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, a childwood

The post will support the coordination of the cross-sector area of adolescence with a focus on participation. This new position aims to support the centralization and integration strategies related to youth engagement and adolescent development within the country program. Under the supervision of the SBC specialist, the incumbent will also support the coordination of the youth and adolescents’ participation strategy at the local level, aligning with the ambitious project in the new CPD. This position is necessary to consolidate and enhance the fragmented work done in the current CPD, and its strengthening will contribute to achieving the stated results.

The Adolescent Development Senior Associate reports to the Social Behavior and Change Officer NOB. The Senior Associate provides professional technical, operational and administrative assistance throughout the programming process. This support is given through the application of theoretical and technical skills in researching, collecting, analyzing and presenting technical programme information and learning, organizational rules, regulations and procedures, to support the development and formulation of the adolescent development and participation programmes/projects within the Country Programme. Also, the Adolescent Development Senior Associate provides technical support for the development, testing, monitoring and evaluation of methodologies.

How can you make a difference?

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

1. Support to programme development and planning
2. Support the programme management, monitoring and delivery of results
3. Technical and operational support to programme implementation
4. Support the networking and partnership building
5. Supports the innovation, knowledge management and capacity building
1. Support to programme development and planning
 Research and analyze regional and national political, health, social and economic development trends. Collect, analyze, verify and synthesize information to facilitate programme development, design and preparation.
 Prepare technical reports and inputs for programme preparation and documentation, ensuring accuracy, timeliness and relevancy of information.
 Support the the development/establishment of adolescent development and participation programme goals, objectives, strategies and results-based planning through research, collection, analysis and reporting of related information for development planning and priority and goal setting, development, testing, monitoring and evaluation of methodologies.
 Provide technical and administrative support throughout all stages of programming processes by executing/administering a variety of technical programme transactions and preparing materials/documentations in accordance with organizational rules, processes and systems for programme planning, results-based planning (RBM) and monitoring and evaluations.
 Support the development of required documentations/materials to facilitate the programme review and approval process.

2. Programme management, monitoring and delivery of results

 Work closely and collaboratively with colleagues and partners to collect/analyze/share information on implementation issues, suggest solutions on routine programme implementation and submit report to alert appropriate officials and stakeholders for higher-level intervention and/or decision. Keep record of reports and assessments for easy reference and/or to capture and institutionalize lessons learned.
 Participate in monitoring and evaluation exercises, programme reviews and annual programme reviews with government and other counterparts and prepare minutes/reports on results for follow up action by higher management and other stakeholders.
 Supports the monitoring and reporting on the use of adolescent development and participation programme resources (financial, administrative and other assets), verify compliance with approved allocation/goals, organizational rules, regulations/procedures and donor commitments, standards of accountability and integrity. Report on issues identified to ensure timely resolution by management/stakeholders. Follow up on unresolved issues to ensure resolution.
 Prepare inputs for programme/donor reporting.

3. Technical and operational support to programme implementation

 Support field visits and surveys and share information with partners/stakeholders to assess progress and provide technical support to relevant officials for resolution. Report on critical issues, bottlenecks and potential problems for timely action to achieve results.
 Provide technical and operational support to government counterparts, NGO partners, UN system partners and other country office partners/donors on the application and understanding of UNICEF and adolescent development and participation policies, strategies, processes and best practices to support programme implementation, operations and delivery of results.
 Provide support to development, testing, monitoring and evaluation of methodologies.

4. Networking and partnership building

• Support the effective partnerships with government counterparts and national stakeholders through active sharing of information and knowledge to facilitate programme implementation and build capacity of stakeholders to achieve and sustain results on adolescent development and participation programmes/projects.
• Draft communication and information materials for CO programme advocacy to promote awareness, establish partnerships/alliances and support resource mobilization to ensure the adolescent development and participation programmes/projects are adequately resourced and supported.

 Research information on potential donors and prepare resource mobilization materials and briefs for fund raising and partnership development purposes.

5. Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building

 Identify, capture, synthesize and share lessons learned for knowledge development and to build the capacity of stakeholders.
 Apply innovative approaches and promote good practice to support the implementation and delivery of concrete and sustainable programme results.
• Support the research, benchmark and report on best and cutting edge practices for development planning of knowledge products and systems.
• Support the capacity building initiatives to enhance the competencies of clients/stakeholders.

The support, research and technical analysis provided by the incumbent strengthens the advocacy, planning and formulation of adolescent development and participation programmes. The achievement of concrete and sustainable results from these programmes contribute to achievement of UNICEF goals in the country to promote the full and active participation of adolescents in determining their essential needs, promoting their rights to a safe environment and protecting their rights to survival, development and well-being in society. Achievements in programmes and projects in turn contribute to maintaining/enhancing the credibility and ability of UNICEF to provide programme services for mothers and children that promotes greater social equality and inclusion in the country.

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

• Secondary Education is required. A technical or university degree in one of the following fields is an asset but not a requirement: anthropology, psychology, sociology, education or another relevant technical field.
• A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in social development planning and management in adolescent participation and development and related areas is required.
• Experience working in a developing country is considered as an asset.
• Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is considered as an asset.
• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergencies is considered an asset.
• Fluency in English and Spanish is required.

• A bachelor’s degree from a recognized academic institution in a field relevant to the position may be considered to compensate for three (3) years of experience in case the candidate lacks the required experience.
• A master’s degree from a recognized academic institution in a field relevant to the position may be considered to compensate for an additional two (2) years (in addition to the three years from above, totaling 5 years).

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:

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

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. 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.

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