Consultant for Generation Unlimited (GenU)

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency dedicated to promoting the rights and well-being of children worldwide. With a mission to ensure that every child has the opportunity to survive, thrive, and fulfill their potential, UNICEF operates in over 150 countries, employing thousands of staff members who work tirelessly to advocate for children's rights and provide essential services. The organization focuses on equity, ensuring that the most disadvantaged children receive the support they need. UNICEF's work encompasses various areas, including health, education, protection, and emergency response, all aimed at improving the lives of children and their families.

Job Overview:
The position of Consultant for Generation Unlimited (GenU) involves developing strategies to enhance the educational and employment opportunities for adolescents and youth in Ecuador. The consultant will be responsible for creating a comprehensive work plan that addresses the needs of vulnerable populations, particularly indigenous and Afro-descendant youth. The role requires a deep understanding of the socio-economic challenges faced by these groups and the ability to design interventions that promote equitable access to education and employment. The consultant will also be expected to engage with various stakeholders, including government agencies, educational institutions, and community organizations, to ensure a collaborative approach to addressing the issues at hand. This position is critical in supporting UNICEF's mission to empower young people and facilitate their transition into the workforce, thereby contributing to the overall development of the country.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop a detailed work plan outlining key activities for the strategy focused on adolescents and youth employment.
• Conduct a situational analysis to identify the needs of adolescents and youth in relation to employment opportunities.
• Gather information from key stakeholders to inform the strategy development.
• Identify existing educational services that facilitate youth employment, with a focus on dual and technical education.
• Propose a collaborative strategy that integrates various sectors to enhance youth employment.
• Design and implement a launch report for the strategy, including an event to present the findings.
• Adapt and contextualize existing UNICEF documents and platforms related to youth employment.
• Prepare a final report summarizing the activities undertaken, challenges encountered, and recommendations for future actions.
• Ensure that all deliverables are completed on time and meet the quality standards set by UNICEF.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Education, Psychology, Sociology, or a related technical field. Specific knowledge in gender issues and human rights is highly valued, as is prior experience working with children and adolescents. The consultant should demonstrate strong analytical skills and the ability to synthesize complex information into actionable strategies. Excellent writing skills are essential, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Familiarity with quantitative and qualitative research methods is also required, as well as the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
A university degree in a relevant field such as Education, Psychology, Sociology, or a related discipline is required. Advanced degrees or specialized training in areas related to youth development, gender studies, or public policy will be considered an asset.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of proven experience in developing intersectoral strategies aimed at addressing the needs of adolescents and youth is required. Candidates should have a strong background in public policy formulation and project development, particularly in the context of youth engagement and empowerment. Experience working with international organizations or NGOs focused on child and youth issues will be highly regarded.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is mandatory, as the position requires communication with local stakeholders and the preparation of documents in Spanish. Proficiency in English is desirable, particularly for conducting meetings with English-speaking counterparts and for writing reports in English.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is open to Ecuadorian citizens or residents with valid work visas and RUC. The position is not available for companies or consulting teams. Candidates must submit a technical and financial proposal as part of their application. Only those who meet the minimum education and experience requirements will be considered. The consultancy will involve a rigorous selection process, and candidates may be subject to additional vetting due to the elevated risk role for child safeguarding. UNICEF promotes diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates.