Pros
The culture at UNICEF is warm, friendly, and inclusive, and the broader impact of the organisation's work is truly extraordinary. I found the regular town halls especially inspiring—they provided meaningful insight into the life-changing work happening on the ground and helped reinforce a sense of purpose and connection across teams. The social committee also does a great job in fostering community and creating moments of joy and engagement in the workplace. That sense of connection—to both the mission and the people—is something really special and worth preserving.
Cons
I often felt underutilised and unsupported, with limited opportunities for professional growth or mentorship. Good ideas and potential partnerships were difficult to progress due to internal silos, slow decision-making, and a tendency to say “no” rather than work through challenges. Cross-team collaboration can be poor, with certain teams acting as gatekeepers, which can discourage initiative. Event planning and execution often lacked structure, with last-minute responsibilities assigned without adequate context or support—at times setting staff up for avoidable stress. Compared to my corporate experience, the pace can be slow, and it can be frustrating to turn ideas into action.