Job Summary

Adolescents and youth policy, participation and leadership cut through the core of UNFPA’s mandate and are areas in which UNFPA has been and continues to be a pioneer. Sexual and reproductive health and the enjoyment of related human rights is an integral part of young people’s transition into adulthood and decisions about these are closely tied to their education, employment and political participation. As such, UNFPA’s work on youth leadership and participation provides the crucial backbone for its focus on young people across the board. Under the UNFPA Strategy on Adolescents and Youth, youth leadership and participation core activities include consulting youth, advocating for youth participation at various for, supporting youth advocates and providing technical and financial support for youth organizations and advocacy. In the last decade, UNFPA has been one of the pioneering agencies in working with young people and has contributed to shaping the youth space in the UN system.

Through its Strategic plan 2018-2021, UNFPA leads efforts on youth agency and participation and  support  youth networks and organizations in their work on development issues, humanitarian affairs and peace and security

Under the direct supervision of the Technical Specialist Adolescent and Youth / Adolescent and Youth Team lead in SRHB and the overall guidance of the Chief of the SRHB, the incumbent is responsible for  providing technical, programmatic and operations support in terms of young people’s rights,  participation and leadership; with a  focus on liaising with youth-led organizations and networks.

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled.  UNFPA’s new strategic plan (2018-2021), focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices.

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction. UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.

Job Purpose:

You will be directly involved in supporting the UNFPA Strategy on Adolescents and Youth, especially advocating for youth participation, supporting youth advocates and providing technical and financial support for youth organizations and advocacy. 

Education:

Advanced degree in social sciences, sociology, law, communications or related field;

Knowledge and Experience:

2 years of relevant experience at national and international level;

Experience within the United Nations, in relation to gender equality, human rights and sexual and reproductive health is an asset;

Hands on experience in participating or leading a Youth-led organization or network is an asset;

Knowledge of UNFPA mandate and priority areas;

Demonstrated strong analysis and excellent report writing and editing skills;

Excellent inter-personal and communications skills;

Ability to plan, organize and multi-task;

Be able to manage documents, correspondence and reports;

Ability to manage information and work flow; must have knowledge of the institutions of the UN system;

Computer literacy including high level of comfort using Microsoft Office programmes and Internet based research; ability to participate effectively in a team-based, information sharing environment;

Languages:

Fluency and excellent command of English, both written and spoken, is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.