Background

UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled. UNFPA’s strategic plan (2022-2025), reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: (i) ending preventable maternal deaths, (ii) ending unmet need for family planning, and (iii) ending gender-based violence, including harmful practices such as female genital mutilation and child marriage towards realizing the ICPD and SDGs in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030.

The UNFPA’s strategic plan calls upon UN Member States, organizations and individuals to “build forward better”, while addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women’s and girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, recover lost gains and realize our goals.

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction. UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.

Youth institutions play a critical role in shaping the lives and opportunities of young people. Understanding the dynamics, capacities, strategies, distributions, and achievements of these institutions is essential for effective policy making and programming aimed at youth development. Therefore, a comprehensive desk review is proposed to gather and analyze existing information and data from previous studies, along with insights from key stakeholders

The UNFPA country office in Guinea Bissau is looking for an international consultant to undertake the assignment of conducting research on the dynamics, capacities, strategies, distributions, and achievements of youth organizations in Guinea-Bissau and develop a methodology for future research in the development and participation of youth.

(Description of services, activities, or outputs)

Objectives

The international consultant will undertake the following tasks:

1. Assess the dynamics of youth institutions, including their structures, functions, and relationships with stakeholders.
2. Evaluate the capacities and strategies employed by youth institutions in addressing the needs and aspirations of young people, including youth participation.
3. Examine the distribution of youth institutions across different geographic locations and demographic segments.
4. Document the achievements and impact of youth institutions in promoting youth development and empowerment.
5. Define clear objectives and methodologies for future research or interventions in the field of youth development and participation

Scope of the assignment:

The desk review will involve the following activities:

• Identification and compilation of existing information and data from previous studies, reports, evaluations, and other relevant sources related to youth institutions
• Analysis of the gathered information to identify key trends, challenges, and best practices in the functioning of youth organizations/institutions.
• Engagement with key stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, youth representatives, and experts in the field, to gather insights and perspectives on youth institutions.
• Synthesis of findings and recommendations to inform policy and program development aimed at strengthening youth institutions and enhancing their impact on youth development.

Methodology:

The desk review will utilize a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, including:

Literature review: Comprehensive review of reports, policy documents, and other relevant literature on youth institutions dynamics.

Data analysis: Systematic analysis of available data sets, surveys, and evaluations pertaining to youth institution

Key informant interviews: Semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders to gather qualitative insights and perspectives on youth institutions.

Stakeholder consultations: Workshops or focus group discussions with representatives from government agencies, civil society organizations, youth groups, and academia to solicit input and feedback on the findings of the desk review

The following deliverables will be produced as part of the desk review:

1. A comprehensive report summarizing the findings of the desk review, including an analysis of youth institutions dynamics, capacities, strategies, distributions, and achievements.
2. Recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, and other stakeholders on ways to strengthen youth institutions and enhance their effectiveness in promoting youth development.
3. Presentation of findings and recommendations to relevant stakeholders through workshops, seminars, or other dissemination events.

All deliverables must be approved and validated by the UNFPA Assistant Representative before any payment is done.

Each Payment Request of the instalment must be preceded by a performance appraisal by the Supervisor for the stage in question.

• Advanced University Degree Master’s degree or equivalent in economics, Business Administration, sociology, psychology, statistics or related degree.

Work experience:

• A minimum of 4 years with a Master’s degree or 6 years with a Bachelor’s degree of relevant progressive experience in research, field of youth development, participation and empowerment including gender
• Relevant research experience on data collection and mapping
• Experience in identifying and analyzing youth policy

Technical skills and knowledge:

• Strong knowledge of Guinea-Bissau’s political and socio- economic context;
• Previous working experiences with youth institutions, government or international organizations is an advantage
• Strong knowledge of UNFPA mandate on youth development is an advantage;
• Ability to work effectively with youth from different culture and background;

Competencies:

Demonstrated work in the field youth development and participation, research and data collection. Knowledge of procedures, protocols, and policies. Good written and oral communication skills. Open, willing, and able to interact with different stakeholders.

Languages:

Fluency in Portuguese is required. Excellent command of written and spoken English or French is an advantage.