ACDI/VOCA is seeking a Social Cohesion Lead for an upcoming youth activity in Kosovo funded by USAID. The anticipated program aims to align youth skills with market needs and facilitate active and meaningful youth engagement opportunities in democratic processes, contributing to Kosovo’s social cohesion.
The Social Cohesion Lead will develop activities that foster youth engagement and participation in decision-making by youth from all geographies and backgrounds, especially young women, youth with disabilities, and ethnic minority youth into all program activities. The program is anticipated to start in 2024 and this position is based in Kosovo.
Responsibilities
Provide visionary oversight and guidance to the Activity regarding youth engagement, civic participation, volunteerism and community improvement activities;
Lead the development of strategies and interventions that promote the civic and social empowerment of male and female youth, especially youth with disabilities and ethnic minority youth;
Actively partner with youth and other key stakeholders (municipalities, civil society organizations, schools, etc.) to improve conditions for youth civic engagement;
Lead and/or oversee research focused on youth civic engagement, including utilizing youth-led research methods and analysis of age- and gender-specific challenges and opportunities;
Liaise with other technical specialists to ensure cross-sectoral synergies and impacts across the program;
Work with the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning team to ensure that civic engagement approaches are well understood, planned for, and that indicators, data collection methods, and learning is being captured, analyzed, and reported on;
Work with local youth-led and youth-serving organizations to carry out program approaches and interventions, including strengthening the capacity of these organizations to improve service offerings to young people;
Contribute to the creation of work plans and periodic written program reports, summarizing youth civic engagement results as well as progress and evidence of transformative approaches;
Identify and address capacity building and resource needs for program staff and partners.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in anthropology, sociology, international development, or relevant field is required; master’s degree is preferred;
Minimum 8 years of experience in social cohesion, civic engagement, or minority inclusion;
Understanding of and experience working with municipalities and other relevant government entities desired;
Demonstrated experience conducting research, including qualitative data collection;
Demonstrated experience developing and implementing youth and minority engagement interventions and approaches;
Proven interpersonal skills with ability to build personal relationships with staff, donor partners, and government leaders at all levels in a culturally sensitive manner;
Experience working in Kosovo with ethnically diverse communities required;