Youth Engagement Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a prominent UN agency established to assist countries in eradicating poverty, reducing inequalities, and building resilience. Operating in approximately 170 countries and territories, UNDP aims to help nations achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In Ukraine, UNDP focuses on three main program priorities: Democratic Governance and Inclusive Social Fabric, Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Recovery and Growth, and Sustainable Environment and Energy Transformation. Since the onset of hostilities in 2014 and the full-scale invasion in 2022, UNDP has maintained a strong presence in Ukraine, supporting local authorities and civil society in emergency response and crisis management. The organization has developed a Country Programme Document for 2025-2029, emphasizing reconstruction, resilience, and reforms, particularly in Mykolaiv, in partnership with the Government of Denmark. UNDP's approach is holistic and systems-based, empowering all societal sectors to effectively respond to the challenges posed by the war and its aftermath.

Job Overview:
The Youth Engagement Associate will play a crucial role in fostering local dialogue and trust-building within communities, particularly by engaging young women and men in decision-making processes and recovery planning. This position involves supporting youth networks, civic activism, and volunteerism to enhance community resilience and social cohesion in areas affected by war. The incumbent will be required to undertake regular duty trips to partner hromadas throughout Mykolaiv oblast to ensure effective outreach, coordination, and monitoring of youth-led initiatives. The role is designed to empower youth participation in local governance and recovery efforts, ensuring that their voices are heard and considered in the rebuilding process.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Contribute to local dialogue and trust-building, focusing on engaging young women and men, and facilitating their interaction with local authorities through joint decision-making and public consultations, especially in war-affected communities. Establish local platforms for networking and partnership building with youth and volunteer networks, national and local authorities, NGOs, and international organizations. Advocate for youth participation in consultations with local administrations and promote the establishment of youth CSOs to monitor local policies and budgets. Organize regional and local consultations on youth inclusion and recovery planning, providing inputs for analytical reports as needed. Assist local authorities in implementing youth-oriented communication strategies and public awareness campaigns.
• Foster civic activism and volunteerism among young people by supporting the development of student self-governance bodies, youth councils, and youth-led organizations through capacity-building initiatives. Facilitate community-level social, cultural, and volunteer networks, managing grants and supporting local recovery planning. Contribute to the development of educational curricula promoting tolerance and civic engagement. Document best practices and lessons learned from project activities.
• Ensure gender equality and women's empowerment are mainstreamed in all activities, promoting a safe environment free from discrimination. Support the project’s contribution to gender equality by involving both women and men, and uphold corporate standards for gender-responsive communications. Promote a team culture of gender equality and zero tolerance for sexual misconduct.
• Perform other duties as necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a minimum of secondary education, with a university degree in Social Sciences, Political Sciences, Psychology, Youth Work, or related fields being advantageous. Candidates should possess a minimum of 6 years of relevant project experience in youth work and engagement with secondary education or 3 years with a university degree. Proficiency in computer applications, particularly MS Word and Excel, and experience with web-based management systems are essential. Candidates must be willing to travel regularly to field sites in Mykolaiv oblast.

Educational Background:
A secondary education is required, while a university degree (bachelor's degree) in relevant fields such as Social Sciences, Political Sciences, Psychology, or Youth Work will be considered favorably but is not mandatory.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 6 years of progressively responsible project experience in youth work and engagement if they possess secondary education, or 3 years if they have a university degree. Experience in organizing workshops and community dialogues, particularly those that include marginalized youth, is highly desirable. Previous collaboration with youth infrastructure such as youth centers or civil society organizations is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in Ukrainian and English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The position is a national role based in Mykolaiv, Ukraine. UNDP is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The organization does not tolerate harassment or discrimination and ensures that all selected candidates undergo relevant checks. UNDP reserves the right to select multiple candidates from this vacancy announcement and may retain applications for similar positions. The recruitment process is free of charge, and candidates are encouraged to use AI responsibly in their applications.