Senior Associate, Global Policy and Public Affairs

UNICEF USA (“UUSA” or “We”) relentlessly pursues a more equitable world for every child, upholding the rights of all children and empowering every child, everywhere. We also support the fundamental belief that children should have a voice and role in shaping their futures and the futures of their communities.

Over eight decades, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has built an unprecedented global support system for the world’s children, and has boldly taken on the biggest, seemingly impossible challenges facing children. UNICEF relentlessly works day in and day out to deliver the essentials that give every child an equitable chance in life: health care and immunizations, safe water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more. UNICEF USA advances the global mission of UNICEF by rallying the American public to support the world’s most vulnerable children.

We know that sustainable change is attainable, but it can’t be achieved alone. It takes a committed team – individuals, governments, corporations, volunteers and staff – who demonstrate a relentless commitment to working tirelessly, day in and day out in some of the toughest, hardest to reach places. Big problems need big solutions, and we harness our collective, global voice and energy to do more good, in more places for children. We will never stop supporting UNICEF to develop smarter, more cost-effective solutions; scaling up proven, data-driven programs; and harnessing new technologies to create measurable change for children.

UUSA is organized under the laws of New York State as a not-for-profit corporation. As such, UUSA is a tax-exempt organization as defined under Section 501C(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and is governed by an independent, non-salaried Board of Directors.

Position: Senior Associate, Global Policy and Public Affairs

Location: Based in or within a commutable distance to Washington, D.C.

FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary: The estimated salary range for this role is $62,400-72,200. The midpoint for this salary range is $72,200. The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to organizational budgets, qualifications, experience, specialized skills, and training. The above represents UUSA’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Description

Reporting to the Director for Global Policy, the Senior Associate will support efforts to develop and execute strategies to advance advocacy and outcomes for children globally and in the U.S. that align with UNICEF and UNICEF USA’s priorities. The Senior Associate will primarily be responsible for shaping and advancing the team’s federal domestic policy priorities affecting the well-being of children within the United States. This will include monitoring and analyzing developments, identifying key decisionmakers, crafting advocacy documents, and aligning our federal and state and local advocacy agenda across the organization. The Senior Associate will also support advancing the team’s federal global policy priorities, to influence and advance legislation and funding related to UNICEF USA priorities, including support for UNICEF’s global programs work.

Position Responsibilities (include but not limited to):

• Monitor and analyze current and emerging federal domestic policies impacting children, including by identifying key legislators and committees of jurisdiction.
• Collaborate closely with our state and local policy team (Community Alliance for Child Rights) to coordinate messaging and strategy on child rights initiatives.
• Support the development of advocacy campaigns and policy proposals, including through coalition monitoring and participation.
• Participate in coalition meetings, conferences, and advocacy efforts to build relationships and promote shared goals.
• Assist in maintaining communication and alignment with UNICEF USA’s broader federal advocacy efforts, including with respect to foreign assistance and funding for policies and programs consistent with UNICEF’s broader mission.
• Attend relevant Hill hearings and briefings, preparing reports and updates for internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Support the Director and Assistant Director of Global Policy in tracking and developing tailored approaches to engage key legislators and advocate for prioritization of funding and policies that help deliver impact for children, including appropriations and authorization legislation and amendments; developing new legislative ideas; and making recommendations on UNICEF USA’s policy agenda.
• Support organization of, and participate in as needed, Congressional staff-level meetings and other events; assist in strategizing and preparing briefing notes and other materials, including for senior UNICEF USA and UNICEF leaders and stakeholders (e.g., staff, grassroots, partners).
• Provide support with administrative tasks as assigned, including monitoring and reporting of lobbying efforts at the state and/or federal levels and development of reports (including Phone2Action/Quorum reports)
• Contribute to the organization’s overall advocacy strategy and initiatives.
• Backstop other team members in support of collaborative strategy development and execution.
• Support other duties and initiatives as assigned.

Qualifications:

• B.A./B.S. required.
• Minimum of 1-2 years’ experience in federal public policy, international or domestic.
• Excellent communication, public speaking, and interpersonal skills
• Exemplary research, writing, analytical skills and exacting attention to detail
• Ability to develop work plans, set deadlines, work well with minimal supervision, prioritize assignments, and organize multiple projects and duties simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team, know when to act independently and when to consult for advice on decision-making.
• Ability and willingness to facilitate and build collaborative working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, policymakers, and community groups

Don’t meet every single requirement? That’s okay. UNICEF USA values diverse experiences and we’re always looking for people who will add to our culture and further our mission. If you are excited about this role and unsure about whether your past experience aligns with the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway.

Must possess current and valid US Work Authorization and be eligible to work for any US employer without sponsorship.

Due to the high volume of applications received, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. UNICEF USA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer

We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. UUSA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at peopleandculture@unicefusa.org.