Policy Specialist – Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship (Retainer – Home-based)

February 10, 2025

9 minutes read

Introduction to the Role

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is seeking an experienced Policy Specialist – Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship to support its Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific (RBAP). This is a retainer, home-based position with a one-year contract under the International Personnel Service Agreement (IPSA-10) grade. The role is designed to provide strategic policy and research support within the Youth Empowerment Portfolio – Asia-Pacific (YEP-AP), particularly in the areas of youth employment, social entrepreneurship, and economic inclusion.

This position plays a pivotal role in UNDP’s efforts to empower young people across Asia-Pacific, equipping them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and opportunities to thrive as entrepreneurs and changemakers. The specialist will work closely with governments, private sector partners, academic institutions, and civil society organizations to enhance policy frameworks, foster an enabling ecosystem for youth entrepreneurs, and generate insights for evidence-based decision-making.

The Policy Specialist will contribute to Youth a flagship regional initiative co-led by UNDP and the Islamic Development Bank , which aims to position young people at the forefront of sustainable development by driving entrepreneurship, innovation, and youth-led solutions to pressing challenges in Asia and the Pacific.

Key Responsibilitieshttps://estm.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/23616

The Policy Specialist will undertake several core responsibilities that span research, thought leadership, policy development, impact measurement, and strategic communications.

1. Research & Thought Leadership Framework Management

Lead the management of the Research and Thought Leadership Framework under the YEP-AP project, ensuring alignment with regional priorities.
Work closely with project co-leads, research teams, and partners to implement research projects that strengthen the youth entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Oversee research studies on youth entrepreneurship ecosystems, evaluating the regulatory, financial, educational, and institutional barriers that hinder youth-led enterprises.
Identify key trends, policy gaps, and innovative approaches for supporting young entrepreneurs, ensuring that UNDP’s interventions are data-driven and evidence-based.
Regularly monitor the progress of research activities and provide updates to the UNDP project team, donors, and stakeholders.

2. Impact Measurement & Management Framework

Lead the development and implementation of impact measurement strategies to track the effectiveness of youth employment and entrepreneurship initiatives.
Design and refine indicators and benchmarks that assess the effectiveness of entrepreneurship policies, funding mechanisms, and capacity-building programs.
Collect and analyze data from UNDP’s youth programs, translating insights into actionable recommendations for policymakers, donors, and partners.
Support the documentation of best practices, case studies, and impact reports to inform UNDP’s broader strategy on youth employment.

3. Policy Advocacy & Capacity Building

Conduct policy analysis and advisory services, supporting governments in designing youth-inclusive policies that promote economic participation and job creation.
Engage with ministries, policy think tanks, and international organizations to advocate for youth-centered economic reforms.
Contribute to the development of capacity-building programs aimed at equipping policymakers with tools and knowledge to create youth-friendly business environments.
Support regional forums such as the Youth Co:Lab Summit, policy roundtables, and multistakeholder dialogues focused on entrepreneurship ecosystem development.

4. Gender Mainstreaming & Inclusion

Ensure that all research and policy interventions integrate a gender-responsive approach, addressing barriers that young women and marginalized youth face in entrepreneurship.
Support project teams in implementing strategies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across all initiatives.

5. Strategic Communication & Knowledge Sharing

Showcase project activities through thought leadership, media engagement, and high-level advocacy.
Develop op-eds, policy briefs, and blog posts to highlight key findings from research and project implementation.
Contribute to UNDP’s website, newsletters, and social media platforms to enhance visibility and engagement on youth employment and entrepreneurship issues.
Organize and facilitate knowledge exchange sessions, workshops, and webinars to disseminate research findings and foster cross-country learning.

Institutional Arrangement

The Policy Specialist will report to the Regional Youth and Civil Society Specialist at UNDP’s Bangkok Regional Hub. Additionally, they will work under the supervision of the Regional Youth Project Manager, ensuring close collaboration with UNDP country offices, donors, and external partners.

Key stakeholders include:

UNDP Asia-Pacific Regional Bureau
UNDP Global Policy Network (GPN)
Islamic Development Bank (IsDB)
International Labour Organization (ILO)
Commonwealth Secretariat
UNESCAP (United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific)
National Governments and Youth Ministries
Private Sector Leaders & Investors
Social Entrepreneurship Networks & Incubators

The specialist will be expected to deliver high-quality outputs within tight deadlines, proactively identifying and mitigating potential risks to project success.

