UN Volunteer Youth Participation and Coordination Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that focuses on providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide. With a mission to advocate for the protection of children's rights, UNICEF operates in over 190 countries and territories, employing approximately 13,000 staff members. The organization aims to ensure that every child has the opportunity to survive, thrive, and fulfill their potential, particularly in times of crisis and conflict. UNICEF's work encompasses health, nutrition, education, and protection, with a strong emphasis on equity and inclusion for the most vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The UN Volunteer Youth Participation and Coordination Specialist will play a crucial role in UNICEF Ukraine’s Youth and Adolescent program, which is dedicated to empowering young people to actively participate in Ukraine’s recovery and social cohesion efforts. This position will focus on facilitating the meaningful involvement of adolescents through structured platforms like the Young People’s Advisory Board (YPAB). The specialist will be responsible for advancing initiatives related to employability and entrepreneurship, contributing to policy reform, and enhancing information management and reporting to capture results for advocacy purposes. The role requires a commitment to ensuring that youth from diverse backgrounds, including marginalized and vulnerable groups, are included in all activities, thereby promoting equity and safeguarding principles.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinate the Young People’s Advisory Board (YPAB) by organizing bi-weekly meetings, setting agendas, documenting discussions, and following up on youth recommendations.
• Facilitate consultations and initiatives that engage YPAB members with UNICEF program sections and external stakeholders to enhance policy dialogue and coordination.
• Ensure the inclusion of adolescents from vulnerable groups in all participation processes, applying principles of equity and accountability.
• Design and facilitate capacity-building activities for YPAB members to develop their skills in advocacy, communication, and project management.
• Support youth engagement in national and sub-national advocacy initiatives, ensuring logistical coordination and compliance with safeguarding protocols.
• Establish monitoring mechanisms to track participation outcomes and contribute to narrative and results-based reporting.
• Manage data related to youth participation and employability, including collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Prepare SitReps, donor reports, and internal updates, ensuring timely access to relevant information.
• Provide technical support to integrate youth participation considerations into program planning and implementation. 1
• Collaborate with sectoral colleagues and external partners to identify and address implementation challenges.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong organizational and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. A commitment to the principles of equity and inclusion is essential, along with a proactive approach to problem-solving. Familiarity with youth engagement strategies and advocacy initiatives is highly desirable. The ideal candidate should also have experience in project management and capacity building, particularly in contexts involving youth and marginalized communities.

Educational Background:
A bachelor’s degree in social sciences, education, international development, or a related field is required. A master’s degree in a relevant discipline is preferred and may enhance the candidate's competitiveness for the position. Additional training or certifications in youth development, project management, or related areas will be considered an asset.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 2 years of professional experience in youth engagement, community development, or a related field. Experience working with adolescents and young people, particularly in conflict-affected settings, is highly valued. Familiarity with UNICEF’s mission and programs, as well as experience in data management and reporting, will be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, while proficiency in Ukrainian or Russian is highly desirable. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in enhancing communication with diverse youth populations.

Additional Notes:
This is a national UN Volunteer assignment, and the volunteer is responsible for organizing their own accommodation. The contract is full-time and lasts for the duration specified in the vacancy, with the possibility of extensions based on funding and performance. The monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) is USD 1587, which is intended to cover living expenses. Additional benefits include a one-time entry lump sum payment of USD 400, medical and life insurance coverage, and various leave entitlements, including annual leave, learning leave, and sick leave.