Organization Mission

For 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 – to the benefit of a better world. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

Context

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s 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 – 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 children’s 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.

Key Responsibilities

The 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 UNICEF’s 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 UNICEF’s 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 UNICEF’s AI agenda.
-Strengthen organizational capacity through knowledge-sharing, peer learning, and the development of toolkits and guidance for regional and country offices.

Required Skills and Experience

-Strategic AI advisor with experience in ethical AI deployment, stakeholder facilitation, and digital transformation in complex, mission-driven environments. experience with AI is an asset, as is
experience working in the UN or other international development organisation;
-Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;
-Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing;
-Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development;
-Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;
-Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, among others), email, and internet; familiarity with database management; and office
technology equipment;
-Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;
-Proven experience in developing and implementing AI strategies in large, complex organizations,
preferably in the development or humanitarian sector.
-Proven track record in portfolio management, governance, and measuring technology impact.
-Strong understanding of the ethical and social implications of AI.
-Strong expertise in organizational strategy, value creation, and digital transformation.
-Excellent communication, facilitation, and stakeholder management skills.
-Sound security awareness;
-Have affinity with or interest in AI volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN system.

Core Competencies

Core 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

a) Geographic situation

Valencia is the 3rd largest city in Spain, after Madrid and Barcelona. And is located on Spain’s 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 17ºC with warm summers and mild winters. The temperature in Valencia rarely falls below 10ºC 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