UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion and gender parity within its workforce, and encourages all qualified candidates, irrespective of nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, gender identity and sexual orientation, as well as persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. UNICEF’s office is accessible to a certain extent, and employees are entitled to reasonable accommodations that are needed for ensuring equitable working conditions.

Despite the efforts of the Ministry of Tourism and Youth (MTY) in advancing the National Youth Strategy of the Republic of Serbia, and the central role young people play in shaping the country's future, they often face significant barriers to meaningful participation. These barriers include limited knowledge of, and access to, opportunities that empower them to contribute positively to their communities.

Addressing these bottlenecks is crucial for the successful implementation of the National Youth Strategy 2023-2030. The Government of the Republic of Serbia has shown a strong commitment to developing spaces for young people, adapting public spaces to meet their needs, and fostering local partnerships in this area. To date, the establishment of youth centres has commenced in several cities, including Novi Sad, Niš, Sombor, Subotica, Novi Pazar, and Mionica, alongside the existing Youth Centre in Novi Sad.

Strengthening youth centres as key community-based services involves the development of standardized service models, improved governance, and enhanced capacity building for youth workers through targeted training. As part of its working plan with the Government of Serbia, UNICEF aims to support the improvement of the youth work system both within and beyond youth centres in Serbia. This includes the implementation of programs and strategic priorities related to youth skill-building, community-based youth initiatives, local volunteer services, and the promotion of meaningful youth participation in societal decision-making.

Work Assignment Overview:

The purpose of this assignment is to provide comprehensive support to the Ministry of Tourism and Youth for the development and strengthening of the national youth policy, with a particular focus on enhancing the functionality and programs of the existing youth centres, establishing new ones, and fostering collaboration among key stakeholders. The contractor will contribute to the development of effective governance models, support the creation of youth-cantered programs, and promote networking and knowledge exchange across youth centres. Additionally, the contractor will assist in the development of youth volunteering programs, inclusive youth policies, and ensure the preparation of progress and final reports summarizing key activities and outcomes.

The contractor will be seconded to the Ministry of Tourism and Youth to ensure close collaboration and alignment with national youth policies and strategies This will ultimately contribute to the successful operation of current and new youth centres in Serbia, in line with European standards the National Youth Strategy for the Republic of Serbia for the period 2023-2030.

Duration of the assignment: March – December 2025 (full-time, office-based)

Seconded to: Ministry of Tourism and Youth

Benefits: Private medical insurance, paid annual leave, paid sick leave; exemption from income tax

Tasks:

• Provide technical assistance for the establishment and adaptation of youth centres.
• Develop an optimal model for the functioning, governance and organizational structure of new youth centres.
• Enhance the capacity of the existing youth centres through targeted capacity-building initiatives.
• Strengthen the coordination and collaboration among local stakeholders for effective youth development.
• Support the development and implementation of the youth-cantered programs in the existing youth centres.
• Facilitate networking and knowledge exchange among youth centres across Serbia.
• Conduct comprehensive analysis and support the development of youth volunteering programs.
• Provide technical support for the development of inclusive and evidence-based local youth policies.
• Support the preparation of regular progress reports and a final comprehensive report summarizing all activities.

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required:

• A university degree in Statistics, Business, Economics, Social Sciences, Social Work, Youth Engagement, International Relations, or another relevant field.
• At least 5 years of experience in development of national and local plans, policies and regulatory frameworks.
• Strong knowledge of governance models, management structures, and legal frameworks relevant to national and local policies regarding youth centres and standardization processes.
• Strong experience in working with government bodies to ensure that national policy goals and priorities are met.
• Knowledge of volunteer management strategies to promote youth volunteering, social integration, and active citizenship.
• Experience in providing technical assistance for the development of inclusive, evidence-based youth policies and monitoring their impact.
• Solid experience regarding international youth policies, particularly in the context of EU integration.
• Excellent communication and coordination skills.
• Fluency in Serbian and proficiency in English language.

How to apply:

The application must include a financial proposal in RSD as a separate document, providing the following information:

• Monthly fee (please note that pension contributions will not be paid by UNICEF, i.e. should be included in the monthly fee).

Important notes:

• Please do not forget to specify your name in the financial proposal file while saving (to be uploaded online under the “Financial Proposal” tab).  
• Please do not indicate financials anywhere else in the online application form, please mark "n/a” or “00" under the fee-related questions in the online application form.
• Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be notified and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

For every child, you must demonstrate UNICEF's core values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability.

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.