UNICEF Home-Based Research Assistant Jobs 2026 — Remote United Nations Research Roles with Competitive Salary and Benefits.
UNICEF is recruiting Home-Based Research Assistants to support high-impact research, data analysis, and evidence generation across global child-focused programmes. These remote roles offer a competitive UN salary, strong benefits, and flexible work arrangements, making them ideal for research professionals seeking a globally recognised UN career without relocation. This opportunity is particularly suited to candidates with backgrounds in international development, social research, data analysis, and public policy, who want to contribute to evidence-based decision-making for children worldwide.
This vacancy is published by an independent job-advertising website for informational purposes only. The publisher is not affiliated with UNICEF and does not participate in recruitment or selection.
Background & Job Description
About UNICEF
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) works in over 190 countries and territories to protect the rights and well-being of children and adolescents. UNICEF’s mandate covers health, nutrition, education, child protection, social policy, gender equality, disability inclusion, climate action, and humanitarian response.
A core pillar of UNICEF’s work is high-quality research and data, which informs global policies, national programmes, and donor investment decisions. To strengthen this evidence base, UNICEF engages Research Assistants to support analytical work across regional and global offices.
Overview of the Home-Based Research Assistant Role
For 2026, UNICEF is hiring Home-Based (Remote) Research Assistants to support research, monitoring, evaluation, and knowledge management functions. These roles are typically offered under consultancy, temporary appointment, or fixed-term arrangements, depending on the office and funding source.
The role allows professionals to:
- Work fully remotely/home-based
- Collaborate with international UNICEF research teams
- Contribute directly to child-focused global evidence and policy dialogue
- Build a strong foundation for long-term UN or international organisation careers
Purpose of the Role
The Research Assistant role exists to:
- Strengthen UNICEF’s research and analytical outputs
- Support evidence-based programming and advocacy
- Improve data quality, synthesis, and reporting
- Contribute to global and regional knowledge products
Through this role, Research Assistants help ensure that UNICEF programmes are guided by credible data and rigorous analysis, improving outcomes for children and vulnerable populations.
UNICEF Home-Based Research Assistant Jobs 2026 — Remote United Nations Research Roles with Competitive Salary and Benefits.
Key Responsibilities
While exact duties depend on the department and project, Home-Based Research Assistants at UNICEF commonly undertake the following tasks:
Research & Data Analysis
- Conduct desk research, literature reviews, and background studies
- Support qualitative and quantitative data analysis
- Assist with surveys, datasets, and indicator tracking
- Contribute to research methodologies and tools
Reporting & Knowledge Products
- Draft research summaries, briefing notes, and analytical reports
- Support preparation of policy briefs and technical documents
- Assist with donor and internal reporting requirements
Programme & Policy Support
- Provide research inputs to programme design and evaluations
- Support evidence-based policy discussions
- Translate research findings into practical recommendations
Coordination & Knowledge Management
- Maintain research databases and documentation systems
- Support coordination across teams and regions
- Participate in virtual meetings, consultations, and workshops
Each responsibility supports UNICEF’s ability to deliver credible, timely, and actionable evidence for decision-makers.
Qualifications
Education and Certification
Competitive candidates typically hold:
- A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in:
- International Development
- Social Sciences
- Economics
- Public Policy
- Statistics or Data Science
- Education, Health, or related fields
Training in research methods, statistics, or data analysis is a strong advantage.
Experience
Applicants are usually expected to demonstrate:
- 1–5 years of relevant research or analytical experience, depending on contract level
- Experience with academic, policy, or programme-based research
- Familiarity with development or humanitarian contexts
- Ability to work independently in a remote environment
Prior experience with UN agencies, UNICEF, NGOs, or research institutions is an asset but not always required.
Core Skills & Competencies
- Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills
- Excellent writing and communication abilities
- Experience with qualitative and/or quantitative research methods
- Proficiency in standard data and office software
- Strong organisation, time management, and attention to detail
- Ability to collaborate effectively across cultures and time zones
Why Apply for This Position
A UNICEF Home-Based Research Assistant role in 2026 offers significant professional and personal benefits:
- Global career value: UNICEF experience is highly respected worldwide
- Flexible remote work: No relocation required
- Meaningful impact: Direct contribution to policies affecting millions of children
- Professional development: Exposure to high-level research and UN systems
- Career pathway: Strong stepping stone to Research Officer, Analyst, or Programme roles
Application Tips & Insights
To strengthen an application for a UNICEF Research Assistant role:
- Tailor your CV to highlight research outputs and analytical skills
- Emphasise experience with data, reports, and evidence-based work
- Clearly show interest in child rights, development, or humanitarian issues
- Demonstrate ability to manage deadlines independently in remote roles
- Avoid generic statements—use concrete examples
Well-prepared applications clearly link research skills to real-world impact.
Additional Information
- Organisation: UNICEF
- Position: Research Assistant
- Work Arrangement: Home-Based / Remote
- Year: 2026
- Contract Type: Consultancy / Temporary / Fixed-Term (varies)
- Salary: Competitive UN-aligned salary (varies by contract and experience)
- Benefits: May include health insurance, paid leave, and learning opportunities (contract-dependent)
- Equal Opportunity: UNICEF is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion
UNICEF never charges application or recruitment fees.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should:
- Visit UNICEF’s official careers portal
- Search for Home-Based Research Assistant roles
- Review eligibility and contract details carefully
- Prepare a tailored CV and motivation statement
- Submit the application before the stated deadline
Early applications are recommended due to high competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this role fully remote?
Yes. These Research Assistant roles are home-based.
Is the position paid?
Yes. UNICEF offers competitive, UN-aligned remuneration.
Do I need prior UNICEF experience?
No. Strong research skills and relevant experience are key.
Can this role lead to long-term UN employment?
Yes. Many UNICEF professionals begin through research or consultancy roles.
Who can apply?
Eligibility is global, subject to specific vacancy requirements.
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