Overview

Head of Strategic Planning at UNICEF UK. Permanent, part home/part office (London) based. This is a critical role within the Strategy department, leading the approach to shaping and delivering its long-term direction as UNICEF UK prepares to develop its next organisational strategy for 2027-2030 and to deliver the current four-year goals. You will manage a small team that is responsible for guiding the planning process, ensuring that priorities are clear, realistic and aligned with the strategy. The Head of Strategic Planning acts as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, supporting them to adapt effectively to new opportunities.

UNICEF UK promotes equality, diversity and inclusion in our workplace and is committed to flexible working options where possible.

Responsibilities

• Lead the approach to shaping and delivering the organisation’s long-term strategic direction.
• Manage a small team responsible for guiding the planning process, ensuring priorities are clear, realistic and aligned with the strategy.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, supporting adaptation to new opportunities.
• Translate big-picture goals into actionable plans and develop and deliver frameworks and performance management systems.

Qualifications and experience

• Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving skills.
• Experience leading or managing strategic planning or organisational strategy functions.
• Proven track record of developing and delivering frameworks and performance management systems.
• Ability to deliver high-quality analysis and facilitation to align departmental plans with organisational strategy.

Benefits

• Excellent pay and benefits (including flexible working, generous annual leave and pension, big brand discounts and wellbeing tools).
• Outstanding training and learning opportunities and support to flourish in your role.
• Impressive open-plan office space and facilities on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
• Open culture and workplace with colleagues who share values and are motivated to do their utmost for children.
• Opportunity to work in a leading children’s organisation making a difference to children worldwide.

Application process and additional information

Our application uses a system called Applied that anonymises responses and focuses on relevant skills. Demonstrate your knowledge, skills, and understanding of the role requirements and how UNICEF UK’s values and mission align with yours. Relying completely on AI to answer questions will impact your answers and individuality.

We are gradually moving back to our offices on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, East London, and anticipate most colleagues will work one or two days a week in the office with the rest from home. We will happily discuss other flexible options to suit your circumstances.

We particularly welcome applications from black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates, disabled candidates, and from men, to increase representation at UNICEF UK. Diversity is believed to lead to better results for children.

We promote equality, diversity and inclusion in our workplace and make employment decisions based on business needs and candidate skills and experience, irrespective of age, disability, gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.

The successful candidate will be required to apply for a criminal records check. A criminal record will not necessarily bar you from working with us; this depends on the role and circumstances.

We accept online applications only. If you require support in completing the online form or an application in an alternative format, please contact Supporter Care on 0300 330 5580 during office hours.

If you do not hear from us within 14 days of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. We provide feedback only to shortlisted candidates.

Registered Charity Nos. 1072612 (England and Wales) SC043677 (Scotland).

Seniorities and employment type

• Seniority level: Not Applicable
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Other and Strategy/Planning
• Industries: Non-profit Organizations

For more information about similar opportunities, you can search for Head of Strategic Planning roles in England, United Kingdom.