Assistant Director, Legal & Public Affairs

Organization Overview

UNICEF USA (“UUSA” or “We”) relentlessly pursues a more equitable world for every child, upholding the rights of all children and empowering every child, everywhere. We also support the fundamental belief that children should have a voice and role in shaping their futures and the futures of their communities.
Over eight decades, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has built an unprecedented global support system for the world’s children, and has boldly taken on the biggest, seemingly impossible challenges facing children. UNICEF relentlessly works day in and day out to deliver the essentials that give every child an equitable chance in life: health care and immunizations, safe water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more. UNICEF USA advances the global mission of UNICEF by rallying the American public to support the world’s most vulnerable children.
We know that sustainable change is attainable, but it can’t be achieved alone. It takes a committed team – individuals, governments, corporations, volunteers and staff – who demonstrate a relentless commitment to working tirelessly, day in and day out in some of the toughest, hardest to reach places. Big problems need big solutions, and we harness our collective, global voice and energy to do more good, in more places for children. We will never stop supporting UNICEF to develop smarter, more cost-effective solutions; scaling up proven, data-driven programs; and harnessing new technologies to create measurable change for children.
UUSA is organized under the laws of New York State as a not-for-profit corporation. As such, UUSA is a tax-exempt organization as defined under Section 501C(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and is governed by an independent, non-salaried Board of Directors.

Position: Assistant Director, Legal & Public Affairs

Location: Remote/Hybrid

FLSA Status: Full-Time

Salary: $78,600 - $102,000 annually

Organization Overview

UNICEF USA (“UUSA” or “We”) relentlessly pursues a more equitable world for every child, upholding the rights of all children and empowering every child, everywhere. We also support the fundamental belief that children should have a voice and role in shaping their futures and the futures of their communities.

Over eight decades, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has built an unprecedented global support system for the world’s children, and has boldly taken on the biggest, seemingly impossible challenges facing children. UNICEF relentlessly works day in and day out to deliver the essentials that give every child an equitable chance in life: health care and immunizations, safe water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more. UNICEF USA advances the global mission of UNICEF by rallying the American public to support the world’s most vulnerable children.

We know that sustainable change is attainable, but it can’t be achieved alone. It takes a committed team – individuals, governments, corporations, volunteers and staff – who demonstrate a relentless commitment to working tirelessly, day in and day out in some of the toughest, hardest to reach places. Big problems need big solutions, and we harness our collective, global voice and energy to do more good, in more places for children. We will never stop supporting UNICEF to develop smarter, more cost-effective solutions; scaling up proven, data-driven programs; and harnessing new technologies to create measurable change for children.

UUSA is organized under the laws of New York State as a not-for-profit corporation. As such, UUSA is a tax-exempt organization as defined under Section 501c(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and is governed by an independent, non-salaried Board of Directors.

Position Description

Reporting to the General Counsel (GC), the Assistant Director, Legal & Public Affairs, will support the GC with legal, compliance, and public affairs matters; as well as oversee strategic priorities and special projects relevant to legal, regulatory compliance, and public affairs. The role will work cross-functionall, at the intersection of law and public policy. The ideal candidate is a dynamic team player who will thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial atmosphere and who has a passion for UNICEF USA’s mission and policy priorities.

Position Responsibilities (include but not limited to):

Legal & Regulatory:

• Support GC in the negotiation, drafting, and review of partnership agreements and associated documents and manage routing, review, and signing of partnership agreements.
• Collaborate with Technology and Finance Divisions to implement a contract lifecycle and grants management platform, including ongoing maintenance.
• Conduct research and analysis to support UUSA’s legal and regulatory compliance and Enterprise Risk Management programs.
• Manage legal and regulatory compliance and ethics matters and maintains complete and accurate records of such matters.
• Prepare and file regulatory reports on behalf of UUSA and its affiliates, in coordination with other UUSA departments, e.g., Finance, People & Culture, Technology.
• Update and maintain charitable and corporate registration materials.
• Assist in the development and implementation of major new legal and policy initiatives and planning and coordinating legal and/or policy-related workshops and meetings.

Policy & Public Affairs:

• Conduct research and analysis to assist in carrying out both legal & public affairs’ staff and self-initiated projects.
• Draft and develop content for UUSA one-pagers, talking points, issue briefs, related charts and visuals, infographics, and presentations to be used with selected internal or external audiences to advance UUSA Public Affairs strategy.
• Assist in developing, proof-reading, fact-checking and reviewing documents, presentations, and data analysis on behalf of the Legal & Public Affairs Department.

Legal & Public Affairs Operations

• Serves as focal point for developing annual/quarterly objectives and key performance indicators in support of UUSA’s strategic priorities.
• Track, manage, and ensure timely follow-up for requests to Legal & Public Affairs, and internal and external communications requiring General Counsel attention.
• Track, manage, and ensure timely follow-up for org-wide requests of the General Counsel. Gather all relevant materials for requests reaching out proactively with questions.
• Co-develop division meetings and connection opportunities with each team and the General Counsel.
• Identify division process efficiencies and propose solutions through regular reviews.
• Prepares relevant materials to facilitate internal and external communications around Division priorities.

Qualifications:

• B.A./B.S. required.
• Minimum of 4-7 years’ experience in law, public policy, government relations, or related field; knowledge of contracts and/or grants management preferred.
• Excellent communication, public speaking, and interpersonal skills
• Exemplary research, writing, analytical skills and exacting attention to detail
• Ability to develop work plans, set deadlines, work well with minimal supervision, prioritize assignments, and organize multiple projects and duties simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team, know when to act independently and when to consult for advice on decision-making.
• Ability and willingness to facilitate and build collaborative working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, policymakers, and community groups.
• Experience with local government, advocacy, campaigns, outreach, public education, and media preferred
• Must possess current and valid US Work Authorization and be eligible to work for any US employer without sponsorship.
• Commitment to diversity and equity.

Must possess current and valid US Work Authorization and be eligible to work for any US employer without sponsorship.

Due to the high volume of applications received, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. UNICEF USA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer

We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. UUSA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [email protected].