Cognisance of the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan (2011), article 40 and the 2019 South Sudan National Youth Development policy which respectively provide that all levels of government shall empower the youth to develop their potentials and invest in the development of the young men and women who are the bedrock of establishing the Country and pivotal in peace building and sustainable development; the National Ministry of youth with support from UNDP seeks to develop a framework for a National Youth Service.
South Sudan’s population is estimated at 11.6 million; 80% of this population is living below the absolute poverty line, and 73% are comprised of young people. Just like many other African countries, South Sudan is seriously challenged by the youth bulge which presents both opportunities and challenges. The South Sudanese youth are characterised as agile, flexible, dynamic, and creative. If nurtured and empowered, the youth have fresh energy, benevolent power and determination and can serve as a robust productive force. They are patriotic with the spirit of nationalism and are not only the future but also the present and can contribute to building South Sudan, the newest nation in the world. The Government of South Sudan believes the youth, can make a positive influence on the nation’s political, social, and economic dynamics and development. Establishing a National Youth Service is an opportunity the Country can give to its youth to gain practical work experience by serving in programmes of development value to the Country.
The process of developing the necessary framework and program document of the National Youth Service will be spearheaded by the Ministry of Youth and Sports with support from UNDP. The National Youth Service is expected to create opportunities for young people to:
- Acquire work experience and employment opportunities;
- Develop skills; and
- Contribute to nation building, peace consolidation, and community cohesion;
It is also expected to support national development efforts through:
- Provision of trained manpower to supplement and improve existing levels of manpower in mainly the public sector;
- Deployment of personnel for rural development and community action; – Instilling sense of discipline, spirit of nation building and integration in youth
Currently, UNDP is implementing the Youth Empowerment and Employment through Private Sector and Value Chain Development project in close coordination and partnership with the Ministry of Youth and five states in the country – Western Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria, Jonglei, Lakes, and Central Equatoria. The project provides for technical assistance to be extended to government line agencies at national and state level through the development of appropriate policies and frameworks that will accelerate result-based programming and sustainability. Upon the request from the Government of South Sudan, Ministry of Youth, UNDP agreed to provide technical assistance in developing the first National Youth service framework and programme for South Sudan.
It is in this context that UNDP South Sudan is seeking to engage the services of a qualified national consultant to provide technical support in drafting two documents; South Sudan’s National Youth Service Framework and Programme Document.
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