Position Summary:

The Programme Specialist contributes to the co-ordination and management of quality, timely and integrated technical and programme support to Country Offices in the area of adolescents and youth, ensuring that country and regional programme(s) are implemented in the context of: SDGs, the ICPD Programme of Action, and UNFPA Strategic Plan as well as national development processes, frameworks and UN reform. As a regional focal point on youth to country offices and the youth components of the regional programme, the Programme Specialist ensures that programme support and capacity development needs are met and technical assistance is delivered and managed effectively through appropriate modalities.

The Programme Specialist, Youth post is located in the Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and reports directly to the Deputy Regional Director who provides overall leadership. S/he collaborates closely and receives inputs from the Programme and Technical Advisers on the overall programme strategy and ensures young people’s issues and priorities are mainstreamed within the countries’ and regional programme interventions. S/he is part of an inter-disciplinary team, which provides integrated programme and technical support within a systems strengthening approach fundamental to UNFPA’s overall strategy.

Requirements and Qualifications:

Education: Advanced degree in public health, medicine, sociology, demography, gender, economics, international relations, international development, public administration, management or other related field.

Knowledge and Experience:

• 7 years of increasingly responsible professional experience in management and development relevant to population and development, sexual and reproductive health, including HIV/AIDS and gender, and in particular in the areas of youth health and development, including three at the international level;
• Substantive knowledge and practical experience in population and development, sexual and reproductive health, and gender with a specific focus on youth programming;
• Experience in programme and/or technical assistance with the UN System;
• Strong communications and writing skills in English and in the relevant UN working language in the region;
• Field experience is a strong asset

Languages: Fluency in English is required. Working knowledge of another UN language  desirable.