Profesional en Fortalecimiento Institucional para la Participación Juvenil

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Colombia, which is dedicated to promoting the rights and well-being of young people in Colombia. The organization works under the framework of the Youth Citizenship Statute, regulated by Law 1622 of 2013 and Law 1885 of 2018, which establishes the normative and institutional framework for the organization and participation of youth in decision-making processes that influence public policy structuring. The UNFPA collaborates with the Colombian National Government, particularly the Ministry of Equality and Equity, to implement a comprehensive strategy aimed at strengthening the Youth Subsystem. This initiative is crucial for ensuring the effective participation of youth in governance and policy-making. The UNFPA has a significant presence in Colombia, focusing on various aspects of population and development, and aims to enhance the institutional capacity for youth participation across the country.

Job Overview:
The position of Profesional en Fortalecimiento Institucional para la Participación Juvenil is designed to lead the implementation of actions, processes, tools, and protocols that will strengthen the institutional subsystems for youth participation in Colombia. The professional will be responsible for developing a balance on existing methodologies and tools for the technical strengthening of the Youth Institutional Subsystem, which includes youth departments of territorial entities. This role requires the design of a virtual toolbox with methodologies and content for technical advice, as well as the development of workshops and virtual sessions aimed at enhancing the capacity of youth links at the municipal and departmental levels. The professional will also support the construction of action plans for the National Youth Council and the National Youth Platform, ensuring alignment with the Ministry of Youth and the UNFPA. The position demands a proactive approach to integrating public, private, and cooperative efforts to promote and protect the rights of youth, as well as the ability to support the training and certification of young people in leadership and participation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Profesional en Fortalecimiento Institucional para la Participación Juvenil include:

• Conducting a comprehensive assessment of existing methodologies, content, and tools for the technical strengthening of the Youth Institutional Subsystem.
• Designing a virtual toolbox with methodologies and content for technical advice to the Youth Institutional Subsystem.
• Developing and facilitating in-person workshops for the appropriation of the toolbox by departmental youth links and other stakeholders.
• Conducting virtual strengthening sessions for municipal youth links and other actors to ensure effective use of the toolbox.
• Providing technical and operational support for the joint construction of action plans for the National Youth Council and the National Youth Platform.
• Designing and socializing a protocol for interaction between the Youth Institutional Subsystem and the Ministry of Youth.
• Collaborating with the National Planning Department to design a results-based planning methodology for inter-institutional management in youth-related plans and programs.
• Creating strategies for integrating public, private, and cooperative efforts to safeguard youth rights.
• Supporting the training and certification of 500 young individuals in a virtual course on participation, leadership, and youth advocacy. 1
• Assisting in the documentation and systematization of the comprehensive strengthening process of the Youth System, ensuring that lessons learned are applicable to improve national youth policies and programs. 1
• Providing logistical and administrative support related to the fulfillment of functions, including reporting and evidence collection. 1
• Ensuring compliance with administrative procedures and protocols related to the role.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for this position include a minimum of a high school diploma, with a preference for a professional degree in Social Sciences, Political Science, International Relations, Sociology, Psychology, Pedagogy, Law, or related fields. A postgraduate degree in Social Sciences, Human Rights, Pedagogy, Development, Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, Government, or Public Function is desirable. Candidates must have at least six years of relevant work experience in youth participation, public function and management, institutional strengthening, and related fields. Additionally, candidates should possess experience in institutional strengthening at national or local levels, qualitative research, methodological development and implementation, and demonstrated knowledge of working with youth and marginalized populations. Strong skills in information management, systematization, and evidence generation are also required, along with excellent facilitation and communication skills.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a minimum educational background of a high school diploma, with a preference for a professional degree in relevant fields such as Social Sciences, Political Science, International Relations, Sociology, Psychology, Pedagogy, Law, or similar disciplines. A postgraduate degree in areas such as Social Sciences, Human Rights, Pedagogy, Development, Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, Government, or Public Function is highly desirable and will enhance the candidate's profile.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of six years of relevant work experience in areas related to youth participation, public function and management, and institutional strengthening. Candidates should have experience in institutional strengthening at both national and local levels, as well as experience in qualitative research and methodological development. Familiarity with working with youth, adolescents, and marginalized populations is essential, along with a proven track record in information management and systematization.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is excellent proficiency in Spanish, as it is the primary language of communication. Additionally, a good command of English is desirable, as it may facilitate communication with international partners and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Bogotá, Colombia, and may require travel to various cities and municipalities within the country, as well as potentially to international locations. Candidates should be physically capable of undertaking travel and are recommended to have a complete COVID-19 vaccination scheme. The professional will work under the supervision of the coordination of the agreement and will be part of the technical structure of the Adolescence and Youth Area, receiving technical direction from the Ministry of Youth. The position may involve full-time engagement and is aimed at strengthening the institutional capacity for youth participation.