UNICEF Gender Equity Officer Volunteer Opportunity in India 2026: Join UNICEF and Advance Gender Equality Across India

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), through the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme, is inviting qualified professionals in India to apply for the position of Gender Equity Officer. This prestigious full-time national volunteer assignment offers an opportunity to contribute directly to advancing gender equality, social inclusion, and equitable development outcomes for children, adolescents, and communities across India.

Based in New Delhi, this 12-month assignment places successful candidates at the heart of UNICEF India’s efforts to mainstream gender equality across programmes, policies, and institutional operations. The selected volunteer will work closely with UNICEF’s Gender and Development Specialist and support the implementation of gender-focused initiatives across multiple programme sections and field offices nationwide.

For professionals passionate about gender equity, social justice, child rights, women’s empowerment, and sustainable development, this opportunity provides a unique platform to gain hands-on experience within one of the world’s leading international development organizations.

About UNICEF

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is the world’s leading organization dedicated to protecting and promoting the rights of every child.

UNICEF works in more than 190 countries and territories to ensure that children have access to:

• Quality education
• Healthcare services
• Protection from violence and exploitation
• Nutrition and food security
• Safe water and sanitation
• Equal opportunities for growth and development

At the core of UNICEF’s mission is a commitment to equity, ensuring that the most disadvantaged and marginalized children receive the support they need to reach their full potential.

Why Gender Equality Matters at UNICEF

Gender equality is a central pillar of UNICEF’s programming and institutional strategy.

The UNICEF India Country Programme Document (2023–2027) identifies gender equality and equity as cross-cutting priorities that influence all areas of programming and operations.

UNICEF’s gender work is guided by:

• UNICEF Gender Policy (2021–2030)
• UNICEF Strategic Plan (2022–2025)
• UNICEF Strategic Plan (2026–2029)
• Gender Equality Action Plan (GEAP) 2022–2025
• Gender Equality Action Plan (GEAP) 2026–2029

The Gender Equity Officer will contribute to ensuring that these priorities are effectively integrated across UNICEF India’s programmes and state-level interventions.

Position Overview

Job Title

Gender Equity Officer

Organization

UNICEF

Duty Station

New Delhi, India

Assignment Type

National UN Volunteer Assignment

Duration

12 Months

Expected Start Date

July 1, 2026

Work Schedule

Full-Time

Work Modality

Onsite

Number of Positions

1

Application Deadline

17 June 2026

Key Responsibilities

The selected Gender Equity Officer will support UNICEF India’s gender programming efforts across headquarters and state offices.

1. Programme Implementation Support

The volunteer will:

• Support implementation of gender work plans under the 2023–2027 Country Programme
• Assist in coordinating gender-related activities
• Provide technical support to gender focal points
• Facilitate collaboration across programme sections
• Participate in regular coordination meetings

2. Knowledge Management

Responsibilities include:

• Supporting programme documentation
• Maintaining knowledge-sharing systems
• Facilitating communication among gender focal points
• Contributing to publications and reports
• Strengthening information management processes

3. Reporting and Monitoring

The volunteer will:

• Contribute to country, regional, and global reporting requirements
• Monitor gender-related programme results
• Track gender marker implementation
• Coordinate data collection from programme sections
• Support reporting on gender equality outcomes

4. Documentation and Analysis

This area involves:

• Preparing briefing documents
• Supporting programme reviews
• Assisting in annual reporting processes
• Developing analytical reports
• Documenting lessons learned and best practices

5. Strategic Support

The officer will assist with:

• Drafting presentations
• Preparing talking points
• Developing funding proposals
• Creating briefing notes
• Supporting strategic communication efforts

Qualifications and Educational Requirements

Applicants must possess:

Minimum Educational Requirement

A Bachelor’s Degree in:

• Social Sciences
• Development Studies
• Mass Communication
• Related fields

Preferred Qualification

Candidates holding a Master’s Degree in relevant disciplines will be given preference.