Required Qualifications & Experience@vacancyspaces.com

Educational Background

Master’s degree in sustainable development, environmental management, political science, international relations, public policy, economics, business administration, or a related field.
Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree in the above fields with at least 7 years of relevant experience will be considered.

Professional Experience

At least 5 years (with a Master’s) or 7 years (with a Bachelor’s) of experience in youth employment, entrepreneurship ecosystem development, or inclusive economic policies.
Proven expertise in youth empowerment, entrepreneurship development, or policy research in Asia and the Pacific region.
Minimum 4 years of direct experience in youth development, entrepreneurship, or social innovation programs.
Experience leading or contributing to research projects on youth employment and entrepreneurship.
Familiarity with impact measurement frameworks, data analysis, and program evaluation techniques.
Experience in policy advisory roles with governments, international organizations, or private sector partners.

Technical & Soft Skills

Strong analytical skills and the ability to conduct in-depth research on policy and economic trends affecting youth employment.
Excellent communication and presentation skills, with experience writing policy briefs, research reports, and media articles.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); knowledge of graphic design and video editing tools (e.g., Photoshop, Premiere) is an advantage.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively across diverse teams in different countries.
Strong organizational and project management skills, with experience handling multiple deadlines and priorities.

Language Requirements

Fluent in spoken and written English.
Additional language skills (e.g., Thai, Bahasa, Hindi, or other Asia-Pacific languages) are an advantage but not required.

Why This Role Matters

This position presents a unique opportunity to shape policies and strategies that will directly impact millions of young people in the Asia-Pacific region. By working with UNDP and global partners, the Policy Specialist will contribute to:

Strengthening youth entrepreneurship ecosystems to foster economic inclusion.
Enhancing policy frameworks that promote sustainable youth employment.
Supporting the just and green transition, ensuring young people are equipped for future economies.
Elevating youth voices in regional and global decision-making processes.

If you are passionate about youth empowerment, economic development, and social innovation, this role offers a chance to drive meaningful change at the highest levels.

Application Deadline & Important Notes

Application Deadline: February 17, 2025 (06:59 PM Bangkok Time)
Contract Type: Full-time, 1-year, Home-based (Retainer)
Agency: UNDP (United Nations Development Programme)
Location: Bangkok, Thailand

Scam Warning:

UNDP does not charge any fees for job applications. If you receive a request for payment in connection with recruitment, please disregard and report it.

Certainly! Below is a more comprehensive and detailed explanation of the Policy Specialist – Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship (Retainer – Home-based) position with UNDP in Bangkok, Thailand.

This document will cover every aspect of the role, including the background, responsibilities, qualifications, impact, challenges, and career benefits, providing you with an in-depth understanding of what this position entails.

Policy Specialist – Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship (Retainer – Home-based)

Location: Bangkok, Thailand (Home-based role with occasional travel as required)
Organization: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Contract Type: International Personnel Service Agreement (IPSA-10)
Duration: 1-year, with potential renewal based on performance and project needs
Deadline for Application: February 17, 2025

1. About UNDP and the Youth Empowerment Portfolio (YEP-AP)

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the leading United Nations agency working to eradicate poverty, reduce inequality, and promote sustainable development worldwide. UNDP operates in 170+ countries and helps nations build inclusive economies, resilient institutions, and thriving communities.

The Youth Empowerment Portfolio – Asia-Pacific (YEP-AP) is a key initiative within UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific (RBAP). This program supports youth economic empowerment, employment policies, and entrepreneurial ecosystems across the Asia-Pacific region. Through research, policy advocacy, and strategic partnerships, YEP-AP helps governments and institutions develop inclusive economic policies that foster youth-led innovation, job creation, and financial inclusion.

The Policy Specialist will be responsible for driving forward this ambitious regional agenda, ensuring that policies and initiatives are aligned with the evolving needs of young people in the region.

2. The Importance of Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship

Asia and the Pacific region is home to the largest youth population in the world, with over 1 billion young people aged between 15-29. This demographic presents an unprecedented opportunity for economic growth and social transformation. However, youth in this region face multiple challenges, including:

High unemployment rates and underemployment, particularly in developing economies.
Lack of access to finance and resources for youth-led startups and social enterprises.
Limited government policies that support youth-friendly entrepreneurship ecosystems.
Skill mismatches between educational curricula and labor market demands.
Gender and social barriers, particularly for young women and marginalized groups.

