Stretch Assignment- Humanitarian Policy Officer/Specialist (P-2/P-3/P-4), New York, EMOPS (3-month remote)

We are seeking a highly motivated and talented colleague for a three-month stretch assignment to join the Humanitarian Policy Section (HPS), Office of Emergency Programmes (EMOPS), to support the Section's work on civil-military coordination, programme criticality, and the development and dissemination of policy and guidance. This role will operate under the general guidance of the Humanitarian Policy Manager, Complex and High-Threat Environments (based in New York).

To support the Humanitarian Policy Section`s work on civil-military coordination, programme criticality, and the development and dissemination of policy and guidance.

• Development and dissemination of a Q&A on UN sanctions and principled humanitarian action for UNICEF colleagues [30%]
• Finalization and dissemination of guidance notes tailored to UNICEF staff and partners on critical civil-military engagement issues, including humanitarian notification systems and the use of armed escorts. [20%]
• Design of a resource package and implementation of an implementation plan for awareness raising of UNICEF Country Offices on the UN Program Criticality framework [20%]
• Finalization and dissemination of ANSA baseline study summary analysis and policy recommendations on UNICEF ANSA engagement [20%]
• Inter-agency representation in the Program Criticality Coordination Team; support to UNICEF leadership on the Program Criticality Steering Group; and participation in the IASC Community of Practice on safeguarding humanitarian space (sanctions/CT) [10%]

Advanced university degree in international relations, international law, human rights, political and social sciences, humanities, or related technical field.

• Relevant professional experience in humanitarian action, humanitarian policy, civil-military coordination, protection, advocacy, field operations, peacekeeping, humanitarian negotiations, or related areas is an asset.
• Experience supporting policy development, guidance production, inter-agency coordination, or knowledge management initiatives.
• Strong drafting, analytical, and research skills, including experience developing policy papers, guidance notes, or learning products.
• Familiarity with humanitarian principles, humanitarian access, sanctions and counterterrorism, program criticality, UN integration, or civil-military coordination is highly desirable.
• Experience supporting UNICEF and/or UN inter-agency processes is an asset. Experience with UNICEF at Country of Field Office level is required.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate across multiple stakeholders and manage competing priorities.

This is a temporary development opportunity and there will be no changes to the staff member’s status (position number, level, etc.). 

As the stretch assignment is remote, no DSA will be applicable, except during the two-week on-site period, for which 50% DSA will apply.

Candidates considered potentially well matched for this stretch assignment may be contacted for interview. Supervisors may also be contacted for references.

Interested UNICEF staff should discuss this opportunity with their supervisor and seek the approval of their management before applying.

On receipt of their supervisor's agreement, apply and attach:

• Current e-recruitment profile or CV.
• Last two PERs.
• A cover letter detailing motivation, qualification, and suitability.
• A signed approval letter or email confirmation from the supervisor agreeing to release the staff if selected.

Candidates considered potentially well-matched for the stretch assignment will be contacted for an informal interview. Supervisors may also be contacted for references. Staff member should be able to start the assignment in mid September 2026.

Advertised: 12 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 18 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

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