Required Professional Experience

Applicants must have:

• At least three years of professional experience at the national level

Relevant experience may include:

• Gender programming
• Social development
• Community development
• Social policy
• Women’s empowerment
• Development cooperation
• Human rights programming
• Youth and adolescent development

Experience with:

• United Nations agencies
• International organizations
• Development partners

is considered an added advantage.

Language Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate:

Required

• Fluent English

Required

• Working knowledge of Hindi

Strong written and verbal communication skills in both languages are highly desirable.

Essential Skills and Competencies

UNICEF is seeking professionals who possess strong technical, interpersonal, and organizational skills.

Professional Competencies

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Professionalism
• Integrity
• Accountability
• Initiative
• Sound judgment
• Confidentiality
• Resourcefulness

Communication Skills

Candidates should have:

• Excellent report writing abilities
• Strong presentation skills
• Advanced drafting skills
• Effective stakeholder engagement capabilities

Technical Skills

The ideal candidate should possess:

• Knowledge of gender equality programming
• Understanding of social development issues
• Experience in programme coordination
• Monitoring and reporting skills
• Documentation and research abilities

Digital Skills

Applicants should be proficient in:

• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Email communication
• Internet research
• Database management

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity is ideal for professionals working in:

• Gender Equality
• Women’s Rights
• Social Work
• Community Development
• Public Policy
• International Development
• Child Protection
• Human Rights
• Education
• Youth Development
• Communication for Development

It is particularly suitable for individuals seeking hands-on experience within the United Nations system while contributing to meaningful social impact.

Volunteer Benefits and Financial Support

Although categorized as a volunteer assignment, the position comes with substantial financial and professional benefits.

Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance

Successful candidates will receive:

INR 70,158.41 per month

This allowance is intended to cover:

• Housing
• Utilities
• Daily living expenses
• Local transportation

Entry Lump Sum

Volunteers will receive:

USD 350 (equivalent in INR)

upon commencement of the assignment.

Relocation Support

Eligible volunteers may receive:

USD 175 at the start and end of the assignment

if relocating from outside commuting distance.

Exit Allowance

Upon successful completion:

USD 120 per month served

will be paid as an exit allowance.

Insurance Coverage

Comprehensive coverage includes:

• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Permanent disability insurance
• Malicious acts insurance

Health insurance extends to up to three dependents.

Leave Entitlement

Volunteers receive:

• 2.5 days of annual leave per month

Learning and Career Development

Participants gain access to:

• UNV learning resources
• Professional development opportunities
• Training programmes
• Career advancement support

Living and Working in New Delhi

The assignment is based in New Delhi, India’s capital city and one of the country’s most important political, economic, and cultural hubs.

Living in New Delhi offers:

• Exposure to diverse cultures and communities
• Access to international organizations
• Professional networking opportunities
• Rich historical and cultural experiences
• Modern infrastructure and services

The city provides a dynamic environment for professionals interested in development, public policy, and international cooperation.

Inclusivity and Equal Opportunity

UNICEF and UNV strongly encourage applications from diverse candidates.

The organizations are committed to:

• Gender equality
• Inclusion
• Diversity
• Equal opportunity employment
• Disability inclusion
• Human rights protection

Reasonable accommodation is available for qualified candidates with disabilities throughout the recruitment and assignment process.

Why You Should Consider This Opportunity

Working with UNICEF provides an opportunity to:

• Contribute to national gender equality goals
• Support child rights and social justice initiatives
• Gain UN system experience
• Build expertise in development programming
• Work with leading development professionals
• Expand your professional network
• Enhance your career prospects in international development

The Gender Equity Officer position offers both meaningful impact and valuable professional growth for individuals committed to advancing gender equality and social inclusion.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit their applications through the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) platform before the closing date.

Apply Here 

Application Deadline

17 June 2026

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible to avoid last-minute technical challenges and to ensure all supporting information is submitted successfully.

For more information on this job opportunity visit here 

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