Adolescent and Youth Engagement officer (Covid-19)

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

Faced with the COVID-19 pandemic, UNICEF in DRC, along with other partners, are supporting the Congolese government in the response to this pandemic in several aspects, including: the purchase of medical materials and equipment, transport and logistics of vaccines, capacity building of actors, implementation of communication activities, etc. The general challenges have a major impact on the conditions of adolescents and young people, who experience several deprivations of fundamental rights, many of these highly gendered. This situation is further exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, which has had an impact on the socio-economic life of the entire community, with a notable repercussion on young people and adolescents. UNICEF DRC developed an Adolescent strategy with a goal to contribute to a more equitable approach to the integrated development of all adolescents and young people, including the most disadvantage. In the framework of communication activities, UNICEF has made use of its U-Report platform, which was developed to give young people a voice and allow them access to good information. This platform has allowed young people to learn about several topics including Covid-19 and its vaccines, to share their concerns on this subject and to have answers from health specialists.

The UN volunteer under the supervision of the Adolescent and Youth Engagement Specialist, will support the implementation of the UNICEF DRC Adolescent Strategy as well as the communication team at EPI with the documentation of communication and youth engagement component related to the improvement of Covid-19 vaccination in the DRC.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Adolescent and Youth Engagement Specialist or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Adolescent and Youth Engagement Officer will: 1. Youth Engagement strategy implementation: • Support with the implementation of the UNICEF DRC Adolescent strategy 2021-2024 2. Youth Communication content development for Covid-19: • Assist in the development and implementation of communication content development with and for youth as part of Covid-19 campaigns and advocacy priorities. • Propose content for updating the Covid-19 information centre based on the concerns raised • Support the implementation of live chats on Covid-19 and other activities of the U-Report platform. 3. Youth Advocates: • Support the implementation of a local Youth Advocates programme: researching potential youth advocates; supporting workplan development and communication; supporting youth advocates in preparation for events/media; documenting learnings and successes. 4. Advisory and Technical support: • Ensure adherence to principles of child/youth participation and safeguarding when assisting in the development/implementation of all campaigns, communication products and platforms. • Participate in cross-sectoral collaboration and coordination on key programmatic results on gender, ensuring coherence, maximization of synergies and efficiency in utilization of resources and delivery of results

5. Youth Engagement M&E: • Support the monitoring and evaluation of youth engagement strategies, campaigns and platforms. Assist in the preparation of relevant reports related to Covid-19 • Ensure the improvement of Covid-19 vaccination amongst young people
6. Youth Engagement capacity building & Knowledge Management: • Support the implementation of capacity building and knowledge management efforts. Assist in the development of trainings and workshops; and develop and disseminate case studies and other knowledge management products.
7. Stakeholder engagement: • Research current and potential partners. Assist and maintain a database of formal and informal partnerships and networks whose support is essential to achieving objectives. Support the flow of information to key stakeholders. • Support the Ministry of Youth and Citizenship in the development and implementation of the National Youth Policy Action Plan
8. Others: • Undertake other key responsibilities as required.

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNICEF; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNICEF procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; ; • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, • Genuine commitment towards

Education: University degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, International Relations, International Development, or another related field or a related field

• At least three (3) years of relevant professional work experience in advocacy/ campaigning and communications focused on young people is required. • Experience in supporting the development and implementation of youth engagement strategies, with specific, measurable and timebound objectives and performance indicators. • Demonstrated experience in supporting and/or managing projects to completion, including developing and implementing clear processes. • Demonstrated experience in designing content for youth audiences and/or community moderation of youth focused platforms. • Experience in supporting the effective functioning of a team. • Knowledge of children’s rights, public policy, international development and humanitarian issues. • Knowledge of child safeguarding and ethics of working with children and youth. • Experience working for an advocacy or campaigning organization e.g. national or international NGO, • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; • UN or other multilateral organization is an asset. • Experience in supporting training and facilitation is an asset. • Experience working in a developing and emergency environment is an asset.

Democratic Republic of Congo is a unique country. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.