International Consultant supporting Syria's new Ministry of Sports & Youth on youth policy, partnerships, opportunity mapping, and organizational design, Damascus, Syria, 6 months (remote)

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

Under the overall supervision of UNICEF Syria (Adolescent Development and Participation Section) and in close coordination with the Ministry of Sports and Youth, the International Consultant will provide strategic, technical, and facilitation support to strengthen youth governance and institutional systems in Syria. This role is crucial for developing and implementing effective youth policies, fostering partnerships, mapping opportunities, and designing robust organizational structures within the Ministry. The consultant will play a key role in enhancing the capacity of the Ministry to address the needs and aspirations of young people, contributing to their development and participation in society. The consultancy aims to build sustainable systems that will benefit Syrian youth long after the engagement period.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic and technical support to the Ministry of Sports and Youth in developing and refining youth policies and strategies. Facilitate multi-stakeholder consultations and workshops to ensure inclusive policy development. Map existing and potential opportunities for youth engagement and development, both domestically and internationally. Support the organizational design and strengthening of the Ministry's structures and processes related to youth affairs. Develop and implement capacity-building initiatives for Ministry staff. Contribute to advocacy and resource mobilization efforts for youth programs. Prepare comprehensive reports, policy briefs, and recommendations for the Ministry and UNICEF. Ensure alignment of activities with UNICEF's mandate and Syrian national priorities. Collaborate closely with UNICEF country office sections and relevant government counterparts. Monitor and evaluate the progress of implemented initiatives and provide feedback for continuous improvement. Facilitate knowledge sharing and best practices in youth development and governance.

Work Experience

Minimum 15 years of progressively responsible experience in youth policy/strategy development, public sector reform, and institutional design. Experience leading multi-stakeholder processes and producing government-endorsed policies or strategies. Demonstrated experience in advocacy/resource mobilization and mapping international opportunities. Experience in the MENA region and working with ministries, UN agencies, and development partners is required.

Skills

Strategic thinking and action, Managing ambiguity and complexity, Partnership building and maintenance, Drive for results and impact, Collaborative work approach, Strong facilitation skills, Excellent writing skills, Effective communication skills, Youth policy development, Public sector reform, Institutional design, Advocacy and resource mobilization

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