Adolescent Development Officer

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence. Established with a mission to promote the rights of every child, UNICEF is committed to providing support and resources to children and communities worldwide. The organization prides itself on being a place where careers are built, offering diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF fosters a culture of belonging and growth, ensuring that its staff are equipped with an attractive compensation and benefits package. The organization is dedicated to its mission and values, which guide its operations and interactions with children and families globally.

Job Overview:
The Adolescent Development Officer plays a crucial role in coordinating efforts across various ministries and sectors to enhance integrated approaches to adolescent development. This position is pivotal in building and maintaining strategic partnerships with government institutions and other stakeholders, facilitating collaboration, and contributing to the strategic direction of the adolescent development agenda. The Officer is responsible for providing technical, operational, and coordination support throughout the program cycle, which includes the design, implementation, and monitoring of adolescent development and participation programs within the Country Programme. The role emphasizes alignment with national priorities and the UNICEF Strategic Plan for 2026–2029, focusing specifically on enhancing adolescents’ and young people’s skills development and meaningful participation through initiatives like UPSHIFT and broader skilling programs aimed at improving outcomes for adolescents and youth in Bhutan.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Adolescent Development Officer will be responsible for a variety of duties, including but not limited to: supporting program development and planning; managing program implementation, monitoring, and ensuring the delivery of results; providing technical and operational support to program execution; building networks and partnerships with relevant stakeholders; fostering innovation, knowledge management, and capacity building within the organization and among partners. The Officer will also be expected to engage in continuous assessment of program effectiveness and contribute to the overall strategic goals of UNICEF in relation to adolescent development.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent First Level University Degree in fields such as Anthropology, Education, Psychology, Sociology, Project Evaluation and Management, Development Studies, or Strategic Management. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of two years of professional experience in social development planning and management, particularly in areas related to adolescent development. Experience in leading programs and providing strategic oversight is also required. Candidates should demonstrate skills in program management, stakeholder coordination, partnership building, capacity building, monitoring and evaluation, and technical advisory roles.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent First Level University Degree in relevant fields such as Anthropology, Education, Psychology, Sociology, Project Evaluation and Management, Development Studies, or Strategic Management. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of adolescent development and the various factors that influence it.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of professional experience in social development planning and management, specifically in areas related to adolescent development. Candidates should have experience leading programs and providing strategic oversight, which is crucial for the successful implementation of UNICEF’s initiatives in this area. Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is considered an asset, as it demonstrates familiarity with the operational frameworks and values of UNICEF.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is desirable, as it can enhance communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to various conditions, including medical clearance and compliance with vaccination requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). UNICEF emphasizes the importance of safeguarding and protecting the rights of every child, and all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks. The organization is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, nationality, or background. UNICEF does not charge any processing fees during the recruitment process and is dedicated to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities throughout the hiring process.