Programme Specialist, Adolescents and Youth

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead United Nations agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to ensure that every individual has access to sexual and reproductive health services, gender equality, and the ability to make informed choices about their lives. The organization is committed to the principles of human rights and aims to empower individuals, particularly women and young people, to realize their full potential. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2026-2029 outlines its response to a complex global environment, focusing on resilience and renewal while addressing critical issues such as family planning, maternal health, and gender-based violence.

Job Overview:
The Programme Specialist, Adolescents and Youth is responsible for managing UNFPA's initiatives aimed at adolescents and youth, ensuring that every young person's potential is fulfilled. This role involves leading technical and policy advice in the areas of gender, sexual and reproductive health, and population dynamics. The specialist will work under the supervision of the Deputy Representative and report to the Programme and Technical coordinator" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Support Coordinator. The position requires a strategic approach to advance adolescents and youth priorities within the country programme, informed by data and demographic intelligence. The role promotes integrated programming that connects comprehensive sexuality education, prevention of child marriage, and reduction of adolescent pregnancies, recognizing their interlinked drivers and consequences for health and gender equality. The specialist will also engage with various stakeholders, including government, civil society, and private sector partners, to empower young people and ensure their rights are recognized and fulfilled.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Programme Specialist include providing technical leadership on adolescents and youth, representing UNFPA in high-level meetings, and promoting the rights and needs of adolescents and youth in broader development dialogues. The specialist will keep abreast of policy developments affecting adolescents and youth, prepare analyses for senior management, and identify policy gaps. They will support the Country Office in conducting policy dialogues with government and development partners, ensuring that adolescents' rights are incorporated into national plans. The role also involves advocacy for increased budgetary allocations for adolescent and youth development, contributing to communications materials, and maintaining partnerships with donors. Additionally, the specialist will manage the adolescents and youth programme component, ensuring results-based reporting and engaging with implementing partners and UN agencies. They will promote disability-inclusive approaches in programming and support humanitarian response interventions for adolescents and youth.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in Public Health, Sociology, Gender, International Development, or related disciplines. They should have at least five years of increasingly responsible professional experience at the advisory or managerial level in managing adolescent and youth programmes. Demonstrable technical expertise in adolescent development, sexual and reproductive health, and comprehensive sexuality education is essential. A strong understanding of reproductive rights and gender equality in policy formulation and implementation is required. Proven experience in coordinating multi-disciplinary teams, excellent communication skills, and the ability to engage with adolescents and youth are necessary. Candidates should also have experience in liaising with government counterparts, NGOs, UN agencies, and development partners, along with strong interpersonal and negotiating skills.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in Public Health, Sociology, Gender, International Development, or related fields is required for this position. This educational background provides the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage and lead programmes focused on adolescents and youth, ensuring that interventions are grounded in evidence-based practices and aligned with international standards.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in managing adolescent and youth programmes. Candidates should have experience at the advisory or managerial level, demonstrating technical expertise in adolescent development and participation. Familiarity with the complexities of adolescent sexual and reproductive health and comprehensive sexuality education is crucial, as is experience in coordinating and managing multi-disciplinary teams. Candidates should also have a proven ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences and engage with adolescents and youth.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within UNFPA and with international partners. A working knowledge of Hindi is desirable, given the position's location in India. Knowledge of other UN languages is considered an asset, as it can enhance communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and fixed-term for one year, with the possibility of renewal. It is classified at the NO-C level, offering a competitive net salary of INR 49,26,329 per annum, along with health insurance and other benefits. UNFPA is committed to gender equality and encourages women, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups to apply. The organization promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, and compensation, ensuring a diverse and inclusive work environment. Selection and appointment may be subject to background checks, medical clearance, and other administrative requirements.