In response to these challenges, UNDP is committed to enhancing youth employment opportunities and strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems by advocating for inclusive policies, impact-driven research, and strategic partnerships. The Policy Specialist will play a critical role in ensuring that these initiatives deliver measurable and sustainable results.

3. Key Responsibilities of the Policy Specialist

The Policy Specialist will be expected to contribute to multiple workstreams, ensuring that UNDP’s interventions in youth employment and entrepreneurship are well-informed, impactful, and scalable.

A. Research & Thought Leadership Framework Development

Develop and implement a comprehensive research framework for understanding youth employment trends, entrepreneurship ecosystems, and policy gaps across Asia-Pacific.
Collaborate with research institutions, universities, think tanks, and policy labs to conduct in-depth studies on youth economic empowerment.
Generate policy recommendations that address the most pressing challenges faced by young entrepreneurs and job seekers.
Oversee the production of reports, white papers, and academic articles to establish UNDP as a thought leader in youth employment policies.
Ensure that research findings are effectively communicated to policymakers, private sector stakeholders, and multilateral organizations.

B. Policy Advisory & Government Engagement

Work closely with national governments, youth ministries, and regional organizations to design and implement youth-focused economic policies.
Provide technical advisory services to policymakers on how to improve business regulations, access to finance, and social protection schemes for young entrepreneurs.
Develop policy toolkits, guidelines, and capacity-building programs to support public institutions in mainstreaming youth employment strategies.
Engage with regional bodies like ASEAN, SAARC, and ESCAP to ensure that youth economic empowerment is integrated into regional development agendas.

C. Youth Co:Lab – Flagship Initiative on Youth Entrepreneurship

Support the Youth Co:Lab initiative, a flagship program co-led by UNDP and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), which aims to accelerate youth-led entrepreneurship in Asia and the Pacific.
Strengthen entrepreneurial networks and incubators that provide mentorship, funding, and business development services to young entrepreneurs.
Organize regional innovation challenges, pitch competitions, and policy dialogues to empower youth-led startups and social enterprises.
Build partnerships with venture capital firms, angel investors, and corporate accelerators to mobilize funding for youth entrepreneurs.

D. Impact Measurement & Monitoring Framework

Develop and implement impact measurement methodologies to track the effectiveness of youth entrepreneurship programs.
Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to assess the success of UNDP’s youth economic empowerment initiatives.
Conduct field assessments, stakeholder surveys, and data analysis to evaluate program outcomes.
Produce impact reports and dashboards that communicate results to donors, policymakers, and UNDP leadership.

E. Strategic Communications & Stakeholder Engagement

Develop high-quality knowledge products, including policy briefs, op-eds, case studies, and blogs, to amplify the impact of youth employment initiatives.
Represent UNDP at conferences, regional forums, and high-level meetings to advocate for inclusive youth economic policies.
Engage with the media, civil society organizations, and youth networks to raise awareness about entrepreneurship and employment challenges.
Facilitate cross-country learning exchanges, webinars, and workshops to share best practices across the Asia-Pacific region.

4. Required Qualifications & Skills

Educational Requirements

Master’s degree in economics, international development, political science, public policy, business administration, or related fields.
Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree with at least 7 years of relevant experience in a related field.

Professional Experience

Minimum 5 years (with Master’s) or 7 years (with Bachelor’s) of experience in policy research, youth employment, entrepreneurship, or social innovation.
Proven expertise in designing and implementing economic development policies for young people.
Experience working with government institutions, UN agencies, development banks, and private sector partners.
Strong background in policy analysis, impact measurement, and capacity-building programs.

Skills & Competencies

Excellent writing, research, and presentation skills with the ability to produce high-quality publications.
Strong project management and coordination skills.
Experience in data analysis, impact measurement, and program evaluation.
Ability to work independently and under pressure while managing multiple priorities.
Fluency in English is required; additional language skills in Thai, Bahasa, Hindi, or Mandarin are advantageous.

5. Why This Role is Impactful

This position offers an unparalleled opportunity to shape the future of youth employment and entrepreneurship in Asia and the Pacific. By leading policy advocacy, research, and strategic partnerships, the Policy Specialist will help create inclusive economic opportunities for millions of young people.

Career Benefits

Work with leading policymakers, thought leaders, and UN agencies.
Contribute to high-impact initiatives that directly benefit youth.
Gain regional and international experience in development policy.
Be part of a dynamic, mission-driven organization dedicated to economic and social progress.