UNICEF looking for Executive Officer in Kyiv: russian among languages ​​considered advantage

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has announced a competition for the position of Executive Officer (level NO-2) in Kyiv. This is a fixed-term contract, only citizens of Ukraine can apply. The vacancy is published on the organization's website.

What does a UNICEF Executive Officer do?

The UNICEF Executive Officer will be responsible for coordinating the work of the office, preparing annual plans and reports, supporting management during meetings and missions, preparing analytical reports, theses and position papers. Interaction with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, relevant ministries and other government agencies is also envisaged.

The candidate must have a higher education in international relations, political science, public administration or related fields, as well as at least two years of experience in the field of international cooperation, external relations or public policy. Fluency in English and Ukrainian is mandatory.

Language requirements for candidates

The announcement specifically states that knowledge of another official UN language will be an advantage for the candidate.

"Fluency in English and the local language of the host country is mandatory. Knowledge of another official UN language is considered an advantage," the publication says.

The official languages ​​of the United Nations include English, French, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic and russian. Thus, proficiency in, in particular, russian or another UN language can increase the competitiveness of the applicant.

What does UNICEF do?

UNICEF is a specialized agency of the UN that works in more than 190 countries. The organization calls its main task the protection of the rights and well-being of children. The organization implements programs in the fields of education, health, vaccination, access to clean water and sanitation, and also provides humanitarian assistance in times of war and emergencies. In Ukraine, UNICEF, among other things, supports children and families affected by the war.

As previously reported, in December 2025, the NATO mission in Ukraine was looking for guards with knowledge of the russian language.