Market Research Specialist (P3)

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 from early childhood through adolescence. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child, viewing this mission as a calling rather than just a job. UNICEF employs thousands of individuals globally, working collaboratively to mobilize resources and support children's rights through various initiatives and partnerships.

Job Overview:
The Market Research Specialist (P3) position is integral to UNICEF's Audience & Market Insights (AMI) team, which is part of the Division of Private Fundraising & Partnerships (PFP). This role focuses on driving an audience-informed approach to private-sector fundraising and partnerships in Panama, while also contributing to AMI's global insight streams. The specialist will work closely with the P4 Market Research Manager and other specialists across regions to develop insights that support fundraising and communication strategies. The position requires collaboration with various stakeholders to translate their objectives into actionable insight plans, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative research methods. The specialist will also be responsible for synthesizing data into compelling narratives and actionable recommendations, ensuring that insights are effectively communicated and utilized across the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Market Research Specialist will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Leading core studies such as brand tracking and competitor intelligence, framing business issues, and steering delivery through AMI peers across regions.
• Partnering with fundraising and communication teams to listen to their needs and co-design bespoke research that balances rigor, speed, and budget.
• Selecting and managing external research agencies and consultants, providing feedback to enhance their performance.
• Recruiting and mentoring interns or staff, setting clear objectives, and fostering a learning culture.
• Curating AMI's knowledge base and packaging complex data into narratives that inspire action.
• Liaising with Procurement and HR to maintain a diverse supplier and talent roster, establishing SOPs and QA checks to safeguard data quality and ethics standards.
• Driving operational excellence and capacity building within the team.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Marketing, Statistics, Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, or a closely related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. Formal coursework in qualitative and quantitative research methods, marketing analytics, or statistics is an asset. Professional certifications such as MRS Advanced Certificate, Insights Association IPC, or similar are also advantageous. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of market research methodologies and analytics.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in a relevant field is required for this position. Candidates with a first-level university degree may be considered if they have additional qualifying experience. Coursework in qualitative and quantitative research methods is essential, and professional certifications in market research or analytics are beneficial.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of professional experience in leading end-to-end, mixed-method market research projects across multiple countries or regions is required. Candidates should have a proven track record of translating consumer and brand insights into actionable recommendations for stakeholders. Experience with modern research tools and methodologies is essential, and prior experience in the humanitarian or development sector is a plus.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Spanish is required for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, or Russian, would be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and may involve international recruitment. UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The organization offers flexible working arrangements, paid parental leave, and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and appointments are subject to medical clearance and visa requirements. UNICEF does not charge any processing fees during the recruitment process.