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, working collaboratively with various stakeholders to achieve sustainable development goals. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2026-2029 aims to accelerate progress towards the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) goals by 2030, focusing on universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights, and addressing critical issues such as gender-based violence and harmful practices.

Job Overview:
The Programme Analyst, Youth Empowerment and Engagement plays a vital role within the UNFPA South Africa Country Office, particularly in the programmes team. This position is responsible for providing professional support in the management, implementation, and monitoring of initiatives aimed at adolescent and youth development. The Analyst will ensure that the voices and needs of youth are integrated into national development frameworks and UNFPA-supported programmes, particularly in areas related to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), gender equality, and the prevention of gender-based violence. The role involves supporting the entire youth programme cycle, from development to evaluation, and contributing to policy dialogue and advocacy efforts. The Analyst will also build strategic partnerships with government entities, UN agencies, and civil society organizations to enhance youth leadership and participation, ultimately contributing to the realization of South Africa's young people's potential and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Analyst, Youth Empowerment and Engagement has several key responsibilities, including: A. Programme Development, Implementation, and Monitoring: Supporting the formulation, implementation, and evaluation of youth empowerment projects, providing technical and logistical support to partners, monitoring programme progress, and ensuring financial oversight. B. Policy, Advocacy, and Knowledge Management: Conducting context analysis, preparing policy dialogue inputs, supporting youth participation initiatives, and implementing knowledge management strategies. C. Partnership and Resource Mobilization Support: Establishing collaborative relationships with government counterparts and civil society, supporting inter-agency coordination, and assisting in resource mobilization efforts. D. General Support: Standing in for other team members as needed and carrying 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 or government departments focusing on youth empowerment is essential, along with practical experience in project design, monitoring, and evaluation. Knowledge of the South African context regarding youth challenges is highly desirable, and proficiency in office software packages is required.

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 crucial 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 youth development, adolescent health, or population activities. This experience should include working with youth organizations or government departments focused on youth empowerment and participation, as well as practical experience in the design, monitoring, and evaluation of development projects.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, 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.