Impact Starts at UNICEF Canada
JOIN OUR TEAM AS SPECIALIST, INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS & EMERGENCIES (BILINGUAL)
Join UNICEF Canada – one of Canada’s most respected and historic charities – and be part of a high-impact, mission-driven team working across Canada and globally to create a better world for children. We are seeking a talented individual for the role of Specialist, International Programs & Emergencies (Bilingual)
Position DetailsPosition Title:
Specialist, International Programs & Emergencies (Bilingual)
Employment Type:
Maternity Leave Cover Contract (13 months)
Reports to:
Director, International Programs & Emergencies
Direct Reports:
0
Salary Range:
$62,000 to $71,500 per year annually with benefits and 3 weeks paid vacation
Work Location:
Toronto (preferred) / Montreal / Ottawa
Work Environment:
UNICEF Canada currently operates under a Flexible-Hybrid model that requires team members to attend the office at least 2 days/week.
Why UNICEF & UNICEF Canada?
UNICEF is the world’s farthest-reaching humanitarian organization for childre Across 190 countries and territories, and in the world’s toughest places, we provide and advocate for education, health and nutrition services. Protect children from violence and abuse. Bring clean water and sanitation to those in need. Keep them safe from climate change and disease. Serve as the world’s largest provider of vaccines. Before, during and after emergencies, we’re on the ground with life-saving help and hope. The needs of children around the world continue to increase and the role of UNICEF is more important than ever.
UNICEF Canada is one of 32 National Committees (NatComs) located in high- income countries around the world. Our team exists to fundraise for UNICEF’s highest priorities, and to work neutrally with governments and the private sector in Canada and internationally to advance the rights and well-being of children and you.
UNICEF Canada launched a bold new Strategic Plan in 2026, our ability to respond to partners and in emergencies with immediacy and care will be more important than ever. Be part of this next phase of impact!
The OpportunityReporting to the Director, International Programs & Emergencies, the Specialist, International Programs & Emergencies will provide subject matter expertise in UNICEF programming and oversee the reporting and monitoring needs of strategic private sector partner-funded UNICEF Canada programming. This role acts as the primary fact checker in English and French, organizes CEO and donor program visits and provides advice and support for stewarding strategic private sector partners, including individual, foundation, and corporate donors. Sound like you? Apply now and help us make an impact.
Key AccountabilitiesProgram Management: Reporting and Monitoring (50%)
- Build strong partnerships with UNICEF Country Offices to monitor performance of projects funded by Canadian donors to ensure compliance with donor agreements, tracking indicators, budgets, and timelines.
- Lead the drafting of strategic donor reports for Development gifts under $1 million, tailoring content to suit technical and donor-friendly audiences.
- Support donor stewardship by responding promptly to requests for additional information and ensuring high-quality communications.
- Anticipate and address donor needs, providing guidance to UNICEF Country Offices and experts, and escalating challenges to the Director, IPE with recommended solutions.
- Oversee the programmatic side of Survival Gifts, ensuring timely identification of cost points, project alignment, and accurate remittance.
- Lead on the programmatic elements of Galas, identifying funding priorities and managing reporting.
Proposal Development (10%)
- Support the Director, IPE, in developing Government of Canada funding proposals using a project management approach, applying RBM, gender, and environmental analysis to streamline collaboration with Country Offices.
- Assist the Director and Manager, IPE, in writing strategic proposals for individual, corporate, community and foundation partners.
- Build and steward relationships with UNICEF Country Offices and Headquarters to gather program materials for time-sensitive proposals and concept notes.
- Regularly communicate new funding opportunities to Development teams.
Research, Knowledge Management and Organizational Capacity Development (40%)
- Develop and maintain strong knowledge of UNICEF’s policies and programs, as well as national and international developments in international development and humanitarian action, with emphasis on Canadian policies and priorities.
- Stay current on issues affecting UNICEF and identify reliable sources for needed information.
- Lead factchecking (English and French) for the International Programs and Emergencies team and train new staff in the process, as required.
- Prepare strategic materials – including concept papers, situation briefs, and Town Hall presentations – for UNICEF Canada’s senior leadership and other audiences.
