Youth UN Volunteer

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF has been committed to the welfare of children and young people in Iraq since 1963, when it first signed a formal cooperation agreement with the Government. The organization operates through a network of four offices located in Basra, Baghdad, Erbil, and Dohuk, and collaborates with various UN agencies, international and national NGOs to address the humanitarian and developmental needs of vulnerable children and youth. UNICEF's mission is to realize the rights of every child, particularly those who are most disadvantaged, and to support young people as agents of change. The organization has a strategic plan for 2018-2021 that emphasizes the importance of engaging young people in its initiatives and recognizes their role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The Youth UN Volunteer position is designed to enhance coordination among PROSPECTS partners and strengthen the coherence of activities across different pillars of intervention. The volunteer will work under the supervision of the Child Protection Specialist and the Partnership Specialist, contributing to the documentation and synthesis of results from PROSPECTS initiatives. The role involves supporting the development of narratives that highlight the impact of PROSPECTS on youth and adolescents, ensuring that their voices are included in the storytelling process. The volunteer will also assist in monitoring and reporting on program activities, facilitating communication and collaboration among various stakeholders, and supporting administrative tasks related to meetings and workshops.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Youth UN Volunteer will be responsible for several key tasks, including:

• Supporting coordination and information-sharing across PROSPECTS pillars and partners, which involves preparing for UNICEF coordination meetings, consolidating inputs, and following up on agreed actions.
• Assisting in monitoring, documentation, and reporting on program activities, including tracking implementation progress and consolidating data.
• Developing clear narratives and stories that illustrate PROSPECTS results and youth impact for learning, partner coordination, and donor visibility.
• Collaborating with UNICEF program sections to ensure alignment and integration of activities across PROSPECTS pillars.
• Supporting administrative and operational activities for meetings, field activities, workshops, and other program-related tasks as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Youth UN Volunteer position should possess strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. They should demonstrate self-awareness and ethical awareness, along with a drive to achieve results for impact. The ideal candidate will be innovative and embrace change, managing ambiguity and complexity effectively. Strategic thinking and the ability to build and maintain partnerships are also essential qualifications for this role.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required for the Youth UN Volunteer position. Candidates should have a degree in social sciences, international relations, development studies, or a related field. This educational foundation will provide the necessary knowledge and skills to engage effectively with youth and understand the complexities of humanitarian and development work in Iraq.

Experience:
While specific years of experience may not be mandated, candidates should have some relevant experience in program coordination, monitoring, or documentation, preferably in a humanitarian or development context. Experience working with youth or in community engagement initiatives will be considered an asset, as it aligns with UNICEF's focus on youth inclusion and participation.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within UNICEF and with international partners. Knowledge of Arabic is highly desirable, given the local context and the need to engage with various stakeholders in Iraq. Additional languages may be beneficial but are not required.

Additional Notes:
This is a national UN Volunteer assignment, meaning that the volunteer will be responsible for arranging their own housing and living essentials. National UN Volunteers receive a living allowance to support a basic and adequate lifestyle, which varies based on local living costs. The allowances are not considered compensation but are intended to cover basic living expenses. The volunteer will receive a pre-assignment entry lump sum, relocation costs if applicable, and a monthly living allowance. They will also have access to learning and career development resources, annual leave, and comprehensive insurance coverage. Reasonable accommodations are available for volunteers with disabilities.