Job Advertisement

Position Title: National United Nations Volunteer for Youth Engagement and Empowerment
Location: Samoa
Country: Samoa
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global organization that works in approximately 170 countries and territories. Established to help eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities, UNDP focuses on developing policies, enhancing leadership skills, and building institutional capabilities. The organization aims to build resilience to sustain development results, aligning its efforts with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UNDP Multi-Country Office (MCO) based in Samoa covers the Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa, and Tokelau, implementing the UNDP Subregional Programme Document for the Pacific Island Countries and Territories (2018-22). UNDP collaborates with governments, donors, civil society, and local communities to provide integrated development solutions and promote a whole-of-society approach, emphasizing the Empowerment of Women, youth, and vulnerable groups.

Job Overview:
The National United Nations Volunteer will play a crucial role in supporting youth engagement and empowerment initiatives in Samoa. This position is designed to enhance the participation of young people in community projects and climate action. The volunteer will work closely with the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development (MWCSD) and UNDP, dedicating 60% of their time to MWCSD and 40% to UNDP. The volunteer will be responsible for designing and implementing outreach initiatives, organizing youth-led projects, and contributing to monitoring and evaluation efforts. Additionally, the volunteer will assist in building a youth engagement project portfolio focused on green transformation, collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure that youth voices are heard and included in decision-making processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the MWCSD in youth engagement initiatives by designing and implementing Community Outreach and consultations that encourage active youth participation.
• Organize youth-targeted and youth-led project activities to foster engagement and leadership among young people.
• Contribute to Data Collection efforts that inform the Monitoring and Evaluation framework for ongoing projects.
• Assist in communications efforts in both English and Samoan to effectively reach the target youth audience and highlight best practices in youth engagement.
• Develop and support youth engagement in UNDP’s Pacific Green Transformation Project aimed at transitioning Samoa to low-carbon mobility.
• Collaborate with regional initiatives such as the Youth Empowerment in Climate Action Platform (YECAP) to identify opportunities for youth involvement in Samoa.
• Produce a youth leadership Mapping in Samoa, compiling contacts and case studies of youth activists and initiatives.
• Collect lessons learned and best practices on youth engagement from other UNDP country offices to facilitate knowledge exchange in the Asia-Pacific region.
• Develop project concept notes on youth employment, mentorship, and activism in collaboration with various UNDP units and partners. 1
• Organize a Policy Dialogue on youth engagement in Samoa, bringing together stakeholders including youth representatives and community leaders. 1
• Support the creation of communications materials focused on youth engagement for the MCO.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates should possess strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to engage effectively with youth and community stakeholders. Experience in project management, particularly in youth engagement or empowerment initiatives, is highly desirable. Familiarity with climate action and sustainable development principles will be an asset. The ideal candidate should be adaptable, proactive, and capable of working in a multicultural environment. Knowledge of Samoan culture and language is beneficial.

Educational Background:
A degree in social sciences, development studies, environmental studies, or a related field is required. Candidates with advanced degrees or specialized training in youth development, Community Engagement, or Climate Change will be given preference.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 1-2 years of relevant experience in youth engagement, Community Development, or project management. Experience working with governmental or non-governmental organizations, particularly in the Pacific region, is advantageous. Familiarity with the UN system and its operations will be considered a plus.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, while proficiency in Samoan is highly desirable. Knowledge of additional languages spoken in the Pacific region would be an asset.

Additional Notes:
This is a national volunteer position, and the duration of the contract is typically for a year, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability. The role is full-time, requiring a commitment of 5 days a week, with a split in time between MWCSD and UNDP. The position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to youth empowerment and sustainable development in Samoa, with potential for professional growth and networking within the UN system.