Country: Maldives
Closing date: 11 Nov 2019
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UNICEF Maldives is looking for a National Consultant to support set-up of Youth Health & Development Services at the Youth Center,Maldives.
Purpose of assignment & Background:
The demographics of the Maldives show a young population with around 40% being under 25 years (Census, 2014). Of this, nearly 15% are between 18 to 24 years Social media and technology, urbanization, unhealthy diets, climate change and societal changes impact the growth and development of adolescents in complex ways. Communicable andnon-communicable diseases, mental health conditions, adolescent pregnancy, malnutrition andharmful practicesalso pose major threats to their health and well-being.
Many unhealthy behavioursthat are associated with non-communicable diseases, like smoking, arise during the second decade. Mental health problems such as depression has emerged as a cause of illness among adolescents, while self-harm is the main cause of death for 15- to 19-year-olds globally. Studies in the Maldives also indicate that adolescents and young people in the Maldives have poor nutrition practices and unhealthy behaviour that can negatively affect their learning and productivity at work.
While adolescents have a better chance of improving their health and well-being today more than ever, too many are still at risk - mostly from preventable causes. Recognizing the critical importance of youth health and development - and investing sufficiently to fully promote their health and well-being is key to sustainable development.
Qualitative assessments and focus group discussions with young people reveal that while some health needs are same as adults there are also needs specific to the age group, which needs to be delivered in an age-appropriate way. However, these specific needs are largely unmet by the mainstream service platforms. A significant proportion of adolescents and youth face challenges in accessing health services that are sensitive to their needs: they have limited access to reproductive and sexual health services; do not seek public health services, and lack access to mental health services, and there is limited or no education on social norms and behaviour issues to build young people's life skills on health and well-being. There are also limited opportunities for positive engagement with other young people in a meaningful way to exchange knowledge and experiences.
Services for young people need to address the emerging health needs at a preventive level and develop "functionally valued behaviours" (competence, character, connection, confidence, self-worth and caring) and life-skills that contribute to health and wellbeing and broader development of the young persons in line with the globally agreed SDG 3 Action Plan as well as key SDG2 targets.
In this regard, to support the Ministry of Youth and Sports and Community Empowerment as well as the Health Protection Agency (HPA), UNICEF is seeking a national consultant to conceptualize and establish a youth health and development model that serves the current needs of the young people in the urban settings in a consultative, inclusive and youth friendly manner.
Objectives/Purpose of the assignment:
The purpose of the assignment is to provide technical expertise for the conceptualization, design, and implementation of an innovative model program for adolescents and youth engagement and development. The model program will be under the leadership of the Ministry of Sports, Youth, and Community Empowerment and will aim to utilize the existing social centers.
The specific objectives of the consultancy are to:
Duty station: The consultant will be based in the Ministry of Youth and Sports and Community Empowerment (social center).
Supervisor: Under the direct supervision of the Director for Youth Services, Ministry of Youth and Sports and Community Empowerment and in close coordination and technical advice from the UNICEF Programme Specialist for Health & Nutrition.
Major Tasks:
Estimated duration of contract: it is estimated that the project will take approximately 6 months between November 2019 - July 2020 (with possibility of extension).
Official travel involved (itinerary and duration): Travel outside Male' is not foreseen, though there is a possibility based on the need.
Qualifications or specialized knowledge and/or experience required:
For every Child, you demonstrate…
UNICEF’s core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.
View our competency framework at
http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/UNICEF_Competencies.pdf
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.
UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
Deadline for Application: 11th November 2019 06:00pm (Maldives Time)
Application link:
https://secure.dc7.pageuppeople.com/apply/671/gateway/Default.aspx?c=app...
Remarks:
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.
How to apply:
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organization. To apply, click on the following link http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/?job=527580