Consultant for Youth Community Health Workers

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development, fostering a culture of belonging and growth among its employees. UNICEF is known for its attractive compensation and benefits package, and it emphasizes the importance of a diverse workforce that reflects the communities it serves.

Job Overview:
The consultant will provide technical support to the UNICEF Zimbabwe Country Office in implementing the UPSHIFT methodology aimed at enhancing entrepreneurship and livelihoods among Youth Community Health Workers (YCHWs). This role is crucial in developing a cadre of YCHWs capable of innovating and creating sustainable income-generating ventures, particularly in health-related areas. The consultant will work in a remote capacity with travel requirements, contributing to the motivation, retention, and performance of community health workers in a context where government support may be limited or absent. The position requires a strong understanding of youth empowerment and social innovation, as well as the ability to adapt methodologies to local contexts.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide technical support in contextualizing and rolling out the UPSHIFT methodology for YCHWs.
• Develop and deliver training programs that enhance the skills and capabilities of YCHWs in entrepreneurship and income generation.
• Collaborate with local stakeholders, including government and civil society, to ensure the successful implementation of the program.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the training and support provided to YCHWs.
• Adapt global learning tools and curricula to fit local needs and contexts.
• Facilitate workshops and training sessions, ensuring active participation and engagement from all stakeholders.
• Prepare reports and documentation on the progress and outcomes of the initiative.
• Engage in continuous learning and improvement of the methodologies used in the program.

Required Qualifications:

• A Master’s or Advanced degree in Social Innovation, Business Development, Entrepreneurship, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in youth empowerment, social innovation, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience in implementing the UPSHIFT methodology or similar approaches.
• Proven ability to design and deliver Training of Trainers (ToT) programs.
• Experience in developing entrepreneurship and income-generation initiatives for youth, particularly in low-resource settings.
• Familiarity with working alongside UN agencies, governments, and NGOs is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s or Advanced degree in relevant fields such as Social Innovation, Business Development, or Entrepreneurship. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of youth empowerment and social innovation.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience, particularly in areas related to youth empowerment, social innovation, and entrepreneurship development. Candidates should have a track record of working in similar contexts and demonstrate their ability to adapt methodologies to local needs.

Languages:
English is mandatory for this position, and familiarity with local languages such as Shona or Ndebele is considered an asset. Proficiency in English is crucial for effective communication and reporting.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this consultancy is 8.5 months, and the working arrangement is remote with travel requirements. UNICEF emphasizes its commitment to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct and is dedicated to safeguarding the rights of children. Candidates will undergo rigorous background checks, and reasonable accommodations will be provided for persons with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.