Youth Activities Cordinator

Mission and objectives

The Office of the UNHCR was established on 14 December 1950 by the UN General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country (www.unhcr.org).

Context

Kakuma refugee operation is home to more than 283,000 refugees and asylum-seekers from 22 different nationalities; with the majority originating from South Sudan and followed by Somalia, Burundians and Congolese. Children and youth constitute approximately 70% of the registered refugee population. While in general the refugees and the host community continue to live in harmony, the continued increase in refugee numbers, minimal prospects for livelihood options coupled with the Government’s encampment policy present challenges to peaceful co-existence, social cohesion and increased competition over scarce resources. Additionally, the local host community (Turkana) is mostly pastoralist and with the recent cyclic droughts, many of them have not only lost their livestock but there are limited options for alternative livelihoods such as agriculture (area is climatically harsh and dry). For years, refugees have been mainly dependent on humanitarian assistance with minimal livelihood and self-reliance opportunities, also raising the refugees’ expectations that their protection needs will be taken care of by external actors. This combined has created a high level of dependency, resulting in low refugee participation and challenges in sustaining the current assistance programmes. Harnessing the existing assets and resources in the community, the task is to change the mindset. The continuous security problems in the region might threaten smooth access to asylum and mobility for refugees. Refugees are likely to face more restrictions, hence engaging them in well-though out-programmes on education and social protection programmes, including youth and community out-reach activities, will not only serve as a safety net but will also contribute to their well-being and development towards peaceful coexistence. UNHCR invites applications from qualified candidates to the apply for the position of Refugee UNV Volunteer to support the implementation of youth activities in Kakuma and Kalobeyei in line with UNHCR strategic plan 2021-2025, KISEDP II and the SIRIKA plans. The focus will be on supporting the physical and emotional well-being of youth, further developing youth capacities, empowering youth and promoting the role of youth as agents of peace and social cohesion, thereby leadings towards peaceful, sustainable and secure co-existence within the refugee community and towards the host community in close collaboration with UNHCR Protection covering Kakuma camp and Kalobeyei settlement. The position will be subject to review at the end of duration to examine the progress and determine the way forward. NB: Qualified females are highly encouraged to apply.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the Child Protection Officer, and the overall guidance from the Senior Protection Officer the Refugee UN Volunteer will be assigned protection-related youth activities in line with UNHCR’s 2019-2022 National Youth Strategy under the guidance of UNHCR Protection covering Kakuma camp and Kalobeyei settlement and in close coordination with relevant sector focal points (e.g., education, livelihood). The UN volunteer is expected to share an equal amount of time in the field and in the office for the duties will involve field activities and reporting on the field activities. The UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: • Conduct a stock-taking exercise of the effectiveness of current youth programmes and programmatic gaps in close collaboration with UNHCR and partners; make recommendations with regard to enhancing youth programming. • Provide support to the roll-out of special projects related to youth, including the Youth Initiative Fund (Dadaab and Nairobi) and other new initiatives in the operation. • Organise Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) twice per month with youth to identify pressing issues (for example in relation to documentation, service delivery, radicalization, secondary migration, feedback from young mothers on education needs, etc), draft report and propose way forward. • Assist with the implementation of a Youth Working Group, arrange monthly meetings and draft minutes. • Submit monthly reports of activities which will be used at Nairobi level to produce a monthly “YouthSnapshot Report”.

Required experience

3 years of experience in relevant field required. • Familiarity with programming. • Strong organizational, interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. • Good interpersonal skills he/she must be able to relate well with others, dictate responsibilities, offer support and constructive feedback. • Computer skills: good knowledge and skill with basic computer applications (Word, Excel, Internet). • Fluent in English will be desirable. • Should be at least 22 years of age at the time of applying. • A recognised refugee living in Kakuma camp or Kalobeyei settlement. • Basic knowledge or familiar with UNHCR mandate.

Area(s) of expertise

Administration, Information technology, Business management

Driving license

-

Languages

English, Level: Fluent, Required Kiswahili, Level: Working knowledge, Desirable

Required education level

Secondary education

Competencies and values

Accountability Adaptability and Flexibility Building Trust Client Orientation Commitment and Motivation Ethics and Values Integrity Planning and Organizing Professionalism Respect for Diversity Self-Management Working in Teams

Other informationLiving conditions and remarks

Turkana County is generally characterised by high temperatures (average 35 degrees Celsius/95 degrees Fahrenheit) and is relatively humid. January, February and March are the hottest months, with temperatures reaching a maximum of 38 degrees Celsius/100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. Some essentials during these periods are a hat/cap, sunglasses and light (sweat absorbing) clothes. November-December is the short rainy season. Long rains start in mid-March and end in June. Movement to the camp/settlement and neighbouring towns becomes limited when numerous seasonal riverbeds get flooded. The risk of malaria is high. Some of the hazards in Kakuma operation includes dust storms, heat exhaustion, flooding, the presence of different insects, snakes, scorpions and high risk of malaria. Although there are no specific forecasted rains, sudden severe showers cannot be ruled out. The showers usually result in large muddy areas and overflowing of seasonal rivers, it should also be noted that overflooding seasonal rivers in Kakuma area can result in highlands on the North-eastern Ugandan border. There are no medical facilities with higher standards. Kakuma Mission Hospital at Kakuma town is the first point of call during medical emergency situations. There are also few medical clinics and chemist shops in Kakuma town with very basic facilities. Referrals and evacuations are primarily to Nairobi,

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

This UNV assignment is subject to proof of vaccination against Covid-19 with WHO approved vaccine, unless the UNHCR Medical Service approves an exemption from this requirement on medical grounds