Adolescent Development and Participation (ADAP) Officer
Organizational Context
UNICEF Pakistan supports the government in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and realizing children's rights. The country faces significant challenges for children and adolescents. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a large youth population, socio-cultural barriers, and disparities necessitate enhanced Adolescent Development and Participation (ADAP) efforts. UNICEF focuses on strengthening policies, systems, and services to empower youth, promoting their engagement, life skills, and access to essential services, in collaboration with provincial authorities, communities, and youth themselves.
Job Purpose
The UNV ADAP Officer will support UNICEF's efforts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to design, implement, and scale adolescent and youth engagement initiatives. This role is crucial for strengthening inclusive participation platforms, such as the Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI), and mobilizing adolescents, particularly girls and marginalized groups. The officer will facilitate youth-led forums, clubs, and digital engagement, fostering youth leadership and partnerships with universities. Key contributions include supporting communication strategies, capacity building for adolescents and stakeholders, and ensuring effective monitoring and knowledge sharing to enhance evidence-based programming for adolescent development and participation.
Responsibilities
Under the Chief of Field Office's supervision, the UNV ADAP Officer will support the planning, implementation, and scaling of Adolescent Development and Participation (ADAP) initiatives. Key responsibilities include strengthening inclusive platforms for adolescent engagement, especially for girls and marginalized groups, and facilitating youth-led forums, school/community clubs, and digital platforms. The role involves supporting the Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI) rollout, engaging universities to promote youth leadership and advocacy, and building partnerships with government, civil society, and youth networks. Additionally, the officer will contribute to communication and social mobilization strategies on child rights, support capacity building for adolescents and stakeholders, and assist in monitoring, documentation, and knowledge sharing to enhance programming quality and impact.
Work Experience
A minimum of three years of relevant experience is required, including work in youth engagement, social mobilization, community development, or child rights programming. Demonstrated ability to work with adolescents and youth, facilitate participatory platforms, and build partnerships with government, civil society, and academic institutions is essential. Skills in reporting, documentation, and digital tools are also necessary.
Skills
The role requires strong competencies in building and maintaining partnerships, driving impactful results, and managing ambiguity. Essential skills include self-awareness, ethical awareness, and collaborative work. Specific expertise areas include training, capacity building, and youth engagement. Core values of care, respect, integrity, trust, accountability, and sustainability are expected.