Programme Analyst, Youth

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency for 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 territories, focusing on reproductive health, gender equality, and youth empowerment. The organization is committed to achieving gender balance and fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce, with a mission to promote the rights of individuals and ensure access to essential health services. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2026-2029 aims to address complex global challenges and accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action from the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), as well as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

Job Overview:
The Programme Analyst, Youth position is critical for leading the design, coordination, and oversight of UNFPA’s youth portfolio in Afghanistan. This role operates within a highly complex and sensitive environment, focusing on the strategic and operational management of UNFPA-supported Youth Centres. The incumbent is responsible for ensuring that youth programming is integrated across various sectors, including Reproductive Health (RH), Gender-Based Violence (GBV), social cohesion, life skills, and humanitarian response interventions. The position emphasizes safeguarding and advancing the health, protection, and wellbeing of adolescents and young people, particularly adolescent girls, through culturally sensitive and principled programming approaches. The Programme Analyst will report directly to the Deputy Representative and is expected to contribute to the overall mission of UNFPA by delivering high-impact results and fostering effective partnerships.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Analyst, Youth will undertake a variety of duties, including:

• Programme Development and Technical Support: Contributing to the design and implementation of youth programming within the Country Office portfolio, ensuring integration across RH, GBV, social norms, and resilience initiatives. Providing technical support on adolescent and youth engagement approaches, including life skills and community-based interventions. Developing guidance, tools, and program approaches to strengthen youth-focused programming across UNFPA interventions. Identifying innovative and sustainable solutions for integrated youth program designs and implementation.
• Oversight of Youth Centres: Ensuring the effective functioning and quality assurance of UNFPA-supported Youth Centres as platforms for youth engagement and wellbeing services. Monitoring implementing partners to ensure compliance with program, financial, and safeguarding standards. Strengthening the capacity of implementing partners involved in youth centre programming.
• Programme Management and Monitoring: Supporting the preparation and management of annual workplans, budgets, and implementing partner agreements related to youth programming. Monitoring progress of program activities, identifying challenges, and proposing solutions. Conducting field visits and assessments to monitor program implementation and inform improvements. Contributing to program reporting and documentation of lessons learned.
• Partnerships and Coordination: Maintaining collaborative relationships with local authorities, community stakeholders, youth networks, and civil society partners. Coordinating with relevant UNFPA program units to ensure integration of youth interventions across program areas. Overseeing the Adolescents and Youth coordination bodies and providing technical guidance for the Adolescents and Youth Working Group. Participating in relevant coordination mechanisms and assisting senior leadership with analysis and advocacy briefs.
• Resource Mobilisation and Reporting: Contributing to the preparation of program documentation, donor reports, and briefing materials related to youth interventions. Supporting resource mobilization efforts through inputs to proposals and program development processes. Performing any other duties as assigned by the supervisor or designated authority.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree in gender studies, youth development, international development, or other related social science fields. Candidates should possess at least 2 years of increasingly responsible professional experience in development or humanitarian programming, with a preference for work experience in the field of Reproductive Health. Specialized knowledge and experience in Youth Development approaches are desired, along with experience in program/project management, particularly in large multi-sector programs. Familiarity with the UN system, especially UNFPA's mandate and operations, is advantageous. A demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team is essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold an advanced university degree in gender studies, youth development, international development, or other related social science fields. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of youth programming and the socio-cultural dynamics at play in Afghanistan.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible professional experience in development or humanitarian programming. Experience in Reproductive Health is preferred, and specialized knowledge in Youth Development approaches is highly desirable. Experience in program/project management, particularly in large multi-sector programs, is also beneficial. Prior experience within the UN system is considered an asset, as is a thorough understanding of current development topics and political issues in Afghanistan.

Languages:
Fluency in English and a local language, either Dari or Pashto, is required for this position. A working knowledge of other UN languages would be considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration within the UN framework and with diverse stakeholders.

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 is committed to ensuring gender parity and encourages women to apply, as well as individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA emphasizes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all candidates, regardless of personal characteristics.