Adolescent and Youth Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The UNFPA office in Djibouti operates in partnership with governments, other institutions, and civil society to implement its mandate. The organization is guided by two frameworks: the Programme of Action adopted at the International Conference on Population and Development in 1994 (ICPD) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UNFPA focuses on three priority areas: sexual and reproductive health, human rights and gender equality, and population and development issues. It provides technical and financial support to the country in collecting, analyzing, and disseminating population data to facilitate effective decision-making and progress monitoring.

Job Overview:
The Adolescent and Youth Officer will work under the direct supervision of the UNFPA focal point for Adolescents and Youth and the general supervision of the Head of the UNFPA Djibouti office. This position is crucial in addressing the needs of adolescents and youth, particularly in the context of the ongoing refugee crisis from Yemen. The officer will be responsible for identifying, informing, and guiding adolescents at risk, particularly focusing on issues such as child marriage, exploitation, and early pregnancies. The role will also involve mapping safe access points for adolescents, facilitating peer education, and ensuring that the voices of young people are heard in the planning and implementation of services.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Data and Targeting: Support the consolidation of sex- and age-disaggregated data to estimate the size and profile of the adolescent and youth population, including those in host families. Contribute to mapping safe locations and channels to reach adolescents, especially girls.
• Identification and Orientation: Identify at-risk adolescents and young girls using non-stigmatizing approaches, and refer them to appropriate sexual and reproductive health services and child protection services.
• Peer Education: Identify and train a small group of peer educators from both the refugee and host communities to conduct age-appropriate information sessions on puberty, menstrual hygiene, and available services.
• Liaison and Participation: Liaise with child-friendly spaces to direct adolescents to appropriate services and regularly consult with them to understand their needs and barriers to access.
• Cross-Cutting Responsibilities: Uphold principles of safety, confidentiality, and non-discrimination, and ensure the inclusion of vulnerable groups in accessing services. Participate in coordination meetings and provide weekly activity reports.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to the principles of the UN and possess strong interpersonal skills. They should be able to work effectively in a multicultural environment and have a good understanding of the issues affecting adolescents and youth, particularly in humanitarian contexts. Knowledge of sexual and reproductive health issues is essential, along with the ability to engage with community members and stakeholders.

Educational Background:
A minimum of a secondary school diploma is required, with preference given to candidates who have completed higher education in social sciences, public health, or a related field. Training in sexual and reproductive health, child protection, or community engagement is highly desirable.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least one year of experience working with adolescents and youth in a humanitarian or development context. Experience in data collection, community mobilization, and peer education is an asset. Familiarity with the UN system and its operations is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory, and proficiency in English is an asset. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Djibouti is highly desirable.

Additional Notes:
This position is a volunteer role under the UN Community Volunteers program. Volunteers will receive a monthly living allowance, medical and life insurance, and free access to various learning platforms. The role is expected to be full-time and may involve working in challenging conditions due to the ongoing refugee crisis.