Youth Engagement Specialist

QUALIFICATIONS and SKILLS:

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience working with vulnerable, conflict-affected, or high-risk youth populations.  

• Demonstrated experience in community engagement and building trust with youth and families. 

• Experience implementing reintegration or rehabilitation programs for at-risk youth (e.g., former child soldiers, gang-involved youth, or those influenced by extremist ideologies). 

• Familiarity with international humanitarian or development standards (e.g., INEE, MHPSS-IASC Guidelines). 
• Language skills: English, Arabic and/or Kurdish language proficiency, or experience working with interpreters in culturally sensitive settings.
• Trauma-Informed Practice: Understanding of the impact of trauma on adolescent development and behavior and ability to apply trauma-sensitive approaches in working with at-risk or radicalized youth. 
• Behavioral Insight and Risk Assessment: Skilled in identifying signs of radicalization, vulnerability, and behavioral shifts and has the ability to observe, analyze, and interpret youth behavior to identify potential risks or needs. 
• Youth-Centered Communication: Strong interpersonal and communication skills tailored to adolescent needs and sensitivities. 
• Program Development: Capacity to design and implement structured, engaging youth activities (sports, arts, vocational training, etc.) that promote connections and build positive relationships with adolescents from diverse backgrounds. 
• Conflict Mediation and De-escalation: Trained and/or experienced in resolving tensions and facilitating positive peer interactions. 
• Cultural Competence: Deep understanding and demonstrate sensitivity to local cultural, religious, and social dynamics, especially those influencing youth identity and behavior. 
• Monitoring & Evaluation: Ability to track engagement, behavior changes, and progress using appropriate tools and indicators. 
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Computer literacy (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite).
• Team Collaboration: Experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team (e.g., psychologists, social workers, educators, and security personnel). 
• Safeguarding and Protection: Knowledge of child protection policies, do-no-harm principles, and safeguarding protocols.

SUCCESS FACTORS:

1. Demonstrated Expertise in Youth Engagement with Vulnerable Populations: The ability to quickly build trust, understand youth unique needs, and design relevant and impactful activities tailored to their experiences, particularly those affected by radicalization.
2. Cultural Competence and Contextual Understanding: ability to navigate local cultural, religious, and social dynamics effectively, ensuring all engagement approaches are culturally appropriate and respectful.
3. Strong Program Development and Facilitation Skills: ability to create structured sessions that promote psychosocial well-being, resilience, positive peer interaction, and ultimately contribute to social reintegration.
4. Effective Collaboration and Communication: communicate clearly and sensitively with youth, families, community leaders, and colleagues from diverse professional backgrounds. Strong teamwork and the ability to integrate psychosocial components into broader program efforts.
5. Adaptability, Learning Agility, and Trauma-Informed Approach: adaptability, a willingness to learn and adjust strategies based on feedback and observed changes, and a consistent application of trauma-informed practices to ensure all interactions and activities are sensitive to the experiences of the youth.

Commitment:

Every Blumont team member is expected to carry out their duties in accordance with Blumont’s code of ethics, core values, anti-harassment policy, child protection and PSEA policies.

Interested candidates are required to visit Blumont’s career page through www.blumont.org and submit your application no later than 10 May 2025. 

Blumont is an equal-opportunity employer, values diversity in its workforce and continually strives to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates. Due to the large volume of applications we receive, we are unable to respond to all applicants, therefore, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 

Blumont will review the applications on rolling basis and may close the advertisement before the deadline if the ideal candidate was found. One or more similar/different positions maybe filled in this recruitment activity depending on the applicants’ qualifications.

Blumont’s selection process will include rigorous background checks and all team members will be expected to carry out their duties in accordance with our core values, anti-harassment policy and PSEA policies