Adolescent & Youth Engagement Officer

Contract

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

UNICEF is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to advocate for the protection of children's rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential. UNICEF is guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child and strives to establish children's rights as enduring ethical principles and international standards of behaviour towards children.

This UNV Assignment is part of UNICEF Zimbabwe’s interventions in support of the Adolescent and Youth Strategy implementation and will focus on meaningful participation of adolescents and youth. The incumbent shall assist with the U-report program, a proven tool in engaging young people by collecting their opinions based on their lived experience. UNICEF intends to revitalize the program by engaging and reengaging U-reporters for systematic and meaningful participation. In addition to the U-report program, UNICEF Zimbabwe has constituted an Adolescents and Youth Advisory Committee (AYAC), an all-inclusive adolescent and youth driven body mandated to provide advisory services as UNICEF programs for and with adolescents. The incumbent shall also assist with the coordination of AYAC’s activities.

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for UN Volunteers with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process and afterwards in your assignment.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Chief of HIV & Adolescent Development & Participation, or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV - Adolescent & Youth Engagement Officer will:

A. Assist with the planning, monitoring and reporting of the U Report Initiative for systematic and meaningful engagement of adolescents and youth Tasks: • Support in managing and scheduling polling questions in liaison with section colleagues, other sections and stakeholders • Manage U report poll calendar, aligning with key global and national advocacy dates • Monitor U-Report initiatives on daily basis through review of incoming messages, feedback, consultative meetings and/or exchange of information with partners/stakeholders to assess progress, identify bottlenecks and potential problems and take timely actions to resolve issues and/or refer to relevant officials for timely resolution. • Create complaint and feedback mechanism through U-Report. • In close liaison with T4D section, analyse polls for feedback and publication to u reporters, partners and media • Manage U report social media (facebook, whatsapp) to maintain user engagement with trending issues, regular updates including polls and respond to non technical comments • Participate in regional and global u report initiatives for positioning the ZCO U report initiative and learning • Ensure relevant stakeholders are engaged and kept up to date (children and youth, media, government ministries, private sector, CSOs, UN

B. Support the operations of the UNICEF Adolescents and Youth Advisory Committee (AYAC) to ensure meaningful and effective engagement Tasks: • Lead in the drafting/development of calendar of activities in close consultation with AYAC members • Identify AYAC capacity development needs and come up structured capacity development plan • Provide admin and logistical support for quarterly and ad hoc AYAC meetings, and other related engagements • Supporting AYAC members in report writing and providing feedback to UNICEF management • Lead on planning, developing and producing the schedules of the AYAC • Facilitate routine engagements between the AYAC and UNICEF programme section teams

C. Networking and Coordination
Tasks: • Help in the establishment and nurturing of positive working partnerships with government ministries, private sector, and CSOs to achieve and sustain results on adolescent and youth participation • Participate in relevant meetings and for a for better coordination and management adolescent and youth participation programmes • Research and recommend on innovative strategies to grow U Report membership.

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

Youth Participation and Engagement programmes. • Voluntary service, community engagement or related work experience essential • Experience with U-report platform will be considered an advantage. • Skills in community development; adolescent and youth engagement • Good oral and written communication skills; • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners and young people in their diversity, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office package

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials.

The contract lasts for the period indicated above with possibility of extensions subject to availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectation of renewal of the assignment. The HIV/AIDS and Adolescent Development section of UNICEF Zimbabwe has a worth of experience and expertise in working with young people. The section provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness and professionalism. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to work in a challenging but emotionally rewarding environment is essential