Youth Coordinator

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 UN Country Team (UNCT) Liberia is led by the UN Resident Coordinator who coordinates all UN operations in Liberia with the support of the Resident Coordinator’s Office.

The UN Resident Coordinator's Office provides direct support to the UN Resident Coordinator and the UN Country Team, including advisory, technical and management support. The office coordinates the implementation of the UNDAF and helps the UNCT?operate?more efficiently through harmonized business transaction and cost effectiveness. It is made up of three units namely, the Core Coordination Unit, the Peace, Political and Development Unit and the Liberia Multi-Partner Trust Fund/Peacebuilding Fund (PBF).

The RCO provides key coordination and analytical functions for the UNCT in support of comprehensive UNDAF consultative process, development of joint UN programmes and serves as a backbone to all compulsory reporting and other tasks as required from the RC, the UNCT and by headquarters. The RCO also provides other support as requested by the RC and the UNCT.

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Development Coordination Officer, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: • Create, maintain and expand network by liaising with youth networks, CSOs, private sector, academic and government, including the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning on the establishment of a coordination mechanism for youth participation in SDGs implementation in collaboration with UNFPA, the lead UN Agency on youth matters. • Provide technical support and advocacy, capacity development and partnership, evidence and knowledge development and dissemination, and technical representation to the Resident Coordinator’s Office and the Youth Inter-Agency Programming Team. • Support Youth Engagement on SDGs interventions in Liberia. • Provide technical and advisory services to support the joint youth programmes and activities in the UN. • Coordinate and deepen partnerships and mobilize support for national policies and joint youth programmes in Liberia. • Strengthen collaboration and exchange among all relevant UN entities, through UN Inter-Agency Network on youth, to increase the effectiveness of UN work in the SDGs and youth development in Liberia under the leadership of the Youth Inter-Agency Task Team Chair and UNFPA by ensuring the youth task team meetings are organized quarterly, taking meeting minutes, ensuring all supporting documents are available and shared among IANYD members • Maintain communication and coordination of the UN Youth Inter-Agency Task Team. 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. Results/Expected Outputs • Assist in the timely delivery of the youth component of UNRCO Annual Work Plan through supporting the planning and implementation of project-related activities, such as training events, workshops and meetings and maintaining regular contacts with UNRCO implementing partners. • Timely, responsive, and high-quality delivery of coordination and support to on-going and new development programs or other initiatives of the peace building and reconciliation of the RC office, UNCT in Liberia. • Supporting coordination of existing and creation of new partnerships between relevant stake-holders (government, civil society, private sector and the international community in Liberia, including the UN system). • The development of capacity through coaching, mentoring and formal on-the-job training, when working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-) governmental counterparts, including Implementing Partners (IPs). • Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment • Promotion of Volunteering / Volunteerism • Support to and participation in at least 2 UNV Field Unit initiatives (UNV team retreat, UNV community mobilization initiatives, International Volunteer Day, etc.). • Successful submission of UNV articles (1~2) for peace building and development; Development of UNV peace building program. • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participat-ed in and capacities developed

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

(ideally, a minimum of one year of relevant experience) working with youth programmes. Excellent inter-personal and general communication skills. The incumbent must be a dynamic, team-oriented, multi-functional person who supports the UNCT in Liberia with professionalism and dedication. The following qualifications/requirements must be met: Preferably one year of progressively experience with youth programmes in a governmental, multilateral, or civil society organization.
Experience in national and community-level conflict prevention and peacebuilding initiatives and programming.
Networking and partnership building skills are required. Extensive experience in analysis, research and sound drafting skills Experience in project/programme development, management Preferably one year of relevant experience working with youth programmes.
Excellent inter-personal and general communication skills.

Liberia, Africa's oldest Republic, is located at the western edge of the continent, on the Atlantic coast between Sierra Leone and Côte d'Ivoire. The population of Liberia is approximately 4.5 million and contains about 16 different ethnic groups. A large percentage of Liberia’s population live in the capital. The Specialist will be based in Monrovia the capital city of Liberia.

The climate features a wet season and a dry season, but precipitation is seen even during the dry season. Temperatures remain constant throughout the year averaging around 26.4°C (79.5°F). Some visitors may feel cold during the day and evenings in the rainy season; also, most rooms are air conditioned, so it is suggested that appropriate clothing (light sweater or jacket) be brought along.

The country is generally safer, except for petty crimes especially in the cities. It is mandatory to complete the United Nations Security course BSAFE. The current UN security level for Liberia is level 2. Upon arrival in the country, all UN staff receive a security briefing from UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS). Security recommendations from UNDSS must be followed by all UN Staff and UN Volunteers during their assignments in Liberia.

In Monrovia, apartment-type accommodation can be found in areas such as Mamba Point and Sinkor. These are of various standards and usually come furnished with water and electricity and security guards, in compliance with UN security requirements. Prices are negotiable. The UNV Field Unit Liberia connects arriving volunteers to furnished MORSS compliant property owners. The Field Unit supports incoming volunteers to identify suitable accommodation prior to arrival.

There are hotels and guesthouses in various county capitals that are comfortable and furnished with facilities such as wi-fi, laundry service, electricity, and security. There are variety of sports outfits in hotels and other accommodation for privacy. This includes gyms, swimming pools, tennis/basketball courts and stadium reserved for football. A gym is also available at the One UN House for all categories of staff based on the presentation of the UN ID Card.

The US dollar is widely used and can be exchanged with the Liberian dollar (exchange rate as of March 2021: 1 US$ = 174 Liberian dollar). Credit cards and traveller’s checks are not commonly accepted but there are several cash machines/ATMs in Liberia that take visa cards.