CSE & Youth Development Program Assistant

Support implementation of programs on Comprehensive Sexuality Education and Youth leadership initiatives.

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UNFPA - United Nations Population Fund

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Application deadline 2 years ago: Monday 6 May 2024 at 00:00 UTC

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Overview

Support implementation of programs on Comprehensive Sexuality Education and Youth leadership initiatives.

You have:

  • Enrolled in a University programme in Development, Gender Equality, International relations, health, population, demography and/or other related social science discipline.
  • Good written English language skills.
  • Good drafting skills and ability to write reports.
  • Ability to organize and plan work following the established timeframes.
  • Proficiency in the use of standard MS Office packages and the Internet.
  • Proactive and good emotional intelligence.

With approximately 59% of PICTs’ population below 29 years and 28% of PICTs’ population between 10 and 24 years , the Pacific is a very young region. The percentage of the adolescents and young people i.e. 10-24 years is highest in the Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Vanuatu, Kiribati and Nauru where it exceeds 29% of the total population. The lowest is observed in Palau and Niue where it is less than 25% of the total population but still higher than 19%.

Adolescents & young people are often not well informed about the challenges of transitioning through adolescence, making it difficult to break down the social and culturally harmful practices that limit their access to information and services. Adolescent girls who become pregnant often do not complete school, face social and familial exclusion, and are at increased risk of poverty, and sexual and gender-based violence. The concept of youth empowerment and meaningful involvement in decision making at all levels is far from a normal reality in the region and young people are often not part of identifying solutions to their social challenges.

The UN volunteer will support implementation of Adolescent & Youth programs on Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) /Family Life Education (FLE), innovations and youth leadership.

Under the direct supervision of Chief of Adolescents & Youth, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

  1. Contribute to establishment of a community of practice for Comprehensive Sexuality Education/FLE through a moderator role that provides updates, shares resources and engages members for active participation in the identified platform.
  2. Provide secretariat support to the Inter Agency working group on Adolescents & Youth including but not limited to development of a database for partners and programs, monitoring implementation of the 2024 work plan, participation and taking notes in all working group set and adhoc meetings, organisation of events and consolidation of inputs from members on joint document development.
  3. Contribute to development of initiatives & programs on advancing youth leadership and development through digital and programmatic innovations. This task will involve taking stock of innovative initiatives in the region, identifying and informing the unit head, opportunities for expanding these initiatives for purposes of mainstreaming adolescent sexual reproductive health, GBV prevention and youth empowerment.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to: • Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities; • Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

The UN volunteer should be enrolled into a University programme in Development, Gender Equality, International relations, health, population, demography and/or other related social science discipline, and have good written English language skills, good drafting skills, ability to write reports, and the ability to organize and plan work following the established timeframes. Proactivity and good emotional intelligence are essential, as well as proficiency in the use of standard MS Office packages and the Internet.

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

• Proactive, good emotional intelligence • Good written English language skills • Good drafting skills and ability to write reports • Ability to organize and plan work following the established timeframes • Computer Literacy: Proficiency in the use of standard MS Office packages and the Internet.

Fiji, one of the larger countries of the South Pacific region, has a relatively high level of human development and is one of the most developed economics in the region. After nearly a century as British colony, Fiji became independent in 1970. Its multi-ethnic population, which numbers approximately 900,000, is growing slowly due to a moderately low level of fertility and a high level of emigration. The economy rests primarily on sugar production and tourism, but is becoming more diverse, with manufacturing now an important sector of employment. The unit of currency is Fiji Dollar. Fiji comprises of approximately 330 islands, approximately third of which are inhabited. Fiji covers about 1.3 million square kilometres of the South Pacific Ocean. The two major islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. The capital city is Suva and is located on the South-Eastern side of the main island of Viti Levu. Fiji's population is made up of a mixture of native Melanesian and Polynesian islanders, and a blend of Indian, European, Chinese, Rotuman and Rabi islanders making it a rich and vibrant mix of cultures, sights, sounds and exotic island delicacies. English is spoken widely on the Island and it is the common language of communication although the native indigenous Fijian language is spoken by many as is the Hindi language. Fiji enjoys a mild and stable climate most of the year, due to the large expanses of open water that surround its islands. The wet season extends from November to April, but rain falls throughout the year. Tropical cyclones can blow up between November and April, although they are rarely dangerous. Fiji enjoys year-round tropical temperatures of between 25-29 degrees with generally high humidity, making it a perfect location for sun-lovers. Suva, the capital of Fiji, has a population of approximately 141,000, and it is a multiracial and multicultural city. Suva is the largest city in the whole of the region but remains easy-going and friendly. It has reasonably modern facilities including two large hospitals, sporting facilities, restaurants and supermarkets. Modest accommodation is readily available in Suva, but availability of small apartments is limited; an open mind and flexibility come in handy when looking for housing in Suva. The public transport is quite good: local busses run every day of the week, and taxis are affordable. Public transport is available also for exploring and visiting other parts of the country, which provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and tropical nature. Fiji along with many other Pacific islands is known for being one of the friendliest nations in the world. It is a unique country and UNFPA is a unique (humanitarian) operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and 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.

Potential interview questions

Can you describe a situation where you had to adapt your communication style for different audiences? This question assesses your flexibility and understanding of the importance of tailored communication in diverse settings. Provide an example that highlights your ability to adjust your message based on the audience's background or knowledge.
Share an experience where you successfully collaborated with a team to achieve a common goal. The interviewer wants to evaluate your teamwork and collaboration skills in a professional context. Pro members can see the explanation.
How would you approach promoting youth leadership in your community? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you provide an example of how you have used data to inform your work? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What steps would you take to engage adolescents in community programming? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 2 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unv.org