National Consultant - Provincial Youth Policy Review and Development

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Established to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled, UNFPA operates in numerous countries worldwide, working towards transformative results in maternal health, family planning, and gender-based violence. The organization emphasizes youth empowerment as a critical component of sustainable development, recognizing young people as vital assets in achieving peace and development goals. UNFPA collaborates closely with governments and local organizations to promote gender equality and youth priorities, particularly in regions like Sudurpashchim Province in Nepal, where youth face significant challenges.

Job Overview:
The primary purpose of this consultancy is to provide specialized technical support to the Ministry of Social Development (MoSD) in Nepal for reviewing and finalizing the Provincial Youth Policy. This role involves facilitating stakeholder consultations to ensure that the policy reflects the voices and needs of the youth population, aligns with the National Youth Policy, and adheres to the ICPD30+ agenda. The consultant will conduct a thorough desk review of the initial draft of the Provincial Youth Policy, engage with various stakeholders, and ensure that the policy is inclusive and comprehensive, addressing the specific challenges faced by youth in Sudurpashchim Province.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for conducting a desk review of the Provincial Youth Policy draft, ensuring alignment with national policies and identifying gaps in youth empowerment. They will design methodologies for stakeholder consultations, facilitate workshops, and gather insights from youth leaders and civil society organizations. The consultant will document feedback from these consultations, integrate recommendations into the policy draft, and prepare a final version for submission. Additionally, they will develop a knowledge transfer note at the end of the contract period to ensure continuity and understanding of the policy's development process.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in public policy, law, social science, gender studies, or a related field. A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in policy formulation and implementation at federal or provincial levels is required. The ideal candidate should have demonstrated expertise in youth empowerment, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and gender equality frameworks, particularly within the context of Nepal. Strong analytical skills, the ability to synthesize complex feedback, and a commitment to UN values are essential. Proficiency in computer software applications is also required, along with a willingness to travel to remote areas.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in public policy, law, social science, gender studies, or a related discipline is mandatory for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of policy formulation and the socio-political landscape in which the consultant will operate.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience, particularly in supporting government entities in policy formulation and implementation. Candidates should have a proven track record of facilitating high-level policy dialogues and stakeholder workshops, demonstrating their ability to engage effectively with various stakeholders and navigate the complexities of policy-making processes.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Nepali is required for this position. Additionally, working knowledge of another UN language or a local language would be considered an asset, enhancing the consultant's ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy role is expected to be full-time and may involve travel to remote areas within Sudurpashchim Province. The position emphasizes the importance of gender equality and diversity, encouraging applications from women and underrepresented groups. UNFPA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process. The organization promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, and compensation, ensuring a fair and inclusive work environment.