- Create and manage tools and systems to capture and share knowledge on UNICEF’s work and impact, improving efficiency and supporting fundraising and communications.
- Design and deliver strategic training and learning opportunities for staff, volunteers, campaigners, and partners; lead all French-language trainings.
- Manage all program travel logistics (e.g., donor, CEO and Ambassador visits), coordinating with Country Offices and producing detailed travel binders and tailored briefs.
- Organize visits of international colleagues to UNICEF Canada offices and regular all staff briefings on UNICEF’s programmatic work.
- Support the Manager IPE with coordinating UNICEF Canada’s response to sudden-onset emergencies, as required.
Qualifications
- Bilingual in English and French (preferred)
- Post-secondary degree (or equivalent experience) in International Development, Political Science, or a related field
- Minimum five (5) years of relevant professional experience
- Strong ability to build effective relationships with colleagues, overseas offices, and partners
- Excellent verbal and written communication across multiple media
- Proven organizational and project management skills, with attention to detail, quality, deadlines, and multitasking in a fast-paced environment
- Experience with donor reporting or stewardship
- Skilled at distilling complex information for diverse internal and external audiences
- Strong knowledge of the Canadian international aid sector and issues affecting children in developing countries
- Proficient in Microsoft Office
An Employer of Choice: What We Offer
UNICEF Canada is where diverse talent & passion come together to create extraordinary impact for every child.
We are committed to being an employer of choice and building a culture that is inclusive, ambitious, compassionate, and high impact.
Members of the UNICEF Canada team have access to the following employee benefits:
A ROBUST
COMPENSATION PACKAGE
- Extended Health/Dental benefits, Healthcare Spending Account, and Wellness Account
- Life, AD&D, & Long-Term disability insurance coverage
- Employer match contributions (5%) to a Group Pension Plan
- Access to parental leave top-up
A COMMITMENT TO WELLNESS
- Flexible-hybrid work environment to support the work-life integration needs of our team
- Minimum 3 weeks of annual vacation (increases with time served) & 1 additional day per year of service (max 30)
- 10 paid sick days & 2 personal days
- 8 employee wellness days – an additional series of pre-set days off, given annually to further extend long weekends
- Discounted rate for a GoodLife gym membership
- Access to an Employee and Family Assistance Program
A CULTURE OF LEARNING & GROWTH
- Access to a comprehensive global learning platform with over 1600 courses, webinars & resources
- Internal leadership development, training, & mentorship programs that integrate Anti-Racism and diversity, equity and inclusion principles
- Opportunities to access both local & global stretch assignments
AN INCLUSIVE & PURPOSE-DRIVEN WORKPLACE
- Centrally located head office in mid-town Toronto with satellite offices in Calgary & Montreal
- Easily accessed by public transit and a short walk from several parking locations
- Inclusive & accessible co-working and meeting spaces designed to foster purpose at every turn and accommodate the diverse needs of employees
A CHANCE TO DO MEANINGFUL & LIFE-CHANGING WORK
- Under the leadership of a dynamic, accomplished, and experienced executive leadership team, you’ll be part of a diverse & talented Canada team committed to creating meaningful impact while fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment.
- You’ll join a global UNICEF family with a shared commitment to impact the lives of children
Our Commitment to Inclusive Workplaces & RecruitmentUNICEF Canada is an inclusive workplace and is committed to championing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process.
At UNICEF Canada, we believe strongly in personal connections, and our hiring process is entirely human-driven. We do not use AI or automated systems to review applications or conduct interviews. Each candidate is evaluated by our experienced team to ensure fair and thoughtful hiring experience.
How to ApplyPlease submit your resume and cover letter as one document to careers@unicef.ca by 11:59PM EST on Friday, December 4, 2026. Please include your salary expectations in your cover email and reference Specialist, International Programs & Emergencies in the subject heading.
UNICEF Canada thanks all applicants for their interest in this opportunity; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Consistent with our Child Safeguarding Policy, all successful candidates must receive clearance by a police background check (including a vulnerable sector screen).
