Map Youth Employability & SRH Integration Programs in Botswana

Mission and objectives UNFPA BWA organization mission TBDContext Botswana stands at a pivotal moment in its demographic journey, with the nation experiencing a significant "youth bulge": over 62 per cent of the population is under 35, comprising 32 per cent below fifteen and 30 per cent aged 15-34. The country’s fertility rate has notably declined from 5.2 in 1991 to 2.7 in 2022, underscoring a rapid demographic transition that presents a unique opportunity to harness a demographic dividend before 2050. However, this potential is threatened by persistently high youth unemployment rates—currently at 38 per cent overall and rising to 41.3 per cent among youth not in education, employment, or training (NEET). Without effective engagement, these trends risk transforming Botswana’s demographic advantage into a liability, potentially fuelling social frustration and instability. Dependency patterns are shifting as well; young people are economically reliant on their families until an average age of 32. At the same time, Botswana is beginning to face the challenges of an ageing population, with those over 65 expected to increase from 4 per cent to 6 per cent by 2030. This introduces the prospect of a "second demographic dividend" but also signals a looming ‘elder health crisis’ as the burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) grows. If active-ageing and preventative care strategies are not prioritised, there is a risk that already constrained domestic health financing could be diverted from Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and youth-focused investments. Despite progress in advancing SRHR and HIV-related rights, significant gaps remain in policy and programming, particularly regarding access to SRH information and services for adolescents and young people. Key indicators in these groups have stagnated, with rural and hard-to-reach youth facing especially limited access to essential services and protections. Alarmingly, there are 28 reported new HIV infections among youth aged 15 to 24. Early and unintended pregnancies contribute to high rates of school dropout and grade repetition, particularly among girls from disadvantaged backgrounds. Many girls who leave school due to pregnancy do not return, often because of stigma and other barriers. Adolescent girls and young women in Botswana remain vulnerable to harmful social and cultural norms that increase their risk of violence, sexual exploitation, and educational exclusion. The prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV) is deeply concerning, perpetuated by entrenched negative social norms, patriarchal attitudes, and gender stereotypes that normalise GBV and reinforce negative masculinity. The Botswana National Relationship Study (BNRS, 2018) revealed that women with disabilities are particularly vulnerable, being two to three times more at risk of GBV than men, with rates highest among those with mobility challenges. Systemic, community, and household-level inequalities continue to restrict equitable access to high-quality, integrated, rights-based SRH, HIV, and GBV information and services, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable. In response to these challenges, UNFPA Botswana is set to conduct a comprehensive assessment, mapping youth employability, empowerment, entrepreneurship, and youth development programmes across sectors. The aim is to identify opportunities for integrating SRH programming, thereby enhancing impact and supporting Botswana’s young people to thrive. Task Description We are looking for one (1) Online Volunteer who under the guidance of the Programme Specialist- Youth and Gender and in close collaboration with the Programme Specialist- SRH & HIV, will conduct a comprehensive mapping of existing Youth Employability, Empowerment, and Entrepreneurship initiatives in Botswana and identify strategic entry points for integrating Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH) services and information. The assignment will entail: ● Mapping of Initiatives: Identify and profile youth empowerment, employability, and entrepreneurship initiatives & programs across all sectors; government-led, CSO led and private sector led programmes & initiatives. ● Gap Analysis: Evaluate the reach, impact, and alignment of these programmes with the SRH mandate of UNFPA. ● SRH Integration Assessment: Review current programmes and initiatives and determine how they can be leveraged to serve as delivery points for SRH education and services. ● Develop a Stakeholder map and consultation points/brief: The stakeholder map and consultation brief will be used to facilitate engagement with all relevant stakeholders across government, private sector, civi society and development partners to explore integration of SRH services and information The Online Volunteers will have the opportunity to build strategic collaborations and professional connections with the team at UNFPA across different programmes and learn about the different youth development programmes and their alignment with the UNFPA mandate. Competencies and values Living conditions and remarks