Adolescent Development and Health Specialist

Organizational Context

UNICEF, present in Brazil since 1950, advocates for children's rights and supports their development. The current program (2024-2028) focuses on the most vulnerable and excluded children and adolescents, particularly those affected by violence, mental health issues, and lack of opportunities. UNICEF addresses challenges like worsened educational indicators, increased violence, menstrual poverty, and declining vaccination rates, aiming to improve health services, promote inclusive policies, and foster adolescent participation.

Job Purpose

This role supports UNICEF's Country Programme in Brazil (2024-2028) by providing technical assistance and advocacy for adolescent development and participation. The specialist will focus on improving immunization rates, public health services, adolescent health, and addressing issues related to racial, gender, and territorial identities. Key initiatives include the UNICEF Seal and the #AgendaCidadeUNICEF, working with state governments, civil society, and communities to enhance public policies and ensure adolescents, especially marginalized groups, have access to health services, education, protection, and opportunities for a positive transition to work.

Responsibilities

The UN Volunteer Specialist will provide technical assistance, advocacy, and support for adolescent citizen and development participation across four key dimensions: immunization and public health services, adolescent health, and strengthening racial, gender, and territorial identities. This will be implemented through the UNICEF Seal and #AgendaCidadeUNICEF initiatives in Salvador and specific states. Key activities include providing technical assistance to partners on immunization and nutrition, training municipal technicians, promoting anti-racism practices in health services, advocating for adolescent health programs in primary care, and strengthening the adolescent participation component in school health programs. The role also involves supporting the 'Pode Falar' mental health initiative, promoting adolescent rights to participate in decision-making, implementing strategies for adolescent girls' rights, and mobilizing adolescents for climate action.

Work Experience

A minimum of three years of relevant experience is required, specifically in psychology for/with adolescents, adolescent mobilization and development, children's health, and social/community project management. Knowledge of adolescent development, community-level mobilization, and gender/race/ethnicity equality is beneficial. Familiarity with international human rights, children's rights, and government/civil society structures is also advantageous.

Skills

Required competencies include demonstrating self-awareness and ethical awareness, working collaboratively, building and maintaining partnerships, innovating and embracing change, thinking and acting strategically, driving for impactful results, and managing ambiguity and complexity. Expertise in development programs, health, and social work is essential. UNICEF's core values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS) are also expected.

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