Individual Contractor/National Focal Point for the Regional Youth Network for Central Asia

Expected tangible and measurable output(s)/deliverable(s): • Outreach Support: Set of disseminated RYNCA informational materials and records of national outreach distribution lists. • Administrative Liaison: Maintained correspondence logs and records of administrative coordination for the national Friends in Focus Programme. • Registry Maintenance: An updated and accurately maintained RYNCA national membership registry reflecting new youth registrations. • Logistics & Events: Completed logistical arrangements (such as participant lists, room bookings, and basic minutes) for campaigns on June 26, August 12, December 1, and at least three (3) local youth consultations or round tables. • Programme Tracking & Support: Maintained records of tracked priority services and administrative summaries supporting national youth-driven drug prevention activities. • Social Media Clerical Support: Regular routine updates on RYNCA social media channels, verified by basic monthly growth summaries. • Reporting Inputs: Timely submission and approval of the Mid-Term Progress Report and Final Progress Report detailing all completed administrative deliverables. Indicators to evaluate the Individual Contractor’s performance The Individual Contractors’s performance will be assessed under the supervision of the UNODC ROCA National Programme Officer, with all outputs meeting the satisfaction of the designated supervisor. Key indicators include the substantive quality and quantity of contributions, timely completion of assigned tasks, and at least a fully satisfactory performance rating by supervising staff. Additional measures include feedback from UNODC ROCA staff, effectiveness of planning and coordination, quality and efficiency of inputs, expansion of RYNCA membership, active youth engagement, and increased social media outreach. Official travel, if required, will be carried out efficiently in line with UN rules and regulations.

home-based (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan) with potential travel.

25.06-31.12.2026

Background of the assignment: The mandate of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) covers areas such as transnational organized crime, criminal justice, anti-corruption, drug control, and counterterrorism. UNODC’s work recognizes that many young people face limited opportunities, which can lead to frustration when they are unable to realize their aspirations. Promoting the health and well-being of young people brings long-term benefits for both individuals and society. However, many unhealthy behaviors begin at a young age due to peer pressure and limited awareness about healthy lifestyles, tobacco and drug use, and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. These risks are particularly high among marginalized youth, including those who drop out of school, are in conflict with the law, or live in abusive environments. Engaging young people in policy dialogue and decision-making requires creating platforms that enable their meaningful participation. Key areas of discussion include youth rights, access to quality education and health services, employment opportunities, life skills development, and civic engagement. Prevention remains the most effective approach to reducing drug use and drug use disorders among youth and other vulnerable groups in Central Asia. Based on UNODC best practices, successful prevention strategies strengthen young people’s positive engagement with families, schools, and communities while promoting inclusive and safe environments. In this context, the UNODC Youth Initiative connects young people from around the world and empowers them to take active roles in their schools, communities, and youth groups in promoting substance use prevention and healthy lifestyles. It provides a platform for youth to share experiences, ideas, and creativity, while supporting them in developing their own prevention and health promotion activities. To further address regional challenges, the Regional Youth Network for Central Asia was launched on 25 November 2021. The network serves as a platform for young people and other stakeholders to engage in dialogue on drug use prevention and to promote innovative, evidence-based solutions to one of the most pressing challenges facing society today. Under the supervision of UNODC National Programme Officer in ROCA, the Individual Contractor will be tasked to: • Assist in the distribution of promotional and informational materials regarding the Regional Youth Network for Central Asia (RYNCA) to support youth awareness initiatives. • Act as an administrative focal point for the implementation of the Friends in Focus Programme at the national level, maintaining routine communication and documentation exchange with national institutions. • Provide clerical support for the expansion of the local RYNCA branch, including processing new membership applications and updating the network database. • Provide logistical and administrative support for the organization of local round tables, consultations, and youth activities dedicated to the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (June 26), International Youth Day (August 12), and World AIDS Day (December 1). • Assist in tracking priority services and programmes, and provide administrative support for the development of youth-driven drug use prevention activities at the national level. • Assist in updating RYNCA’s social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, and website) by drafting routine updates and tracking basic follower statistics. • Prepare and submit a mid-term progress report outlining activities implemented, results achieved, and recommendations for further strengthening and sustainability of the Network. • Draft the narrative and statistical inputs for both the mid-term and final progress reports summarizing completed administrative support tasks and database updates.

High school diploma or equivalent is required. Formal qualifications or certifications from a recognized national or international educational institution in Sociology, Social Science, International Relations and any other relevant field is an advantage. At least 3 years of experience in clerical, logistical or administrative support or related areas is required; Experience in supporting local youth projects is required; Knowledge of use and administration of social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, etc.) is required. Experience/knowledge in drug abuse prevention programmes aimed at young people is desirable; Basic knowledge of the political, economic, geographic, cultural, and demographic environment of the country is desirable;

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in oral and written Russian and English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations official language is an advantage.

Not available.

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.