

To view UNICEF’s competency framework, please visit here.

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