Education and Youth Associate Officer

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does - in programmes, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life - in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions - her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens - addressing inequity - not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

The Education and Youth Sector at UNICEF Albania is seeking a UN Volunteer to support the Education and Youth Programme, where skills development and the transition to work are key components of the Country Programme.
The selected UN Volunteer will contribute to achieving results for adolescents and youth (both girls and boys) through formal and alternative learning pathways. The focus will be on skills building, developing strategies for engaging youth who are Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEETs), and supporting the implementation of Youth Guarantee activities in Albania. This includes designing outreach strategies to identify NEET youth at the local level and establishing effective referral mechanisms.
Additionally, the UN Volunteer will support the capacity building of Vocational Employment Offices and assist implementing partners in delivering skills-for-employment initiatives. These efforts are part of UNICEF's contribution to the SDG Acceleration Framework on Jobs and Social Protection.
The UN Volunteer will support the Country Office in designing evidence-based programmes, strengthening data systems, and measuring results of interventions that address the learning needs of all adolescents and young people, particularly in relation to skills development and employment opportunities.
This aligns well with the priorities of the Government of Sweden, including employability and job creation, education and skills building. It also supports Sweden’s agenda in Albania, which promotes human rights, democracy, the rule of law, gender equality, and the development of peaceful and inclusive societies.

Under the direct supervision of Education Specialist the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

1. Program Support and Coordination
• Assist in coordinating youth skilling and transition-to-work programmes, ensuring timely implementation of activities in collaboration with the National Skills and Employment Agency (AKPA), the Ministry of State for Youth and Children (MoYC), the National Youth Agency, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Collaborate with government agencies, NGOs, schools, and community organizations to support program delivery aspects regarding EU4Youth, SDG Accelerator Program interventions etc.
• Support in organizing and facilitating workshops, training sessions, and meetings as needed.
• Develop programme briefs, progress reports and concept notes for fundraising as needed.
• Organize programmatic monitoring visits and provide suggestions and comments for implementing the work on the ground.

2. Research and Analysis
• Assist in the formulation of new programme priorities for next cycle of work for UNICEF in Albania along with other team members.
• Assist in conducting research on Skills and employment policies, youth development trends, and best practices in Albania and globally.
• Assist in Analyzing program data and prepare reports on program progress, outcomes, and impacts.
• Prepare a summary of the EU4Youth initiative, highlighting key outcomes and assessing the potential for its replication in other regions of Albania.

3. Community Engagement and Advocacy
• Support community engagement activities in outreach for NEETS and promote inclusive youth participation.
• Assist in the development and dissemination of advocacy materials, including social media content and policy briefs, with a focus on employment and skills development for the labour market.
• Ensure compliance with UNICEF’s policies and procedures in all program activities.