Mission and objectives

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfil their potential, from early childhood through adolescence. At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling. UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for personal and professional development that will help them develop a fulfilling career while delivering on a rewarding mission. We pride ourselves on a culture that helps staff thrive, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package. Visit our website (https://www.unicef.org/) to learn more about what we do at UNICEF. At the core of UNICEF’s universal mandate is our commitment to protect and uphold the rights enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) for all children – without discrimination and without leaving any child behind. The rights enshrined in the CRC apply equally to all children in a country, including children who are non-nationals or stateless, refugee and international migrant children. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education, social protection, and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged residents — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfil their potential, but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. A dedicated focus on children on the move is critical to meet the SDGs commitment to leave no one behind. UNICEF’s Strategic Plan (2022-2025) reflects children on the move across Goal Areas and as an important cross-cutting priority, supporting global commitments such as the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration and Global Compact on Refugees. The Strategic Plan commits UNICEF to a renewed focus on inclusion of children on the move into education, child protection and social protection systems to tackle root causes for forced displacement or unsafe migration, discrimination and exclusion. The Youth on the Move UNV programme was designed by UNICEF in collaboration with UNV to provide refugee, displaced and migrant youth between the ages of 20-32, who face learning to earning barriers, with a paid 12-months volunteer opportunity.

Context

The assignment of the UN volunteer will contribute to the development and implementation of the Cesty/Pathways Initiative. Cesty is a programme that aims to create multiple pathways for Ukrainian refugee adolescents and youth (15 – 24 years of age) to access formal education, develop skills through informal learning and successfully transition to decent employment while navigating their new lives in forced displacement. Providing this development opportunity to young Ukrainian refugees in the Czech Republic ensures that young refugees are not only integrated into the new communities but are also empowered to actively participate in shaping the programme and opportunities for young Ukrainian refugees. UNICEF established a refugee response operation in the Czech Republic in 2022 to support the government’s efforts to provide quality support and services to Ukrainian refugees. The country has accommodated the highest number of Ukrainian refugees per capita among the EU countries, with 615,000 people granted temporary protection and 364,528 people remaining in the country (as of July 2024). At present, around 2,000 new refugees from Ukraine continue to arrive in the Czech Republic every week. There are currently more than 66,000 Ukrainian refugees aged 15-24 in the Czech Republic. Available data indicate that despite sustained efforts by the Czech government, the numbers of refugee students entering secondary education remain low (3,368 Ukrainian refugee students in Czech secondary schools in 2022/23 and 5,435 in 2023/24). Conversely, as of the end of April 2024, more than 6,700 adolescents ages 15-19 and more than 16,600 young people ages 20–24 were engaged in some type of formal labour. Some adolescents and youth in this age group work without legal contracts. Learning and education opportunities missed during adolescence push young people into precarious work with a lasting impact on their long-term career development, earning potential, integration, and ability to contribute to reconstruction. Therefore, investment in education and skilling is essential.

Task Description

The Youth Outreach and Communication Officer is a key position within the Refugee Response Program in the Czech Republic. This role offers young refugees an opportunity to contribute to the adaptation and integration of their peers by supporting effective communication and outreach strategies. The officer will work closely with UNICEF’s Adolescent Development and Participation (ADAP) team to develop and implement methodologies that promote youth engagement in education, non-formal learning, and other activities, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are identified and addressed. Key tasks and responsibilities: Youth Outreach and Communication Activities: – Assist in designing and developing outreach strategies to effectively connect with youth that need support and that are hard-to-reach, ensuring youth have access to essential infor-mation and resources. – Support the development of platforms and channels that enable direct communication with and among youth, fostering a sense of community and mutual support among refugee adolescents. – Contribute to developing and distributing creative youth-friendly communication materials that address specific youth related concerns and needs. – Promote and encourage youth participation in all forms of communication and outreach activities ensuring that all youth, regardless of background, have the opportunity to be heard, engage and thrive. Collaboration and Coordination Activities – Youth Outreach and Communication Officer: – Strategic Outreach and Communication Alignment – collaborate with the UNICEF ADAP team to design and implement youth outreach and youth-cantered communication. – Cross-Sector Collaboration and Communication – engage in cross-sector collaboration with UNICEF teams and Cesty program task forces, regularly participate in joint meetings, share good practices related to youth engagement, focusing on communication techniques that resonate with refugee youth. – Youth Engagement and Issue Representation – ensure that refugee youth perspectives are effectively communicated and represented in various platforms. Develop communication channels that empower youth to voice their concerns and needs. – Horizontal and Vertical Communication Facilitation – assist with creating communication networks that allow for both peer-to-peer (horizontal) and youth-to-authority (vertical) ex-changes among Ukrainian refugee youth. Ensure these networks are youth-friendly, timely, accessible, and responsive to the needs of the youth. – Data Collection on Youth Outreach – support collecting and analysing data related to youth outreach and communication efforts. – Feedback and Complaint Mechanisms and Accountability to Affected People – support the creation of Feedback and Complaint Mechanisms (FCMs) specifically designed with youth and for youth, ensuring that their voices are incorporated into program adaptation and evaluation processes to provide tailor made support services. This position offers a unique opportunity for a young refugee to make a meaningful impact by enhancing communication and youth outreach efforts and support integration of refugee youth in the Czech Republic. The Youth Outreach and Communication Officer will play a vital role in ensuring that Ukrainian refugee adolescents in the Czech Republic are connected to relevant communities and services, are well-informed about opportunities, and empowered to participate in the programs and activities that will shape their future. By supporting the development and implementation of effective communication strategies, this role will contribute to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all refugee youth in the Czech Republic. Under the direct supervision of Mrs. Zdenka Effenberger, the ADAP/SBC Specialist, selected UN Volunteer, Youth on Move, will undertake the above mentioned tasks.

