UNFPA Youth Fellow (Somali Youth SOYO Fellowship Cohort II)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, established to promote sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender equality, and to prevent gender-based violence. UNFPA operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on ensuring that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization works closely with governments, youth-led organizations, and other partners to reach underserved populations, particularly young women, displaced youth, and young persons with disabilities. UNFPA's mission is to place adolescents and young people at the center of its work, providing them with access to information, services, skills, and opportunities to exercise their rights and influence decisions that affect their lives. In Somalia, UNFPA's initiatives include adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health, life skills education, youth leadership, and participation in peacebuilding efforts.

Job Overview:
The UNFPA Youth Fellowship, known as SOYO, is a flagship professional and leadership development initiative within UNFPA Somalia’s Adolescents and Youth Programme. The second cohort will provide 22 young Somali fellows with a structured 12-month experience that combines practical placements, mentorship, coaching, and targeted learning. The program aims to strengthen fellows’ professional and technical competencies through supervised workplace experience, develop leadership skills and meaningful youth participation through learning and mentorship, and enable youth contributions to UNFPA’s mandate through practical assignments and knowledge products. Successful applicants will be matched to UNFPA units based on their education, demonstrated competencies, interests, technical skills, and operational needs, covering various areas such as Programme Coordination, Sexual Reproductive Health, Gender Equality, and more. Qualified young women and persons with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, and reasonable accommodations will be provided as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Fellows will undertake a variety of tasks under the direct supervision of designated supervisors, including but not limited to: supporting programme coordination and implementation, assisting with sexual and reproductive health activities, contributing to gender equality initiatives, supporting adolescent and youth programs, assisting with population and development research, and participating in humanitarian response efforts. Specific duties include organizing meetings, documenting activities, compiling data, supporting outreach and awareness activities, assisting with training and partner meetings, conducting research, preparing briefs and knowledge products, and supporting communication and advocacy efforts. Additionally, fellows will engage in resource mobilization and partnerships, climate change initiatives, and monitoring and evaluation activities, ensuring that their work aligns with UNFPA’s goals and objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be Somali nationals residing in the country or from the diaspora, aged between 18 and 30 years. A bachelor’s degree relevant to the proposed placement area is required, and while no prior professional experience is necessary, volunteering, student leadership, and community engagement are highly valued. Applicants must demonstrate leadership potential, a commitment to community service, and a genuine interest in UNFPA’s mandate. Availability for a full-time, 12-month assignment is essential, and previous SOYO cohort participants are not eligible to apply for this cohort. The selection process will promote gender balance and inclusion of persons with disabilities.

Educational Background:
A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required for this position. The degree should align with the specific area of placement, such as public health, social sciences, gender studies, or any other field that supports the objectives of the UNFPA’s initiatives. The educational background should equip the fellows with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively contribute to the various programs and projects they will be involved in during their fellowship.

Experience:
No prior professional experience is required for this fellowship. However, candidates are encouraged to have experience in volunteering, student leadership, or community engagement, as these experiences will be considered valuable. The fellowship is designed to provide young individuals with the opportunity to gain practical experience and develop their skills in a professional setting, making it suitable for recent graduates or those looking to transition into the workforce.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication within UNFPA and for the documentation of activities. Knowledge of Somali is also essential, as it will facilitate communication with local communities and stakeholders. Additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they enhance the fellow's ability to engage with diverse populations and contribute to UNFPA’s initiatives effectively.

Additional Notes:
The fellowship is a full-time commitment for 12 months, and fellows will be based in designated locations such as Mogadishu, Garowe, and Hargeisa. The UN Community Volunteers will receive a Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) to cover basic living expenses, along with medical, life, and disability insurance. Leave entitlements include annual leave, sick leave, and maternity/paternity leave. The program emphasizes professional development, providing access to UNV learning, training, and development opportunities. It is important to note that the fellowship does not guarantee employment with UNFPA or any other UN entity, and successful completion will be assessed based on participation, quality of assignments, and achievement of learning objectives.