Asia and Pacific- Special Youth Programme 2011

We are pleased to advertise the following opening for the Special Youth Programme:

JOB ID NO.: 1728

CLOSING DATE: 20 January 2011 (5pm New York time)

POST TITLE: Asia and Pacific- Special Youth Programme 2011

DURATION: 8 months

ORGANIZATIONAL SETTING:

The Special Youth Programme fellowship consists of an initial 4 months fellowship at the Asia and Pacific Regional Office, followed by a continued fellowship of another 4 months in a UNFPA Country Office in the region. This programme is designed to give young people from developing countries opportunities to engage in policy development and programming; to help build the capacity of young people; and to sensitize young people and UNFPA staff on jointly addressing young people’s issues.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

During the course of the programme, youth fellows will learn about UNFPA’s mandate, programmes and the issues we work on, attend and participate in UNFPA and UN events and meetings, undertake research and writing assignments on areas of interest, contribute to ongoing programmes, activities and initiatives and organize a final presentation to UNFPA staff on their projects and fellowships.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

· Work or volunteer experience in areas of UNFPA’s mandate, which include population and development, young people’s sexual and reproductive health, humanitarian response, sexuality education, gender, culture, human rights, HIV prevention, poverty reduction and sustainable livelihoods.

· Aged between 20-24 years old (applicants born before 1 January 1987 will not be considered).

· Residence and nationality of a developing country (for a list, see http://www.unfpa.org/worldwide/).

· Interest and dedication to development issues established through previous experiences or affiliations.

· Commitment to return to home country to promote the ICPD mandate.

· Young people living with disabilities and indigenous young people are especially encouraged to apply.

All selected candidates will be provided return travel from country of origin, assistance with travel documents and visa requirements, health insurance, housing arrangements, a minimum subsistence allowance (for meals and other basic needs), a workstation and internet access, opportunities to be mentored by UNFPA staff on issues of interest and administrative assistance as may be required. A salary is not paid under this programme.

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, teamwork, respect for diversity, integrity and a healthy balance of work and life. We are committed to maintaining our balanced gender distribution and therefore encourage women to apply.

How to Apply:

Applications are open! To apply, go to http://www.unfpa.org/employment/vacancy.htm and click on “Apply Online”. This is the only way to apply. Candidates from all regions are welcome to apply. Please click on the vacancy for your region. If you have any trouble applying, you can look at the instructions in the guide on how to apply (click here: http://www.unfpa.org/employment/application_guide.doc). Please note that there is no fee to apply.

The deadline for applications is 20 January 2011. Candidates that are shortlisted will be contacted by 15 February. Interviews will take place late-February and the fellowship is from April to December.

For more information, go to the Facebook Page “UNFPA Special Youth Programme”, follow @unfpayouth or #syp2011 on Twitter or email youth@unfpa.org. Due to the large number of queries, an immediate response may not be possible so please read this notice carefully. All the best!!!