Adolescent Development Officer (Skills and Employability)

Contract

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

Thailand has made impressive progress over the past few decades, both in economic and social development, and has the potential to become a High-Income Country and to lead the region in shaping a future of health, education, and prosperity for its people. However, Thailand is at risk of ‘getting old before getting rich,’ as its demography is rapidly shifting towards an aging society. By 2045, the age dependency ratio in Thailand will have easily surpassed 50 per cent, from a 2017 ratio of less than 20 per cent. A key factor in ensuring Thailand can navigate this transition to the ranks of ageing developed nations is ensuring its children develop healthily in their early years, and receive an education and skills preparing them for the 21st century world of work. While key steps have been taken, the journey is not complete. Gaps and challenges remain across the spectrum of children’s development, which if not addressed can limit the academic attainment, skills acquisition, and future readiness of major proportions of Thailand’s young population. Youth transition to decent work also remains problematic, with high numbers of young people aged 15–24 (over 1.4 million or nearly 15%) who are Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET); while skills mismatch is a major issue in the Thai labour market. One area of focus for UNICEF Thailand is ensuring all children receive a quality education, and skills and opportunities for the transition to work. UNICEF is working to address key challenges facing young people to become future-ready, and drivers of a prosperous future Thailand. UNICEF has developed extensive experience in supporting skill development of the most marginalized youth including teen mothers, children in contact with the juvenile justice system, ethnic minorities and migrants in the North and youth from the conflict-affected Deep South. The Adolescent Development Officer (Skills and Employability) provides operational assistance to support the delivery of Output 2 of UNICEF’s Young People’s Resilience, Connectedness and Empowerment Outcome of UNICEF Thailand Country Programme (2022–2026). Namely, to support the implementation of programmes to strengthen national and local capacities for the equitable provision of alternative pathways and second chance opportunities for youth NEET and other vulnerable youth groups.

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Adolescent Development and Participation, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

1. Supports programme implementation and delivery of results a. Supports the Adolescent Development Officer in in the implementation of skills and employability related projects including in the delivery of integrated pack-age of services for youth NEET; development of Youth Work; and provision of skills development and platforms for employability and lifelong learning – particularly the Thailand’s E-Workforce Ecosystem Platform (the first lifelong learning platform in the country). b. Assists in the preparation of relevant programme reports for management, donors and partners and keep record of reports and programme assessments for easy reference to capture and institutionalize lessons learned. c. Reports on critical issues/findings to the direct supervisor to ensure timely resolution by management/stakeholders.

2. Supports networking and partnership building a. Assists the Adolescent Development Officer in identifying, cultivating and sustaining partnerships with government counterparts and national stakeholders, particularly the Ministry of Labour, Thailand Professional Qualification Institute (TPQI), the Office of Vocational Education Commission (OVEC), civil society organizations, and young people (including UNICEF’s Young People Advisory Board or YPAB) in the area of youth employability, through active consultations and sharing of information and knowledge to facilitate programme implementation and capacity building of stakeholders to achieve and sustain programme results. b. Supports the drafting of communication and information materials for UNICEF Thailand Country Office programme advocacy to promote awareness, partner-ship development and resource mobilization. c. Participates in relevant meetings/events and conducts field visits when required.

3. Contributes to innovation and knowledge management a. Assists in identifying, capturing, synthesizing and sharing lessons learned of the youth employability programme for knowledge development and capacity building of relevant stakeholders. b. Conducts research to identify innovative and cutting-edge practices of youth employability initiatives to support the delivery of results.

☒ Accountability ☒ Adaptability and Flexibility ☒ Building Trust ☒ Commitment and Motivation ☒ Commitment to Continuous Learning ☒ Communication ☒ Creativity ☒ Ethics and Values ☒ Integrity ☒ Judgement and Decision-making ☒ Knowledge Sharing ☒ Planning and Organizing ☒ Professionalism ☒ Respect for Diversity ☒ Self-Management ☒ Technological Awareness ☒ Working in Teams

(up to three years) and/or demonstrated interest in Labor Economics, Development Studies, International Relations, Public Administration, or another relevant technical field. • Issues of youth employability, education, school to work transition and NEETs • Adolescent development and participation and Youth Work • Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded

Thailand is located in the geographic heart of Southeast Asia, and plays an important role in the commercial and political life of the region. The population of Thailand is approximately 66 million, although given that many people move seasonally from the countryside to the capital, accurate estimates are impossible. Around 11-13 million people live in and around Bangkok. Most of Thailand is assessed as Security Level 1 (Minimal) or 2 (Low) and is subject to automatic security clearance.
Bangkok has a tropical monsoonal climate with high humidity, but it is located outside the typhoon belt. Most of the country experiences three seasons, the cool season from November to February, the hot season from March to May and the rainy season from May to October. The annual mean temperature is 28 degrees Celsius, ranging from a night minimum of 20 degrees Celsius in the cool season to a maximum day temperature of 39 degrees Celsius in the hot season. There are many types of accommodation in Bangkok, including houses, housing estates, townhouses, apartments, serviced apartments and condominiums. Many staff members choose to live in one of the centrally located apartment complexes because of their extra facilities such as 24-hour security, fitness, swimming pool, jacuzzi, etc. Monthly rents can vary from around 20,000 baht for modest housing to over 100,000 baht for luxury accommodation. House rents do not include utilities charges, electricity or water, whereas some apartments do.