Youth, Peace and Security Officer

Organizational Context

The United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) is a political mission focused on preventive diplomacy, mediation, and peacebuilding. It collaborates with regional partners to address threats like terrorism and organized crime, and supports good governance and human rights. UNOWAS also leads the UN Integrated Strategy for the Sahel, promoting initiatives in governance, security, and resilience. The office actively engages with youth, supporting the implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions on Youth, Peace, and Security.

Job Purpose

This role supports the UNOWAS Gender and Youth Unit in implementing UN Security Council Resolutions 2250, 2419, and 2535 concerning Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) in West Africa and the Sahel. The incumbent will contribute to developing and executing action plans based on youth recommendations, finalizing a database of youth-led organizations, and conducting surveys and reporting on the YPS agenda's implementation in the region. The position aims to enhance synergy and collaboration with regional organizations and youth networks, support resource mobilization for youth organizations, and facilitate communication and interaction among young people and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

The UN Volunteer will support the UNOWAS Gender and Youth Unit in implementing the Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) agenda in West Africa and the Sahel. Key tasks include contributing to the development and implementation of proposals based on youth recommendations, finalizing a database of youth and youth-led organizations, and conducting surveys and reports on the YPS agenda's implementation. The role involves collecting success stories, assisting in organizing regional youth forums and workshops, and supporting young women and men organizations in resource mobilization. Additionally, the volunteer will maintain contact with youth organizations and regional actors, manage social media to facilitate interaction among youth networks, and produce quarterly newsletters on youth activities in the region, while performing other duties to support the unit's goals.

Work Experience

No prior experience is required. Demonstrated interest or experience in project and program development is beneficial. Previous volunteer experience or cross-cultural exposure is highly regarded. Experience in multi-country work, strong report-writing skills, and familiarity with the West African sub-region or local youth movements are assets. Fluency in English or French is essential, with knowledge of the other language being highly desirable.

Skills

Core competencies include accountability, adaptability, flexibility, building trust, client orientation, commitment, continuous learning, communication, creativity, empowering others, ethics, integrity, judgment, decision-making, knowledge sharing, leadership, performance management, planning, organization, respect for diversity, self-management, technological awareness, vision, and teamwork. Specific skills include expertise in Youth, Peace, and Security; Gender and Women, Peace, and Security; project/program development; report writing; communication; advocacy; public information; community development; and legal affairs.

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