Programme Specialist (Economic Opportunities)

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and emphasizes equity, ensuring that all children have the opportunity to survive, develop, and reach their full potential. UNICEF's workforce is diverse, and it offers various opportunities for professional and personal development, fostering a culture of belonging and growth. The organization is known for its commitment to children's rights and sustainable development, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Job Overview:
The Programme Specialist (Economic Opportunities) will play a crucial role in leading the Economic Opportunities pillar, focusing on creating jobs and apprenticeships for young people. This position requires collaboration with government partners to develop scalable models and strategic partnerships aimed at enhancing employment opportunities for youth. The specialist will provide technical guidance and support, engage in advocacy and communications, and manage knowledge related to youth employment and entrepreneurship. The role is designed for a committed and creative professional who is passionate about making a lasting difference in the lives of children and youth.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key functions of the Programme Specialist include providing technical guidance and support in the development and implementation of youth employment and entrepreneurship programs. The specialist will be responsible for establishing partnerships and networking with key stakeholders, including government ministries and other organizations. Additionally, the role involves innovation in design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design, advocacy for youth employment initiatives, and effective communication of program goals and achievements. The specialist will also be tasked with knowledge management, ensuring that best practices and lessons learned are documented and shared within the organization and with external partners.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in social science or a relevant field. Alternatively, a first university degree in social sciences or a related field, combined with at least 7 years of professional experience, may be accepted. A minimum of 5 years of experience in designing, planning, and implementing youth employment and entrepreneurship programs is mandatory. Extensive experience in engaging with key ministries such as the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Skills is also required. A robust understanding of job market dynamics, internship and apprenticeship schemes, and experience with labor market data and monitoring systems for youth-centric economic programming are essential qualifications.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in social sciences or a relevant field. In cases where candidates hold a first university degree, they must have a minimum of 7 years of professional experience in relevant areas to be considered. The educational qualifications must be obtained from institutions accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience, particularly in designing and implementing programs focused on youth employment and entrepreneurship. Experience in engaging with government ministries and understanding labor market dynamics is crucial. Additionally, experience in strategizing large-scale employment programs through multi-stakeholder partnerships is desired, along with the ability to develop and maintain partnerships in the areas of skills and youth employment.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Hindi is required for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in New Delhi, India, and is open to all Indian nationals and internal candidates with a valid work permit for India. The selected applicant will receive a fixed-term contract of one or two years, depending on the specific post, with the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance. UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, trans* and gender non-conforming individuals, and persons with disabilities. The organization offers flexible working arrangements and various benefits, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities. UNICEF does not charge any processing fees during the recruitment process and adheres to a zero-tolerance policy regarding misconduct.