Adolescent and Youth Officer
Organizational Context
The UNFPA Country Office in Djibouti partners with government, institutions, and civil society to implement its mandate, guided by the Programme of Action from the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Its focus areas include sexual and reproductive health, human rights, gender equality, and population and development issues. UNFPA provides technical and financial support for population data collection, analysis, and dissemination to inform effective decision-making. The region faces an influx of Yemeni refugees, straining limited health, water, and protection services.
Job Purpose
This role aims to address the specific needs of adolescents and youth, particularly adolescent girls, who are increasingly vulnerable due to the refugee influx from Yemen into Obock. The assignment focuses on making these young individuals visible by identifying, informing, and referring them to appropriate services. The position will work closely with UNICEF's child protection mandate without duplication and leverage existing local associations engaged with UNFPA on reproductive rights. The objective is to mitigate risks related to child marriage, exploitation, and early pregnancies by ensuring access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and protection services, thereby contributing to their well-being and social cohesion.
Responsibilities
The Adolescent and Youth Officer will support data consolidation and profiling of adolescents and youth, including those in host families, to estimate population size and profile. This involves mapping safe access points for reaching adolescents, especially girls. The role includes identifying at-risk adolescent girls (e.g., child marriage, exploitation, early pregnancy) and referring them, with consent, to appropriate SRH, Gender-Based Violence (GBV), or child protection services. Unaccompanied or separated children will be reported to relevant actors. The officer will also facilitate peer education sessions on puberty, menstrual hygiene, SRH, and GBV prevention, and liaise with the child-friendly space to ensure age-appropriate SRH/GBV services. Regular consultations with adolescents will inform response adjustments. The role emphasizes adherence to GBV guiding principles, PSEA standards, data protection, and accountability to affected populations, ensuring the inclusion of vulnerable groups. Collaboration with other UNFPA volunteers is key for service continuity.
Work Experience
No prior experience is required. However, at least one year of paid or volunteer experience working with youth (e.g., youth associations, peer education, community health) is relevant. Experience in adolescent SRH, GBV prevention, or humanitarian action is an asset. Skills in group facilitation, basic data compilation, and smartphone use are beneficial. Residence in the Obock region and familiarity with the local community are advantageous.
Skills
Community development, Emergency preparedness, crisis response, strong communication skills, ability to work in challenging environments, basic smartphone proficiency, commitment to adolescent rights, non-judgmental attitude, respect for confidentiality, and awareness of security protocols.