Adolescent Development and Participation Volunteer

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, develop, and thrive, UNICEF operates in over 190 countries and territories. The organization focuses on addressing the needs of the most disadvantaged children and families, emphasizing equity and inclusion in all its programs and advocacy efforts. UNICEF's work is guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which outlines the rights of children and the responsibilities of governments and society to uphold these rights. The organization employs thousands of staff members globally, working collaboratively with governments, civil society, and other partners to implement programs that improve health, education, protection, and overall well-being for children.

Job Overview:
The Adolescent Development and Participation Volunteer will play a crucial role in supporting and expanding the Adolescent and Youth Participation Platforms (AYPP) in Mozambique. This position is designed for individuals who are passionate about youth empowerment and community engagement. The volunteer will work closely with young people, helping them to develop skills, participate in decision-making processes, and raise awareness about critical issues affecting their lives. The role involves collaborating with various stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, and other youth platforms, to ensure that adolescents have a voice in matters that impact their future. The volunteer will also be involved in promoting social action and awareness around issues such as climate change, gender equality, and child marriage, thereby contributing to the overall development and well-being of adolescents in Mozambique.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Adolescent Development and Participation Volunteer will be responsible for a variety of tasks aimed at enhancing the effectiveness and reach of the AYPP. Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting the expansion of AYPP at the district level, ensuring increased participation and replication of successful initiatives.
• Strengthening the engagement and links between AYPP and other school-based platforms to foster collaboration and resource sharing.
• Assisting in the development and implementation of media programming interventions that raise awareness on critical issues such as climate change, gender-based violence, and child marriage.
• Promoting and supporting the rollout of mentoring programs within schools to guide and empower adolescents.
• Facilitating the Learning to Earning initiative, which focuses on skill development and creating opportunities for youth to earn income.
• Actively participating in youth consultations and promotional events at both provincial and district levels to ensure youth voices are heard.
• Conducting program visits to partners at the provincial level and submitting reports on findings and recommendations.
• Collaborating with key stakeholders, including government counterparts and civil society organizations, to enhance the impact of youth initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Adolescent Development and Participation Volunteer position should possess a strong commitment to youth empowerment and community development. Required qualifications include:

• A demonstrated understanding of adolescent issues and the challenges faced by young people in Mozambique.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with youth and stakeholders.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment while also being self-motivated and capable of working independently.
• Flexibility and adaptability to work in a dynamic and culturally diverse environment.
• Proficiency in using digital tools and social media for communication and outreach purposes.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and decision-making.

Educational Background:
A minimum of a bachelor's degree in social sciences, education, development studies, or a related field is required for this position. Candidates with relevant coursework or training in youth development, community engagement, or public health will be given preference. Additionally, any certifications or training related to project management, facilitation, or youth work will be advantageous.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have some experience working with youth or in community development settings. This could include internships, volunteer work, or professional roles that involve engaging with young people, facilitating programs, or supporting community initiatives. Experience in advocacy, program implementation, or working with marginalized populations will be considered a strong asset. Candidates should demonstrate a willingness to learn and grow in their role as a volunteer.

Languages:
Fluency in Portuguese is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication in Mozambique. Proficiency in English is also highly desirable, as it will facilitate communication with international stakeholders and partners. Knowledge of local languages spoken in the provinces of Sofala, Zambezia, Nampula, and Cabo Delgado would be an added advantage, as it would enhance engagement with local communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is a national UN Volunteer assignment, which means that the volunteer will be responsible for arranging their own housing and living essentials. The role is based in one of the four provinces: Beira, Quelimane, Nampula, or Cabo Delgado. National UN Volunteers are part of a malicious insurance plan and are expected to be culturally sensitive and adaptable to the local culture and traditions. The position may require travel within the provinces to engage with various stakeholders and youth platforms.