Home-based in Italy: U-Report Steering Group Mentor (23.5 working days) - ECARO, O/P Rome

Organizational Context

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

Job Purpose

The purpose of this activity is to engage an experienced Steering Group member in an advisory, mentoring, and coaching role to strengthen the effectiveness, continuity, and sustainability of the U-Report Steering Group and its Youth Leadership Network. Under the supervision of the UNICEF Adolescent Development Manager, the mentor will provide guidance and structured mentoring support to Youth Consultants and Steering Group members, enhancing their capacity to design, implement, and lead U-Report activities. The activity aims to reinforce youth leadership by offering strategic advice, facilitating knowledge sharing and reflection, and supporting coordination with UNICEF focal points, while ensuring that decision-making and ownership remain youth-led. It also seeks to improve the quality and impact of U-Report polls, campaigns, and engagement strategies through informed feedback and capacity building. Overall, this role contributes to fostering inclusive and meaningful youth participation across all thematic areas, while providing continuity and institutional memory to sustain and strengthen the long-term impact of the U-Report initiative.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of UNICEF Adolescent Development Manager, the U-Report Steering Group Mentor will provide guidance and mentoring support to the Youth Consultants and members of the Steering Group. The consultant will not serve as a peer youth representative but rather as a mentor, supporting the Steering Group with strategic advice, capacity building, and knowledge sharing, while ensuring that youth leadership and youth-led processes remain central to the initiative. The mentor will provide mentoring and guidance to Youth Consultants in the implementation of U-Report activities. Support the development of youth leadership and participation capacities within the Steering Group. Provide strategic input and feedback on U-Report polls, campaigns, and engagement strategies. Facilitate knowledge sharing and reflection sessions for the Steering Group and Youth Consultants. Support coordination between the Steering Group, Youth Consultants, and UNICEF focal points. Ensure continuity and institutional memory within the U-Report Steering Group. Contribute to the overall effectiveness, continuity, and sustainability of the U-Report initiative.

Work Experience

A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in youth engagement, programme management, or a related field. Experience in mentoring or coaching youth-led initiatives is highly desirable. Experience working with UNICEF or other UN agencies is an asset.

Skills

Mentoring and coaching, Youth engagement, Programme management, Strategic planning, Capacity building, Adolescent development, Communication, Facilitation, Knowledge sharing, UNICEF processes

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