National Consultant : Education (Adolescent Engagement and Youth Participation)3 and 1/2 months Semera, Ethiopia

Organizational Context

UNICEF operates in over 190 countries, dedicated to saving children's lives, defending their rights, and helping them reach their full potential. We are committed to promoting the rights of every child, viewing it as a calling. UNICEF offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development, fostering a sense of purpose while serving children and communities globally. We welcome individuals seeking to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture.

Job Purpose

The National Consultant for Education (Adolescent Engagement and Youth Participation) will work under the direct supervision of the Education Specialist in Semera, Ethiopia. This role is crucial for enhancing adolescent engagement and youth participation within UNICEF's educational programs, particularly under the PROSPECT 2.0 initiative. The consultant will facilitate meaningful youth involvement, organize volunteer activities, and support consultations with young people on various programmatic issues. A key responsibility includes providing technical support to the regional education bureau to integrate adolescent-responsive and gender-sensitive approaches into program planning and implementation. The consultant will also foster partnerships with youth-led organizations, advocate for youth participation in program cycles, and monitor the integration of inclusive approaches in formal and non-formal education. This position aims to strengthen adolescent leadership, civic engagement, and life skills, ensuring the inclusion of vulnerable and marginalized youth.

Responsibilities

The National Consultant will provide comprehensive technical support for adolescent engagement and youth participation. This includes supervising meaningful youth engagement through facilitating adolescent participation and organizing volunteer activities aligned with their interests. The consultant will support UNICEF in conducting consultations with adolescents and young people on programmatic issues using various instruments. Technical support will be provided to the regional education bureau for work planning and implementing adolescent and youth engagement strategies, ensuring adolescent-responsive and gender-sensitive approaches are integrated. The consultant will initiate and maintain partnerships with youth-led organizations focusing on climate change, education, entrepreneurship, skills development, and mental health. Advocacy for meaningful adolescent and youth participation in program design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation is essential. Monitoring the integration of adolescent-responsive approaches in education and supervising adolescent leadership, civic engagement, and life skills initiatives are key duties. The consultant will also promote inclusive participation of vulnerable and marginalized adolescents. Furthermore, the role involves monitoring and reporting on the use of sectoral program resources, ensuring compliance with regulations. Contribution to drafting program reports for management, donors, and partners is required. Undertaking field visits, supporting data collection and analysis, and documenting lessons learned, success stories, and best practices on adolescent engagement are also part of the responsibilities. The consultant will support advocacy initiatives, facilitate linkages between adolescents, schools, communities, and government institutions, and contribute to knowledge development through sharing lessons learned. Participation in coordination meetings and capacity building activities with stakeholders, including government counterparts and youth-led organizations, will be undertaken.

Work Experience

At least two years of professional experience in youth engagement, program implementation, or a related field, preferably within an international development or humanitarian context. Experience working with adolescents and youth in Ethiopia is an asset.

Skills

Adolescent engagement, Youth participation, Program implementation, Technical support, Partnership building, Advocacy, Monitoring and evaluation, Reporting, Documentation, Coordination, Capacity building, Communication

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