Introduction

The earliest years of a child’s life represent the most critical window of opportunity for brain development, lifelong health, and future potential. In Serbia, investing in early childhood development (ECD) is not just a social imperative but a strategic investment in the nation’s human capital and future prosperity. The announcement of the UNICEF Programme Officer (Early Years), NO-1 position in Belgrade for 2026 represents a pivotal entry-point for a dedicated professional to contribute to this foundational work. This is not an administrative role; it is a technical and programmatic position at the heart of designing, supporting, and monitoring initiatives that ensure every Serbian child has the best start in life.

UNICEF Serbia is seeking a passionate, analytical, and collaborative professional to join its Education and Early Childhood Development team. This National Officer (NO-1) position is a unique chance to work within the UN system in your own country, bringing local knowledge and networks to bear on global best practices. The officer will support programmes focused on improving parental education, expanding access to quality inclusive preschool, strengthening early detection of developmental delays, and advocating for family-friendly policies. Based in Belgrade, you will work at the intersection of evidence, policy, and practice to shape Serbia’s early childhood landscape.

The role offers a competitive local salary under the UN’s National Officer scale, comprehensive UN benefits, and unparalleled professional development. What makes this position stand out is its direct line of impact. Your work supporting a training module for health visitors will directly affect how new parents are supported. Your analysis of preschool enrollment data will inform government budget decisions. For a professional committed to tangible, systemic change for children, this is where theory meets practice in the service of your own nation’s youngest citizens.

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Background & Job Description

UNICEF works in over 190 countries to protect the rights of every child. In Serbia, UNICEF partners with the Government, civil society, and other stakeholders to advance child rights across health, education, child protection, and social inclusion, guided by the Country Programme Document (CPD).

This Programme Officer position for 2026 is embedded within the Education and ECD Section of UNICEF Serbia. The role purpose is to provide professional technical, operational, and administrative assistance throughout the programming process for early childhood development projects. The officer will support the preparation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of programme activities, ensuring effective integration with other sectors (like Health and Social Protection) and alignment with national strategies such as Serbia’s Early Childhood Development and Preschool Education Strategy.

A Programme Officer’s work is fundamental to translating UNICEF’s global ECD agenda into effective, context-specific action in Serbia. By ensuring accurate data collection, supporting capacity-building activities for frontline workers, drafting compelling reports for donors, and facilitating partnerships with local NGOs and government counterparts, the officer helps ensure that programmes are well-managed, accountable, and impactful. This role is designed for a detail-oriented professional who is eager to learn the full project cycle within a respected UN agency.

Key Responsibilities

The officer will support the ECD portfolio through a combination of technical, operational, and coordination tasks.

Programme Development and Planning: Support the research and collection of data on early childhood issues in Serbia to provide evidence for programme development. Assist in conducting situation analyses and updating the programme information database. Contribute to the preparation of annual work plans, programme budgets, and related documentation, ensuring alignment with national priorities and UNICEF’s Strategic Plan.
Programme Management, Monitoring, and Delivery of Results: Support the effective implementation of ECD programme activities. Help monitor programme expenditures and the disbursement of funds, ensuring compliance with UNICEF rules. Collect and analyze programme data (e.g., on preschool enrollment, parental programme participation) for monitoring and reporting. Prepare draft inputs for donor reports, programme performance analyses, and annual reports.
Technical and Operational Support to Programme Implementation: Provide technical and administrative support to government counterparts, NGO partners, and UN system partners in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of ECD activities. Help organize field visits, trainings, workshops, and meetings. Assist in the preparation of training materials and participate as a resource person in capacity-building initiatives for partners.
Networking and Partnership Building: Support the building and strengthening of partnerships with relevant government institutions, local authorities, civil society organizations, and the private sector to support ECD implementation. Help prepare materials for advocacy and resource mobilization. Support communication activities by drafting human-interest stories and social media content related to ECD successes.
Innovation, Knowledge Management, and Capacity Building: Identify, capture, synthesize, and share lessons learned from ECD programme implementation for integration into broader knowledge management. Support research and evaluations on ECD topics. Assist in the development and testing of innovative approaches to reach the most vulnerable families with early childhood services.

UNICEF Programme Officer (Early Years), NO-1, Belgrade, Serbia 2026: Build the Foundation for Serbia’s Future

Qualifications

Education

A university degree (Bachelor’s or higher) in one of the following fields is required: Education, Public Administration, Public Health, Nutrition, Psychology, Sociology, Human Development, Child Development, or another relevant technical field.
An advanced university degree (Master’s) in a related field is a strong asset.

Experience

A minimum of one year of professional experience in social development planning and management in early childhood development-related areas is required.
Experience working in a development or humanitarian context is an asset.
Relevant experience in or with the UN system, government, or a reputable NGO will be considered an advantage.
Specific Experience Preferred:
- Experience in programme support, including monitoring and reporting.
- Experience in research and data analysis related to social policy, education, or health.
- Experience working with government institutions in Serbia is highly desirable.

Language Requirements

Fluency in Serbian and English is required. Excellent written and verbal skills in both languages are essential for drafting reports, communicating with partners, and engaging with the global UNICEF network.

Competencies

Core UNICEF Values: Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, Sustainability.
Core Competencies: Demonstrates Self and Ethical Awareness, Works Collaboratively with Others, Innovates and Embraces Change, Thinks and Acts Strategically.
Functional Competencies: Analyzing, Applying Technical Expertise, Planning and Organizing, Following Instructions and Procedures.

