Adolescent and Youth Programme officer

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

This United Nations Volunteers (UNV) assignment is a catalytic contribution to the Regional Programme for West and Central Africa (WCA) of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). A region currently hosting 196 million young people (10-24 years old), with demographic signs of an increasingly youthful population in the years to come, UNICEF WCA has prioritized adolescents and youth as rights holders and agents of change by adopting a life-course approach to mitigate the cumulative disadvantages experienced through first-to-second decade transitions, as well as to promote opportunities for adolescents and young people to fulfil their life plans and contribute to their communities. The programme to which this UNV assignment will contribute envisions a region where all adolescent girls and boys, young men and women are equipped with skills and opportunities to claim and enjoy their rights in safe and enabling environments. The Region has equally prioritized adolescent girls' rights, committed to accelerating actions with and for adolescent girls to revert the stark indicators that have showed little change over the years, by promoting their leadership and agency. UNICEF WCA is based in Dakar, Senegal and covers 25 countries, a region that bridges development and humanitarian contexts. The Region has adopted a Common Agenda comprised of eight programmatic Key Results for Children (KRC) to ensure multi-sectoral responses for those most in need. Adolescent and Youth Programming is fundamental to the achievement of all KRC, leveraging complementarity with the UNICEF Gender Action Plan (GAP) to do so. The UNV assignment will contribute to the Regional Common Agenda, grounded in UNICEF's Strategic Plan, as well as to the implementation and monitoring of the Sustainable Goals (SDG) Framework, the Youth 2030 Strategy and the African Union Agenda 2063. UNICEF WCA works with country offices, regional integration bodies and partners to develop and implement strategies with and for adolescents and young people, with a focus on those KRC that address leaming outcomes (access and quality), harmful practices (child marriage and FGM) and sexual violence. Gender equality, youth engagement and climate action are cross-cutting strategies. UNICEF WCA hosts a thriving Young UNICE network (professionals under the age of 35) and includes talent management goals to increase staff in this age bracket to both provide opportunities for young people in the Region as well as to ensure youth perspectives in programme development and delivery. Resilience-building, particularly in the Sahel, is a core priority for the Region where more than half of the entire youth population resides.

The proposed UNV will work with the Adolescent Advisor, and in collaboration with other sectors, to ensure technical excellence and quality programming across sectors and with partners to advance a multi-sectoral programme with and for adolescents and young people in WCA. Under the direct supervision of the Regional Advisor, Adolescent Development, the UNV will undertake the following tasks:

I. Support regional sections and country offices on adolescent and youth programming:

a. Identify and disseminate promising practices on adolescent and youth programming, with a focus on climate action, girls' rights, employability and youth-led actions; b. Contribute to the coordination of a youth advisory group; c.Contribute to the finalization of the Adolescent and Youth Theory of Change; d. Contribute to the consolidation of guidelines on effective methods for youth engagement; e. Contribute to on-going partnerships with the African Union (AU) around Transforming Education in Africa and the AU Youth Manifesto; f. Develop and implement knowledge management strategies, including Communities of Practice, with UNICE country offices, youth networks and partners on adolescent and youth programming, and Contribute to the development of key messages and/or event preparation for Regional or International days (such as the International Day of the Girl and/or the African Month of Youth).

II. Support regional sections and country offices to implement and monitor the WCA Girl-Intentional Approach (regional strategy on adolescent girls' rights):

a. Develop and disseminate communications materials around adolescent girls' rights; b. b. Support the on-going, and expansion of, study on adolescent girls' resilience in the Sahel; c. Engage with partners towards a harmonized, complementary agenda on adolescent girls' rights in WCA; d. Consolidate tools and guidance around working with adolescent girls' groups; e. Support country offices to implement and monitor the WCA Girl-Intentional Approach, and f. f. Contribute to network strengthening amongst adolescent and youth organizations across the Region, with a particular focus on gender equality and climate action

• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management

o Gender equality and youth development expertise is required, as is engagement with adolescent gills and partnerships with youth networks. o Experience with climate action is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization. o Workshop facilitation/training skills desirable. o Excellent oral and written skills, including presentation skills. o Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing. o 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 human-centred design. o Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel. o Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, SharePoint, etc); familiarity office technology equipment. o Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision and under tight deadlines; o Sound security awareness. o Have affinity with or interest in child and adolescent rights, volunteerism as a mechanism for development .

The assignment will take place in the nation’s capital, Dakar, a family duty station (Hardship classification A) with missions to the region. Dakar is a liveable city. The spontaneous reception and hospitality of the Senegalese are among the characteristic features of this West African country. The living conditions in Dakar are good, as well as the access to health services. The yellow fever vaccine is compulsory; vaccination cards should be presented at the entrance. Vaccinations against Meningococcal Meningitis and Hepatitis A and B are also recommended. The basic drugs are available in pharmacies, but it is recommended to bring specific prescription drugs. According to official estimates from ANSD/RGPHAE 2023, the Dakar metropolitan area population reaches over 3,9 million. The total population of Senegal is 18,032,473 inhabitants (ANSD 2023). Senegal is located on UTC/ GMT. Senegal has a warm climate and sunny days throughout the year that make it a comfortable duty station. Daytime temperatures are, on average, around 30°C. The rainy season is in the northern hemisphere’s summer/fall. The currency used in Senegal is called Franc CFA (XOF). On 1st January 2024, the average exchange rate is 1 USD = 602,577 XOF. Many hotels, restaurants and businesses in Senegal accept the leading international credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, etc.). It is also possible to withdraw cash from automatic telling machines found in all the major cities. The accommodation facilities are in general good, and the choice is vast. Renting unfurnished and furnished accommodations from 450 to 2000 USD is possible. UN Volunteers can also co-rent and share private concessions, which must comply with Minimum Operating Residential Security Standards (MORSS). Local taxis can easily arrange Transportation in town. A valid passport is required to enter Senegal. ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) nationals are not required to have an entry visa. Citizens of other countries may be required for an entry or long-stay visa. They should contact the closest Senegalese representation. Senegalese Embassies and consulates in various West African countries and other parts of the world issue visas before travel.