Programme Specialist (Generation Unlimited), (NO-3), Beijing, China #127496 [Temporary Appointment for 364 days]

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, education

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programmes, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action.

UNICEF’s education programme in China aims to ensure that all girls and boys, especially the most marginalized, are learning and acquiring skills that prepare them for life and the future of work, in an inclusive, healthy and safe environment.

China is home to second largest population of young people globally, there are approximately 230 million young people between the ages of 10 and 24, constituting 16.5 per cent of the total population. The country is currently undergoing a profound demographic transition with an aging population that increasingly puts pressure on the younger generation, along with high competition for educational and job opportunities. Youth unemployment is a pressing concern. 

Youth development has been incorporated into China’s national strategies. Medium-and Long-term Youth Development Plan (2016-2025) is the first set of national guidelines for youth development. In April 2022, State Council issued a white paper entitled “Youth of China in the New Era”. This systematically prioritizes health and wellbeing, education, and skills (quality), employability and entrepreneurship (access to decent work and productive employment), and active participation in social activities and global governance and participation.

In terms of participation/civic engagement, globally young people have become a driving force for societal change through social mobilization and meaningful participation – pushing for climate action, seeking racial justice, promoting gender equality, and demanding dignity for all. Young people in China have high potential to seize every opportunity to participate in public policy making and lead the ecosystem for youth development (innovation capacity, economic dynamism, infrastructure and connectivity, security and governance).

The UN in China, in collaboration with Chinese government and relevant stakeholders, is committed to addressing these issues by promoting equal opportunities for all young people, with a particular focus on vulnerable groups such as girls and young women, youths with disabilities, rural youths, ethnic minority youths, migrant youths, and youths living with HIV, among others.

How can you make a difference?

The Programme Specialist (Generation Unlimited/GenU), under the supervision of the Chief Education, UNICEF China will work closely with the government of China, the UN Residence Coordinator’s Office (RCO) and the UN Theme Group on Youth (UNTGY), other GenU partners and internally at UNICEF, with programme sections, particularly the Education, Child Protection, Communication, Public Partnership and Partnerships and Innovation team.

This post will be key in ensuring UNICEF China Country Office plays a catalytic role in developing and supporting the successful roll out of the GenU China strategy and the achievement of its targets. She/he will be based in Beijing with 10-20% travel to selected priority provinces/counties.

Key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks

• Act as the key liaison between UNICEF China, the UNTGY and UNRCO, and the GenU partnership in China and on the global level to better inform and catalyze the UN family to contribute to the China GenU strategy and targets.
• Inform and define UNICEF China and UNTGY’s contribution to the GenU China strategy, through consultation and involvement of the relevant sections / units.
• Ensure that the GenU strategy is integrated into UNICEF programme strategies and aligned to outcomes for children and adolescents in Education and other relevant programme sections.
• Support UNTGY secretariat to monitor the implementation and progress of the China GenU strategic plan and ensure timely contribution from UNICEF CCO on agreed components.
• Coordinate UNTGY and UNICEF China’s contribution to GenU with the RCO and other aligned UN agencies; and identify opportunities to scale with focus on co-creating and scale up innovative models, potentially around adolescents/youth skills-building and entrepreneurship/employability, especially in the green space.   
• Coordinate with UNICEF China Communications, section to ensure that communication of GenU activities and progress is undertaken via media, social media and youth engagement.
• Work with UNICEF Partnerships and Innovation (PI) section and the relevant departments/units of other UN agencies in China to support strategic resource mobilization and financing to support the acceleration of GenU actions in China.
• In coordination with national host of GenU China, the UNTGY and RCO, engage relevant private sector and industry associations in cocreating and delivering scalable solutions with an enhanced focus on youth skills and employability.
• Ensure regular progress reporting to UNICEF, UNTGY and the GenU Global Secretariat based in New York with regard to knowledge sharing and integration of global good and best practices into the GenU China approach.
• Act as overall Focal Point for GenU in UNICEF China and maintain internal and external networks for the initiative.
• Represent UNICEF China/UNTGY at selected forums to promote the GenU China approach and support stakeholder engagement.
• Perform other related duties as guided by the direct Supervisor.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in education, economics, sociology, Public Administration or another relevant technical field.

• At least five years of progressively responsible professional work experience at a senior level in either private sector engagement, partnerships, youth-centred programmes or a related field.

• Substantial demonstrable experience of managing complex multi-stakeholder projects.

• Demonstrated strong familiarity with social-economic, cultural and political environment in China, in particular related to youth.

• Knowledge of the China education, skills and employability landscape is desirable and previous experience with UNICEF or a UN agency in a Country Office setting would be a strong advantage.

• Knowledge of youth related advocacy programmes and experience in implementing multi-stakeholder partnerships – highly desirable.

• Ability to engage and negotiate with high level personnel in governmental institutions, external agencies and private sector executives.

• Knowledge and network with SDG related key stakeholders in China, the region and globally.

• Excellent monitoring, evaluation and research skills

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, writing ability and administrative skills.

• Ability to work in multidisciplinary teams.

• Fluency in English and Chinese is required. 

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships (2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (3) Drive to achieve results for impact (4) Innovates and embraces change (5) Manages ambiguity and complexity (6) Thinks and acts strategically (7) Works collaboratively with others.

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.
We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.
UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. 

Remarks:

UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable candidates are encouraged to apply.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Appointments are also subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be cancelled.

All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.