Why Apply for This Position

Securing the Programme Officer (Early Years) role at UNICEF Serbia in 2026 is a career-defining launch into international development. As a National Officer, you gain the prestige and professional structure of the UN system while applying your expertise directly to your home country’s challenges. The comprehensive benefits—including competitive salary, health insurance, pension, and generous leave—provide stability and reflect the value placed on national staff.

The professional growth is structured and significant. You will gain hands-on experience with UNICEF’s renowned programming tools, project management cycles, and partnership models. This role is a recognized pathway to more senior Programme Officer (NO-2, NO-3) and Specialist positions within UNICEF Serbia or other country offices. The networking opportunities connect you with national policymakers, civil society leaders, and UNICEF’s global ECD experts.

The impact of your work is both immediate and long-term. The systems you help strengthen today will shape the developmental outcomes of a generation of Serbian children. The work culture at UNICEF is collaborative, evidence-based, and deeply child-centered, offering a mission-driven environment where your contributions are valued.

Application Tips & Insights

UNICEF seeks candidates who combine technical understanding of ECD with strong operational skills and a genuine commitment to child rights.

Tailor Your Application to Serbia’s ECD Context: Demonstrate specific knowledge of Serbia’s early childhood landscape. Mention relevant national strategies, key challenges (e.g., regional disparities in preschool access, inclusion of Roma children), and UNICEF Serbia’s ongoing projects. Your cover letter should articulate a clear understanding of how this role contributes to national priorities.
Highlight Relevant Experience and Language Skills: Even with one year of experience, provide concrete examples. “Supported the monitoring of 10 community-based playgroups, tracking participation of 200+ children” is powerful. Prominently state your fluency in both Serbian and English. Showcase any experience with data analysis, report writing, or stakeholder coordination.
Avoid Common Mistakes: A generic application will fail. Avoid vague statements about “loving children.” Focus on your professional capacity to support programme management and systemic change. Ensure your CV aligns perfectly with the experience requirements. Proofread meticulously in both languages.
Timeline & Process Expectations: For a 2026 start, the vacancy will likely be posted in late 2025. The process may involve a written test (e.g., drafting a programme brief or analyzing data) and a competency-based interview. The entire process can take 6-10 weeks from application deadline to offer.
Interview Preparation: Prepare for behavioral questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Be ready to discuss your understanding of multisectoral ECD (health, nutrition, care, safety). Research UNICEF’s Early Childhood Development Index (ECDI) and be prepared to discuss how data informs programming.

Additional Information

Salary & Benefits: This is a National Officer (NO-1) position. Salary is based on the UN Common System for National Staff in Serbia, competitive locally and tax-exempt. The package includes:
- Annual salary (paid monthly in Serbian Dinar, RSD).
- Pension plan (UNJSPF) and health insurance.
- 30 days annual leave.
- Dependency allowances.
- Language allowance (if applicable).
Contract Duration: This is typically a Fixed-Term Appointment (FTA) for one year, with the possibility of renewal based on performance, need, and funding.
Work Arrangement: The position is based in the UNICEF Serbia Country Office in Belgrade. A hybrid work model may be in effect, but presence in the office is required.
Application Deadline: Adhere strictly to the deadline on the UNICEF careers portal. Applications are reviewed after closing.
Equal Opportunity: UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion. Qualified female candidates and candidates from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with the aims of the United Nations, including sexual exploitation and abuse.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted exclusively through UNICEF’s global recruitment system.

Find the Vacancy: Visit the UNICEF Careers Page. Search for “Programme Officer Early Years Serbia” or filter by location (Belgrade) and category (NO-1).
Review Carefully: Read the entire job description and note the specific application requirements and Job Number.
Prepare Required Documents: These typically include:
- A completed UNICEF Personal History Form (P11) (available on the careers site) or a tailored CV.
- A Cover Letter.
Complete Online Application: Create a profile on the UNICEF recruitment portal and apply for the specific vacancy, uploading all documents.
Official Portal: Apply only via the link in the official vacancy announcement on jobs.unicef.org.
Deadline: Submit your application well before the deadline.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is this a field-based role or an office-based role?
This is primarily an office-based role in Belgrade with some travel for field monitoring, partner meetings, and event support within Serbia. It is a programme support role, not a frontline implementation role.

2. I have experience in primary education, but not specifically early years (0-6). Is my experience relevant?
Experience with primary education is valuable, but you must clearly articulate the transferable skills (programme support, stakeholder coordination) and demonstrate a specific understanding of the unique aspects of early childhood development (brain science, parental engagement, multisectoral approach) in your application to be competitive.

3. What is the career progression for a National Officer at UNICEF Serbia?
The typical progression within the National Officer stream is: NO-1 → NO-2 → NO-3 → NO-4 (Head of Section). High performance and gaining experience can lead to roles with greater managerial and technical responsibility within the country office or opportunities in other UNICEF offices regionally or globally.

4. How does UNICEF Serbia work with the Government on ECD?
UNICEF operates as a technical partner and advisor. The Programme Officer will support work with ministries like the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, and the Social Welfare Directorate to develop policies, build capacity, pilot innovative models, and strengthen monitoring systems—all aligned with national ownership and sustainability.

5. What software and tools will I need to know?
Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 (especially Excel, PowerPoint, Word) is essential. Familiarity with data visualization tools (Power BI) and project management software is an asset. UNICEF uses its own internal platforms for planning (e.g., InSight) and reporting, for which training will be provided.

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