Desenvolvimento de Adolescentes e Engajamento Comunitário
Organizational Context
UNICEF, mandated by the UN General Assembly, champions children's rights and well-being. Operating in Brazil since 1950, UNICEF supports significant transformations for children and adolescents, focusing on the most vulnerable and excluded. The organization's current cooperation program (2024-2028) targets children affected by violence, particularly in the Amazon, Northeast, and urban peripheries. Initiatives like Selo UNICEF and Agenda Cidade UNICEF aim to reduce inequalities and promote child rights in vulnerable communities.
Job Purpose
This role supports the implementation and promotion of UNICEF's Agenda Cidade UNICEF in Manaus, specifically within the Colônia Antônio Aleixo neighborhood. The assignment focuses on community-based approaches to protect and advance the rights of children and adolescents. By engaging directly with local communities, civil society, youth groups, leaders, schools, and service providers, the volunteer will facilitate community mobilization, awareness-raising activities, and strengthen local protection networks. The ultimate goal is to foster significant community participation and youth leadership, increasing awareness of child rights, supporting local Agenda Cidade UNICEF actions, encouraging social mobilization, and contributing to safer, more inclusive environments for children, adolescents, and their families.
Responsibilities
Under the guidance of the Child Protection Officer and direct supervision of the Chief of the Manaus Field Office, the UN Volunteer will: - Support social mobilization efforts and monitor activities related to Agenda Cidade UNICEF for integrated, results-oriented local action. - Map student councils in local schools and identify engagement opportunities. - Identify and map existing community initiatives, groups, and actions promoting youth participation. - Support the creation and mobilization of a group of at least 30 adolescents (12-21 years) to connect them with public policies and participation mechanisms, including the Adolescent Citizenship Hub (NUCA). - Facilitate the participatory development of an Adolescent Citizen Participation Plan (PPCA). - Plan, organize, and facilitate NUCA workshops, especially for girls, focusing on leadership, communication, and civic engagement. - Support awareness and capacity-building activities on child rights, education, employability, menstrual dignity, mental health, sexual and reproductive health, violence prevention, racial equity, and climate change impacts. - Strengthen the engagement of girls' collectives and youth groups in local decision-making processes. - Mobilize civil society organizations, families, schools, and community leaders to enhance belonging and sustainability of Agenda Cidade UNICEF initiatives. - Support the organization and implementation of local meetings, events, and campaigns. - Facilitate communication and coordination among local actors to strengthen community protection networks. - Perform other related tasks to support the successful implementation of Agenda Cidade UNICEF in Manaus.
Work Experience
No prior experience is required, but one year of relevant experience is desirable. This includes experience in community mobilization, youth engagement, community development, education, social protection, or child protection. Experience working with adolescents, youth groups, schools, communities, or civil society organizations is a plus. Basic computer skills and knowledge of the local context in Manaus are also beneficial.
Skills
UNICEF values include Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS). Key competencies include self-awareness, ethical conduct, collaboration, partnership building, innovation, strategic thinking, initiative, and managing ambiguity. Specific skills include community development, facilitation, strong communication and interpersonal abilities, collaborative work, and basic IT proficiency. Familiarity with child rights, adolescent participation, and community engagement is essential.