Programme Specialist

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Description

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• 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.

• 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. 

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