Youth & Adolescent Development Specialist

The Young & Adolescent Development Specialist reports to the Chief of Young and Adolescent for guidance and general supervision. The Specialist contributes to achievement of concrete and sustainable results on adolescent development related programmes/projects according to plans, allocation, results based-management approaches and methodology (RBM) and UNICEF’s Strategic Plans, standards of performance and accountability framework. This will be achieved through the following results:

Support to programmes development and planning:

• Support UNICEF’s advocacy and policy development for adolescent development and participation, conduct assessments to gather evidence-based data, monitor related programmes, and identify opportunities to enhance service delivery.
• Participate in programme formulation, planning, and preparation, ensuring the integration of policies that address crosscutting issues like gender, disabilities, and minority rights.
• Establish specific goals, strategies, and implementation plans using results-based planning methodology, and prepare documentation for programme review.
• Collaborate with colleagues and partners to discuss methodologies and assess national priorities to achieve sustainable results.
• Update the situation analysis by conducting assessments to establish evidence-based data for UNICEF advocacy and development of policies, framework and programmes to promote adolescent development and participation in the country and for monitoring results on related programmes/projects.

Program management, monitoring and delivery of results

• Collaborate with partners to set monitoring benchmarks and performance indicators for adolescent development programmes. Participate in evaluations and reviews with government and counterparts to assess progress and determine necessary actions. Prepare and assess reports to identify gaps and strengths, using lessons learned for planning and timely interventions. Actively monitor programmes through field visits, surveys, and stakeholder exchanges to identify and resolve issues. Ensure optimal use of resources, compliance with regulations, and timely reporting. Prepare regular reports for management, donors, and partners to keep them informed of progress.

Technical and operational support to programme implementation

• Provide technical guidance and operational support to government counterparts, NGO partners, UN system partners, and donors on policies and methodologies for adolescent development to aid programme management and implementation. Participate in programme meetings, including development and contingency planning, offering technical advice and support. Draft policy papers, briefs, and strategic materials for management use and consideration.

Networking and partnership-building

• Build and maintain partnerships with government counterparts, stakeholders, and global partners through networking, advocacy, and communication to enhance capacity and cooperation for adolescent development initiatives. Prepare advocacy materials to promote awareness and secure resources for these programmes. Represent UNICEF in inter-agency discussions on adolescent development to ensure organizational priorities are integrated into UNDAF planning and emergency preparedness.

Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building

• Introduce innovative approaches and best practices in adolescent development to build partner and stakeholder capacity, supporting sustainable programme results. Stay updated on and implement best practices, sharing knowledge gained. Contribute to policy and procedure development for efficient programme implementation. Organize capacity-building initiatives to enhance stakeholder competencies and promote sustainable outcomes.

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

Minimum requirements:

Education:

• An advanced university degree in one of the following fields is required: Anthropology, Psychology, Sociology, Education or another relevant technical field.

Work Experience: 

• A minimum of five years of professional experience in social development planning and management in adolescent development related areas, including gender approach, is required

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English and Portuguese is required.

Source: https://jobs.unicef.org/cw/en-us/job/578515