Youth Empowerment Associate Vacancy-Job Ref: WJMWUNFPA/1206/2025811

Youth Empowerment Associate Vacancy-Job Ref: WJMWUNFPA/1206/2025811

Lilongwe (Malawi)

Job Description

Malawi has a youthful population – 52 percent of the population is below 18 years and 80 percent is below the age of 35. Teenage pregnancy has been increasing since 2010 – 26% and is currently at 32% percent, with a rural (34%), urban (19%) disparity. Early pregnancy multiplies the risks to girls’ health, increasing the likelihood of complications such as obstetric fistula, or death from pregnancy-related causes. Malawi has one of the highest rates of child marriage in the world, with approximately 42% of girl child marriage rate indicating the magnitude of this harmful practice that the country continues to practice.

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Gender Based Violence: Malawi is characterized by a high prevalence of violence against women and girls, from traditional practices that harm girls and teenagers (from sexual initiation rituals to child marriage) to sexual and gender-based violence and intimate partner violence.

In line with the existing gaps in adolescent girls and young women’s SRHR status, UNFPA isl prioritizing the health and well-being of adolescent girls, including by improving access to adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights and increasing the agency and empowerment of adolescents to reduce gender-based violence and harmful practices, including child marriage, and strengthen HIV prevention, among others. The programme is implemented at district level.

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This UNV will focus on skills transfer to the District Youth Office (DYO), community structures led by young people and CSOs in Youth Empowerment and Leadership. The role will provide support and oversight to partners implementing UNFPA’s programme including: -Safe spaces mentorship programme

-Parental and Child Communication programme

-Community involvement (SASA approach, community leaders, faith based)

-I-CAN (CSE for young PLWHIV)

-Support Teen clubs

-Breaking the silence (CSE targeting People with disabilities)

-Farmers Field School through FAO in Mchinji district

-Young people engagement on climate change

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the Programme Specialist – Adolescent and Youth, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: 1. Build the capacity of the District Youth Office, community structures, and Civil Society Organization’s in youth empowerment, ensuring alignment/complementarities of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights programmes and Youth empowerment programmes.

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2. Support the design and implementation of youth empowerment initiatives with youth clubs, youth networks, UNFPA implementing partners and other structures led by young people and enhance youth leadership and engagement.

3. Technical support to the youth clubs/networks in their capacity to provide SRHR information and referral to SRH services including Gender Based Violence services and other relevant interventions at district level (community interventions, safe spaces, etc.)

4. Monitor implementation of all relevant interventions at district level.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to: – Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance, in events that mark International Volunteer Day)

– Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country

– Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities

– Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.

– Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers

– Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

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Eligibility criteria

Age: 18 – 80

Required experience

3 years

Donor priorities

Nationality

Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.

Additional eligibility criteria

This assignment is funded by the Government of Japan, therefore only Japanese nationals are eligible to apply.

Assignment requirements

Relevant experience

3 years

Languages

English, Level: Fluent, Required

Required education level

Bachelor degree or equivalent in in International Development, Public Health, Gender Studies or related fields.

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3-5 years in of relevant experience in development and/or humanitarian work on youth issues with experience in youth SRHR

Competencies and values

X Accountability

X Adaptability and Flexibility

X Building Trust

X Client Orientation

X Commitment and Motivation

X Communication

X Creativity

X Empowering Others

X Ethics and Values

X Integrity

X Judgement and Decision-making

X Knowledge Sharing

X Leadership

X Planning and Organizing

X Professionalism

X Respect for Diversity

X Self-Management

X Technological Awareness

X Working in Teams

Skills and experience

– Prior knowledge or experience working in developing countries is an asset

– Knowledge and experience of SRHR and/or ASRHR is required

– Experience in delivering technical assistance to countries is required.

– Proven ability to work well in teams is an asset.

– The ability to write clearly and concisely is required.

– Initiative, sound judgment and demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with staff members from different national and cultural backgrounds is an asset.

Area(s) of expertise

Development programmes, Community development, Health

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Other information

Living conditions and remarks

Malawi is a stable and democratic country and has no major security problems. The population of Malawi is about 20 million and the major languages are English and Chichewa, with several other local languages spoken across the country. Living conditions in the major cities are modest with basic supplies/amenities available. Health services and international schools are available in Lilongwe, Blantyre, Mzuzu and Zomba (the major cities). Malaria is prevalent throughout the country. Social infrastructure, though limited, can be found in all 4 major cities.

Mchinji, Malawi is a culturally rich border town near Zambia and approximately 100 kilometers away from the capital city of Lilongwe. This should typically take 1 hour in travel time. It is known for its agricultural economy and vibrant local markets. Living conditions are modest, with basic amenities available, though infrastructure may be limited in rural areas.

Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements

Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy

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