Youth Engagement and Social Cohesion Associate

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works in nearly 170 countries and territories, including the Republic of Moldova, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty, and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion.

We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities and build resilience to sustain development results.
UNDP in Moldova is guided by its Country Programme Document, and the UN-Moldova Development Assistance for 2018-2022, which is in line with the priorities of the Government of Moldova.

In a rapidly changing global environment, the work of UNDP and the broader UN family aligns with the new national development vision, Moldova 2030, and sector strategies. UNDP Moldova’s country programme for 2018–2022 has three major focus areas:

Inclusive growth, Effective governance, Climate change, environment and energy and three cross-cutting areas: Gender equality, Crisis response, Development impact

UNDP supports the Government of Moldova in building democratic institutions, reducing poverty and inequality, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The organization fosters peacebuilding and resilience through inclusive governance, gender equality, and community empowerment. The second phase of the Social Cohesion Programme, jointly implemented by UNDP and UNFPA, will focus on promoting inclusive dialogue, strengthening local governance systems, and fostering trust across communities, with a special emphasis on youth and older people.

UNDP Moldova is expanding its work on social cohesion as part of its broader efforts to promote inclusive governance, community resilience, and conflict prevention. Building on the outcomes of a pilot initiative (2024–2025), the organization will continue to support initiatives that foster dialogue, social trust, and youth engagement across the country. The UN Youth Volunteer will play a key role in this growing portfolio: they will support the development of a national Youth Mediation Network, coordinate youth-led initiatives at the community level, and contribute to the organization of intergenerational and interregional dialogue platforms. This assignment offers a young professional the opportunity to take part in shaping innovative approaches to social cohesion while gaining hands-on experience within a dynamic international development setting.

Under the direct supervision of the Programme Specialist/Cluster Lead/Effective Governance, Justice and Human Rights, the UN Youth Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:
-Support the conceptualization of the National Youth Mediation Network, assisting in training coordination, outreach, and network development.
- Contribute to the design and facilitation of youth engagement and intergenerational dialogue events at local and national levels.
- Assist with the coordination of social cohesion learning exchanges and interregional youth forums, including logistics, content preparation, and post-event reporting.
- Liaise with local partners (CSOs, Hometown Associations, Youth Centers) to mobilize young people in community-based dialogue and peacebuilding activities.
- Support monitoring and reporting efforts, including drafting human interest stories and collecting lessons learned from youth initiatives.
- Support in the development of the monitoring indicators and framework.
- Participate in field missions, community visits, and collect feedback from beneficiaries to help improve programme design and implementation.
- Assist the team with day-to-day programme administration and documentation, including on visibility and outreach.