Vacancies and How to Get a Job at UNICEF (Salary, Roles & Application Guide)
UNICEF Sierra Leone has announced a new international volunteer opportunity for professionals interested in public health, maternal and child healthcare, nutrition, and health systems strengthening. The organization is currently recruiting for the role of UNV Primary Health Care Specialist based in Freetown under a major nationwide health programme covering all 16 districts of Sierra Leone.
For professionals searching for NGO and UN jobs in Sierra Leone 2026, this opportunity stands out because it combines national-level health systems support with community-based maternal and child healthcare implementation. The role is linked to a large-scale project expected to receive support from the Government of Japan and implemented in collaboration with UNICEF, JICA, and Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health.
This is not a routine office position. It is a strategic public health role designed for professionals who can support healthcare delivery systems, maternal and child health programming, and community engagement across multiple districts.
About UNICEF Sierra Leone
UNICEF works globally to protect children’s rights, improve healthcare systems, strengthen education, and support vulnerable communities. The organization focuses heavily on equity, ensuring that disadvantaged children and families have access to essential services and opportunities.
In Sierra Leone, UNICEF supports programmes related to:
- maternal and child health
- nutrition
- education
- community development
- primary healthcare
- adolescent wellbeing
- child protection
The current project focuses on scaling up the Maternal and Child Health Handbook and strengthening the country’s Primary Health Care system using lessons learned from pilot programmes already implemented in selected districts.
One thing many professionals appreciate about UNICEF recruitment is the level of international exposure and technical collaboration involved. Staff and volunteers often work alongside government ministries, development partners, NGOs, and community stakeholders.
Available Positions
UNICEF Sierra Leone is currently recruiting for the following position:
- AI and Digital Innovation Intern
- UNV Primary Health Care Specialist
1. AI and Digital Innovation Intern
What You’ll Do (Simplified):
This internship focuses on supporting AI learning, digital innovation coordination, knowledge management, and documentation activities within UNICEF Sierra Leone.
Main responsibilities include:
- Supporting UNICEF’s AI roadmap coordination
- Documenting AI use cases across teams
- Assisting with AI learning sessions and prompt engineering activities
- Organizing AI resources and innovation materials
- Supporting documentation for digital innovation projects
- Assisting with innovation meetings, hackathons, and ecosystem activities
- Preparing presentations, meeting notes, trackers, and reports
- Supporting knowledge-sharing around responsible AI and digital tools
The role also involves exposure to platforms and initiatives connected to digital public infrastructure, AI for development, RapidPro, U-Report, and innovation-focused youth activities.
In simple terms, this internship is about helping UNICEF explore how artificial intelligence and digital innovation can improve outcomes for children and communities.
Who This Role Is Best For:
This role is ideal for:
- Computer Science students
- AI and Data Science students
- ICT graduates
- Engineering students
- Innovation and technology enthusiasts
- Public policy or development studies graduates interested in tech
It is especially suitable for candidates interested in AI, digital transformation, humanitarian technology, data systems, and innovation for social impact.
Applicants familiar with tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Gemini, Claude, or similar AI platforms may have an advantage.
Estimated Salary Range:
Negotiable based on experience.
UNICEF internships may include compensation or benefits depending on internship conditions and organizational policies.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should apply through the official UNICEF careers platform before the application deadline.
Applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a relevant degree programme
- Have strong academic performance
- Meet UNICEF eligibility requirements
2. UNV Primary Health Care Specialist
What You’ll Do (Simplified)
The Primary Health Care Specialist will support nationwide implementation of maternal and child healthcare programmes and Primary Health Care system strengthening activities.
Main responsibilities include:
- Supporting the rollout of the Maternal and Child Health Handbook
- Assisting with healthcare quality improvement initiatives
- Supporting district-level planning and budgeting
- Strengthening health system coordination
- Supporting community engagement and positive parenting programmes
- Collaborating with government agencies and partners
- Supporting monitoring and data-driven decision-making
- Participating in health coordination meetings
- Supporting decentralized healthcare service delivery
- Assisting with capacity building for district health teams
The role also involves working closely with UNICEF’s Health and Nutrition Section, Ministry of Health officials, JICA, and other stakeholders.
Who This Role Is Best For
This role is ideal for:
- Public health professionals
- Primary healthcare specialists
- Nutrition programme officers
- Community health experts
- Maternal and child health professionals
- Health systems strengthening specialists
Candidates with previous UN or NGO experience may have a stronger advantage.
Estimated Salary Range
Negotiable based on experience.
As an international UN Volunteer assignment, the position includes:
- Volunteer Living Allowance
- travel support
- health insurance
- accommodation support mechanisms
- annual leave benefits
- security support
How to Apply
Interested applicants should apply through the official United Nations Volunteers recruitment system.
Applicants must meet a very important eligibility requirement:
- only former Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JICA-JOCV) recommended by the JICA-JOCV Secretariat are eligible to apply.
Candidates should prepare:
- updated CV
- academic qualifications
- relevant certifications
- professional references
- language details
How to Increase Your Chances
To improve your chances during UNICEF recruitment:
- Highlight public health programme experience
- Mention maternal and child health exposure
- Demonstrate health systems strengthening experience
- Include monitoring and community engagement projects
- Show partnership coordination ability
- Mention developing-country programme experience
Candidates with practical field implementation experience may perform better than applicants relying mainly on academic credentials.