Competencies and values

Accountability Adaptability and Flexibility Building Trust Client Orientation Commitment and Motivation Commitment to Continuous Learning Communication Creativity Empowering Others Ethics and Values Integrity Respect for Diversity Self-Management

Living conditions and remarks

The assignment for above mentioned position is in Prague. Prague is a welcoming and accessible city for refugee youth volunteers, offering a relatively low cost of living, efficient transportation, and a high standard of safety and security. With its rich cultural heritage and vibrant community life, Prague provides numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth. Czech Republic has around 10,8 inhabitants. The Capital Prague is a home to over 1,3 mil people. Currently over 360,000 refugees remain in the country and around 2,000 new refugees from Ukraine continue to arrive in the Czech Republic every week. There are currently more than 66,000 Ukrainian refugees aged 15-24 in the Czech Republic. Prague is one of the most affordable major cities in Europe. However, the cost of living can vary depending on one´s lifestyle and accommodation choices. As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. Most suitable accommodation form is renting. Rent is typically the most significant expense; however various forms of rental accommodation can be found in Prague such as renting a room or renting an apartment. Grocery shops are widely available through small “convenient” stores to large supermarkets. Often, grocery stores are open until late evening hours. Restaurants and eating out is common and reasonably priced. International restaurants and dining in tourist areas are more expensive. Public transportation is efficient and cost-effective across all Capital including regional travels. A monthly transportation pass is a relatively low expense, making it easier to manage other aspects of living costs. Walking and cycling around Prague is popular and possible. Prague is considered one of the safer cities in Europe, with low crime rates and a strong police presence. Violent crime is rare in Prague. Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, can occur. Staying vigilant in all times and areas is recommended. The emergency number in the Czech Republic is 112, which can be dialled for police, fire, or medical emergencies. English-speaking operators are available, and response times are generally quick. Mobile services and Internet connection are standard, very good quality and coverage; and affordable. Prague is a cultural hub with a wide range of community activities and events that cater to diverse interests. UN Volunteer entitlements and allowances: The purpose of the allowances and entitlements paid to UN Volunteers is to enable UN Volunteers to sustain a secure standard of living at the duty stations in line with United Nations standards without incurring personal costs. The allowances are in no way to be understood as compensation, reward, or salary in exchange for the UN Volunteer’s service. Contingent on specific eligibility criteria, location of the volunteer assignment and contractual type and category, the payment of allowances will begin from the date of Commencement of Service For more information on entitlements please read the Condition of Service (https://explore.unv.org/cos). For information specific to your assignment please see below: Please note that the amounts can vary according to fluctuations of the monthly post adjustment. Monthly Living Allowance (Per month): CZK 32941.08 Entry lump sum (one-time payment): USD 400 Exit allowance (for each month served, paid on completion of contract): CZK 3431.37 Medical and life insurance: Cigna Private Insurance Leave entitlements: Annual leave: 2.5 days accrued per calendar month Certified sick leave: UN Volunteers are entitled to up to 30 days of certified sick leave based on a 12-month cycle. This amount is reset every 12-month cycle. Uncertified sick leave: 7 days for 12 months and 4 days for shorter assignments Learning leave: 10 working days per consecutive 12 months (shorter assignments are prorated) Maternity Leave: 16 weeks Paternity Leave: 10 days

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements