UN Somalia Youth Advisory Board Member

Organizational Context

The UN Integrated Office in Somalia (IO) coordinates UN efforts to achieve the National Transformation Plan and Agenda 2030, supporting the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. The Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) within the IO manages strategic planning, partnerships, data, and communications. The IO also includes advisory functions, such as on youth, and supports various UN teams and funds. Somalia has a very young population, with over 70% under 35.

Job Purpose

This role supports UN Somalia's objective to enhance participation and youth responsiveness by integrating youth perspectives into strategic vision, policy, program design, monitoring, and advocacy. The Youth Advisory Board (YAB) contributes to the UN Somalia Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework and the UN Youth Strategy 2.0 (Youth2030), ensuring youth priorities influence UN Country Team (UNCT) and Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) decisions. The YAB acts as a bridge between Somali youth and UN leadership, translating recommendations into action through collaboration with the UN Inter-Agency Working Group on Youth (IAWGY).

Responsibilities

Members of the Youth Advisory Board (YAB) will attend and actively participate in online meetings and consultations. They will review UN Somalia policies, program documents, and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework from a youth perspective, providing concise written and oral feedback. Responsibilities include offering strategic guidance on youth priorities across thematic areas such as governance, economic transformation, social and human capital, environment/climate, and gender/inclusion. Volunteers will support youth-sensitive monitoring and evaluation by contributing to indicators and reporting, and engage with youth-led networks to ensure broad representation and feedback. They will also respond to input requests from the UNCT, HCT, and IAWGY.

Work Experience

Candidates must be residents of Somalia aged 18-35. Active involvement with local youth or professional youth-led organizations and demonstrated links to community networks are required. Experience in youth engagement, Monitoring and Evaluation, or program design is considered an asset.

Skills

Strong communication and advocacy skills are essential, along with the ability to analyze policy and draft concise recommendations. Volunteers must be able to join online meetings. Fluency in Somali and working knowledge of English are required. Commitment to voluntary service, confidentiality, and adherence to the YAB code of conduct are also necessary.

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