National Consultant: Adolescents and Youth (Gender and Child Marriage)

The National Consultant will contribute to the effective management of UNFPA activities related to Adolescents and Youth and Gender Equality in Bangladesh, focusing on accelerating the reduction of child marriage. The role involves programme management, monitoring and evaluation, advocacy, knowledge management, partnerships, and capacity development to support UNFPA's strategic goals.

Responsibilities

• Contribute substantively to the formulation and design of component projects of the UNFPA Country Programme, in line with UNFPA policies and procedures.
• Ensure the timely development of results-based work plans and related documents for Adolescents and Youth projects and programmes.
• Prepare procurement plans and ensure timely delivery of equipment and supplies.
• Liaise with Implementing Partners, government counterparts, and UN agencies to identify and overcome implementation bottlenecks.
• Work with other units to ensure cross-fertilization of interventions and effective coordination.
• Maintain rapport with District and Upazila Administration for effective project management participation.
• Support implementation of project activities under UNFPA execution including coordination of research, seminars, and consultants’ work.
• Seek support from UNFPA management as needed for effective project management.
• Closely monitor project implementation, identify best practices and constraints, and recommend solutions.
• Prepare M&E reports and forms quarterly.
• Conduct regular field visits to monitor project quality and implementation timeliness.
• Collaborate with M&E Unit to collect and analyze data and draft reports.
• Monitor and report on use of supplies and resources with Operations staff.
• Maintain collaborative relationships with project counterparts and represent UNFPA externally.
• Establish strong relations with UN agencies to ensure synergies.
• Provide inputs for policy discussion and advocacy on child marriage, gender, and youth issues.
• Ensure information sharing and collaboration within UNFPA units and projects.
• Support documentation and dissemination of project processes, lessons learned, and best practices.
• Create and document knowledge on Gender, Child Marriage, and Youth issues for management use.
• Assist in advocacy and resource mobilization by preparing documentation and participating in donor meetings.
• Provide technical advice and identify capacity development needs of Implementing Partners.
• Plan and deliver trainings on Gender, Child Marriage, ASRHR, GBV, and Life Skills Education.
• Ensure quality project implementation through design and supervision of capacity building programmes.
• Liaise with government counterparts for timely technical assistance delivery.
• Collaborate with UNFPA units and Field Offices to promote teamwork and programmatic convergence.
• Analyze political, social, and economic environment relevant to Gender, Adolescents and Youth for intervention opportunities.
• Keep abreast of policy developments and prepare briefs for policy dialogue and technical assistance coordination.

Requirements

• Master's degree in health, population, sociology, gender studies, development studies, demography, education and/or other related social science field.
• Minimum of two years of progressively responsible professional experience in the development sector with practical experience in managing projects, providing capacity development and policy support.
• Prior working experience in the area of child marriage programming, adolescents and youth, sexual and reproductive health of young people and gender issues, including GBV.
• A clear understating about the existing laws, policies, strategies and action plans in relation to child marriage, ASRHR and gender issues.
• Demonstrated/proven experience in coordination and liaison with government officials and other stakeholders, including NGOs and communities.
• Maturity and confidence in dealing/engaging with senior and high-ranking officials/representatives of national and international institutions, government and non-government.
• Strong expertise in capacity development, institutional/organizational development, knowledge management, adult learning, policy advisory support and advocacy.
• Solid knowledge and understanding of the socio-cultural and economic underpinnings of child marriage, ASRHR and gender issues especially in relation to SGBV.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, networking, and negotiation skills.
• Skills in expressing ideas and concepts clearly and concisely, both in written and oral forms.
• Ability to deal with culturally and religiously sensitive and complex issues skillfully and at different levels.
• Proven writing skills in the English language.
• Field experience is strongly desired.

Skills

• Project Management
• Capacity Development
• Policy Support
• Child Marriage Programming
• Adolescents and Youth Programming
• Sexual and Reproductive Health
• Gender-Based Violence Awareness
• Knowledge Management
• Policy Advisory
• Advocacy
• Coordination with Governments
• Stakeholder Liaison
• Institutional Development
• Adult Learning
• Sociocultural Context Analysis
• Negotiation Skills
• Written Communication
• Oral Communication
• Field Experience

Languages

English