UNICEF ensures more of the world’s children are vaccinated, educated and protected than any other organisation. We have done more to influence laws and policies to help protect children than anyone else. We get things done. And we’re not going to stop until the world is a safe place for all our children.

This is a great opportunity to join the UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) as the Head of Strategic Planning as we prepare to develop our next organisational strategy from 2027-2030 and deliver the current four-year goals.

This is a critical role within the Strategy department, leading the approach to shaping and delivering its long-term direction. 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.

We are looking for a strategic thinker with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to translate big picture goals into actionable plans. With significant experience leading or managing strategic planning or organisational strategy functions, and a proven track record of developing and delivering frameworks and performance management systems, you will lead a small team to deliver high quality analysis and facilitation that aligns departmental plans with organisational strategy.

What we offer

• excellent pay and benefits (including flexible working, generous annual leave and pension, big brand discounts and wellbeing tools)
• outstanding training and learning opportunities and the support to flourish in your role
• impressive open plan office space and facilities on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
• an open culture and workplace with colleagues who share our values, enjoy their work and are motivated to do their utmost for children.
• the opportunity to work in a leading children’s organisation making a difference to children around the world

We are gradually moving back to our offices on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, East London and we anticipate most colleagues will work one or two days a week in the office and the rest of the time 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, because we would like to increase the representation of these groups at this level at UNICEF UK. We want to do this because we know greater diversity will lead to even greater results for children.

UNICEF UK promotes equality, diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We make employment decisions by matching business needs with skills and experience of candidates, irrespective of age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.

We welcome a conversation about your flexible working requirements, personal growth, and promoting a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.