Project Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF is known for its innovative approaches and partnerships that aim to improve children's lives globally. The organization fosters a culture of belonging and growth, emphasizing the importance of its work in serving children and communities.

Job Overview:
The Project Coordinator will play a crucial role in the Responsible Innovation in Technology for Children (RITEC) project, which aims to integrate children's well-being into the design of digital play experiences. This position involves operational and coordination responsibilities, ensuring coherent implementation across UNICEF divisions and external partners. The coordinator will maintain project planning, coordination, monitoring, and documentation systems, ensuring timely delivery of milestones and compliance with donor and UNICEF requirements. The role requires regular coordination with various thematic leads and participation in internal meetings, making it essential for the coordinator to be proactive and detail-oriented. The position is pivotal in driving the project's success and involves managing multiple interconnected workstreams, including community practices, leadership convenings, and safety guidance.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Coordinator's duties include:

• Strategic and Programmatic Coordination: Ensuring alignment of project goals with UNICEF's mission and objectives.
• Financial and Administrative Coordination: Managing project budgets and ensuring compliance with financial regulations.
• Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Support: Implementing MEL frameworks to assess project impact and effectiveness.
• Communications and Knowledge Management: Facilitating information sharing and documentation of project learnings.
• Partner and Stakeholder Liaison: Building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders and partners.
• Risk and Issue Management: Identifying potential risks and developing mitigation strategies.
• Event Coordination: Organizing and facilitating project-related events and meetings. The coordinator will also be responsible for delivering project milestones according to a defined timeline, which includes setup, international events, community practices, and reporting.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in project management, public administration, international development, or a related field. Alternatively, a Bachelor's degree with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted. A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in project coordination is required, preferably in international development or innovation. Candidates should have proven experience in coordinating multi-partner, multi-country projects, along with strong skills in work planning, monitoring, and donor reporting. Experience in technology, digital innovation, and child rights-related initiatives is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in a relevant field such as project management, public administration, or international development. A Bachelor's degree may be considered if accompanied by sufficient relevant experience. The emphasis is on candidates who have a strong academic foundation that supports their ability to manage complex projects effectively.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in project coordination, particularly in contexts related to international development, innovation, or partnerships. Candidates should demonstrate a track record of successfully managing multi-partner projects and possess strong organizational skills. Experience in technology and digital innovation, especially in relation to children's rights and gaming, is considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Additional language skills may be considered advantageous, particularly if they relate to the regions where UNICEF operates or to the stakeholders involved in the project.

Additional Notes:
This position may involve travel for participation in key stakeholder meetings and events. The consultant will be responsible for arranging their own travel, including visa and travel insurance. Payment for professional fees will be based on the submission of agreed deliverables, and UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment if the deliverables do not meet the required standards. The role is expected to be full-time, and candidates should be prepared for potential travel requirements in 2026, including participation in events in New York City. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates.