Education and Youth Associate Officer

Support youth education and employment initiatives in Albania.

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Application deadline 1 year ago: Sunday 29 Jun 2025 at 00:00 UTC

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Overview

Support youth education and employment initiatives in Albania.

You have:

  • Demonstrated interest or experience in employment policies and transition to the labor market, youth development or international development is required.
  • Strong analytical skills.
  • Strong teamwork capabilities, adept at facilitating discussions, and skilled in building positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including those from diverse backgrounds.
  • Proficiency in MS Office software applications. Experience with corporate software for resource and programme management would be considered an asset.
  • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.
  • Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded.
  • Excellent communication and writing skills in English.

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.

The Education and Youth Sector at UNICEF Albania is seeking a UN Volunteer to support the Education and Youth Programme, where skills development and the transition to work are key components of the Country Programme. The selected UN Volunteer will contribute to achieving results for adolescents and youth (both girls and boys) through formal and alternative learning pathways. The focus will be on skills building, developing strategies for engaging youth who are Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEETs), and supporting the implementation of Youth Guarantee activities in Albania. This includes designing outreach strategies to identify NEET youth at the local level and establishing effective referral mechanisms. Additionally, the UN Volunteer will support the capacity building of Vocational Employment Offices and assist implementing partners in delivering skills-for-employment initiatives. These efforts are part of UNICEF's contribution to the SDG Acceleration Framework on Jobs and Social Protection. The UN Volunteer will support the Country Office in designing evidence-based programmes, strengthening data systems, and measuring results of interventions that address the learning needs of all adolescents and young people, particularly in relation to skills development and employment opportunities. This aligns well with the priorities of the Government of Sweden, including employability and job creation, education and skills building. It also supports Sweden’s agenda in Albania, which promotes human rights, democracy, the rule of law, gender equality, and the development of peaceful and inclusive societies.

Under the direct supervision of Education Specialist the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

  1. Program Support and Coordination • Assist in coordinating youth skilling and transition-to-work programmes, ensuring timely implementation of activities in collaboration with the National Skills and Employment Agency (AKPA), the Ministry of State for Youth and Children (MoYC), the National Youth Agency, and other relevant stakeholders. • Collaborate with government agencies, NGOs, schools, and community organizations to support program delivery aspects regarding EU4Youth, SDG Accelerator Program interventions etc. • Support in organizing and facilitating workshops, training sessions, and meetings as needed. • Develop programme briefs, progress reports and concept notes for fundraising as needed. • Organize programmatic monitoring visits and provide suggestions and comments for implementing the work on the ground.

  2. Research and Analysis • Assist in the formulation of new programme priorities for next cycle of work for UNICEF in Albania along with other team members. • Assist in conducting research on Skills and employment policies, youth development trends, and best practices in Albania and globally. • Assist in Analyzing program data and prepare reports on program progress, outcomes, and impacts. • Prepare a summary of the EU4Youth initiative, highlighting key outcomes and assessing the potential for its replication in other regions of Albania.

  3. Community Engagement and Advocacy • Support community engagement activities in outreach for NEETS and promote inclusive youth participation. • Assist in the development and dissemination of advocacy materials, including social media content and policy briefs, with a focus on employment and skills development for the labour market. • Ensure compliance with UNICEF’s policies and procedures in all program activities.

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

• Demonstrated interest or experience in employment policies and transition to the labor market, youth development or international development is required. • Strong analytical skills • Strong teamwork capabilities, adept at facilitating discussions, and skilled in building positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including those from diverse backgrounds. • Proficiency in MS Office software applications. Experience with corporate software for resource and programme management would be considered an asset. • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines. • Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded. • Excellent communication and writing skills in English

Albania is located in Southeastern part of Europe, by the Mediterranean Sea. The country is making significant strides towards economic growth and European Union integration. The country’s strategic location offers potential for tourism and trade which can further boost its economy. Despite being one of the poorer countries in Europe, the consistent economic growth of 2-5% annually over the past decade is promising. The population in the Republic of Albania as per the last Census data of September 2023 is 2,402,113, (out of these number 266,256 boys and 250,616 girls) with a decrease of 420 thousand people, compared to the 2011 Census.Public security is generally good, particularly in Tirana, and Albanians are very hospitable to visitors. Crime and violence do occur in some areas but reports of crime specifically targeting foreigners are rare. Petty thefts or scams do exist, but in no larger scale than in many other cities. Climate is typical Mediterranean, particularly in the regions closer to the sea, including Tirana, the capital, whereas in the east mountainous areas the climate resembles the continental one. The official language is Albanian. Many persons speak or understand Italian, whereas English is not common, and it is mostly spoken by younger generations.

Visa process The nationals of Sweden can enter Albania without a visa. Information on the visa regime for Albania can be accessed at the link: Upon arrival, UNICEF will support the selected UN Volunteer to obtain the needed permits in line with the regulations with Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Potential interview questions

Can you describe your experience with youth development and employment policies? This question seeks to understand your background and familiarity with areas critical to the role. Discuss specific experiences or training related to youth development and employment.
How do you approach working with diverse teams and stakeholders? The interviewer is interested in your teamwork abilities and adaptability. Pro members can see the explanation.
What strategies would you employ to engage NEET youth in educational programs? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Tell us about a time you had to analyze data and present findings. What was the outcome? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe how you would create advocacy materials to support employment initiatives. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you handle tight deadlines? Can you provide an example? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What motivates you to work in volunteer positions, particularly in youth education? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you keep yourself updated with the latest trends in youth employment and education? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unv.org