UN Volunteer Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established by the United Nations General Assembly, is dedicated to advocating for children's rights, meeting their basic needs, and expanding opportunities for children to reach their full potential. Since its inception in 1950, UNICEF has been active in Brazil, contributing to significant advancements in childhood and adolescent welfare. The organization has played a crucial role in various initiatives, including immunization campaigns, educational access, and combating child labor. UNICEF's current focus in Brazil, as part of its cooperation program for 2024-2028, is on the most vulnerable children and adolescents, particularly those affected by extreme violence, with a commitment to ensuring their rights and well-being across the country, especially in regions like the Amazon and the Northeast.

Job Overview:
The UN Volunteer Specialist will provide technical assistance and advocacy for Citizen and Development Participation of Adolescents, focusing on improving immunization rates and public health services, as well as addressing adolescent health issues. The role involves collaboration with state governments and community organizations to implement UNICEF's initiatives, such as the UNICEF Seal and UNICEF City Agenda. The Specialist will work to enhance adolescent health programs, promote mental health support through the Pode Falar initiative, and ensure that adolescents are engaged in decision-making processes at local levels. The position requires a proactive approach to mobilizing adolescents and fostering partnerships to improve public policies and services for youth.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The UN Volunteer Specialist will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including: providing technical assistance to implementing partners on health and nutrition issues; training municipal technicians on health topics; collaborating with teams on anti-racism practices in health services; advocating for adolescent health programs in Primary Health Care units; strengthening adolescent participation in the School-Education Programme; implementing the Pode Falar initiative for mental health support; promoting adolescent rights and participation in local decision-making; supporting the engagement of adolescent girls in decision-making spaces; mobilizing adolescents for climate action; and contributing to reports and proposals for donors. The Specialist may also be required to travel for collaborative work and participate in events, workshops, and training sessions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong technical knowledge in public health, adolescent health, and nutrition, as well as experience in advocacy and community engagement. Skills in training and capacity building are essential, along with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. The role requires a commitment to UNICEF's values and competencies, including self-awareness, collaboration, partnership building, innovation, strategic thinking, and results-driven approaches. The ability to manage complexity and ambiguity is also crucial for success in this position.

Educational Background:
A relevant degree in public health, social sciences, or a related field is required. Advanced degrees or specialized training in adolescent health, nutrition, or community development will be considered an asset. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of the issues affecting adolescents in Brazil, particularly in the context of health and social services.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 2-3 years of professional experience in public health, community development, or related fields, with a focus on adolescent health and rights. Experience working with governmental and non-governmental organizations, particularly in Brazil, is highly desirable. Familiarity with UNICEF's programs and initiatives will be an advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in Portuguese is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication in Brazil. Proficiency in English is also required, and knowledge of Spanish or other languages will be considered a plus, especially in the context of working with diverse communities.

Additional Notes:
This is a national UN Volunteer assignment, and the selected candidate will be responsible for arranging their own housing and living essentials. The position is based in Salvador, the capital of Bahia, which is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage. The UN Volunteer may be required to travel to rural areas and engage with communities in various states, including Sergipe and Minas Gerais. The role is expected to involve full-time commitment, and the volunteer will have opportunities to participate in face-to-face events, webinars, and collaborative work with internal and external teams.