Programme Analyst, Youth Empowerment and Engagement

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights, aiming to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries, with a mission to deliver a world where every individual can exercise their rights and choices. The organization emphasizes the importance of gender equality and the empowerment of women and youth, aligning its efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action. UNFPA's work in South Africa has evolved from fund management to a more integrated engagement and solution-oriented approach, focusing on partnerships and sustainable development strategies.

Job Overview:
The Programme Analyst, Youth Empowerment and Engagement plays a crucial role within the UNFPA South Africa Country Office, particularly in the programmes team. This position is dedicated to the effective management, implementation, and monitoring of initiatives aimed at adolescent and youth development (AYD). The Analyst is responsible for ensuring that the voices and needs of youth are integrated into national development frameworks and UNFPA-supported programmes, particularly in areas such as Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), gender equality, and the prevention of gender-based violence (GBV). The role involves supporting the entire youth programme cycle, from development to evaluation, and requires building strategic partnerships with various stakeholders, including government entities, UN agencies, and civil society organizations. The Analyst will also contribute to policy dialogue and advocacy efforts by analyzing socio-economic trends affecting youth and preparing strategic briefs, thereby playing a key role in realizing the potential of South Africa's young people and accelerating progress towards the ICPD Programme of Action and the SDGs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Analyst, Youth Empowerment and Engagement has several key responsibilities: A. Programme Development, Implementation, and Monitoring: This includes assisting in the formulation, implementation, and evaluation of youth empowerment projects, providing technical and logistical support to partners, monitoring programme progress, and ensuring financial oversight of project expenditures. B. Policy, Advocacy, and Knowledge Management: The Analyst will conduct context analysis, prepare policy dialogue inputs, support youth participation initiatives, and assist in knowledge sharing by documenting best practices and lessons learned. C. Partnership and Resource Mobilization Support: Establishing collaborative relationships with government counterparts and civil society organizations, supporting inter-agency coordination, and assisting in resource mobilization efforts are critical aspects of this role. D. General Support: The Analyst may also stand in for other team members and carry out additional duties as required by UNFPA leadership.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an Advanced University Degree (Master's Degree or equivalent) in Social Sciences, Youth Development, Public Health, Development Studies, Economics, International Relations, Public Administration, or a related field. Additionally, candidates should have 0-2 years of demonstrable experience in programme/project management related to youth development, adolescent health, or population activities. Experience working with youth organizations and government departments focusing on youth empowerment is highly desirable, along with practical experience in project design, monitoring, and evaluation. Knowledge of the South African context regarding youth challenges and opportunities is also important, as is proficiency in office software applications.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is an Advanced University Degree (Master's Degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Social Sciences, Youth Development, Public Health, Development Studies, Economics, International Relations, or Public Administration. This advanced degree is essential for understanding the complexities of youth empowerment and development.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have 0-2 years of relevant experience in programme/project management, particularly in the fields of youth development, adolescent health, or population activities. This experience should include working with youth organizations and government departments, as well as practical involvement in the design, monitoring, and evaluation of development projects. Familiarity with the South African context regarding youth issues is highly advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, having professional working knowledge of one or more official South African languages is considered an advantage. A working knowledge of another UN Official Language is also an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a diverse environment.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other applicable benefits. UNFPA promotes a work environment that reflects values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. The organization encourages applications from women, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA is committed to equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all candidates, regardless of personal characteristics.