Programme Coordination and Liaison Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), which is the lead United Nations agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and territories, working to promote reproductive health and rights, gender equality, and sustainable development. The organization is committed to addressing the needs of the most vulnerable populations and ensuring that everyone has access to essential health services. UNFPA's mission is guided by the principles of human rights and social justice, and it aims to empower individuals and communities to make informed choices about their reproductive health and well-being. The organization is also focused on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, particularly those related to health, gender equality, and poverty reduction.

Job Overview:
The Programme Coordination and Liaison Specialist position is situated within the Representation Office to the European Union (ROEU) of UNFPA, specifically in the Division for External Relations. This role is pivotal in managing UNFPA's relationships with EU institutions and member states, emphasizing partnerships, advocacy, and mobilizing support for UNFPA's humanitarian and development programs. The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Senior Policy and Strategic Partnership Advisor and will serve as the main focal point for European Commission contribution agreements, program management, and reporting. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying potential areas for program collaboration, guiding country offices in proposal processes, and ensuring compliance with EU contractual requirements. The specialist will also engage in environmental scanning and advocacy to enhance public awareness and support for UNFPA's mission, while contributing to resource mobilization efforts through strategic partnerships and donor engagement.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Programme Coordination and Liaison Specialist include:

• Providing program development, management, and reporting support by identifying collaboration opportunities with EU institutions and relevant entities.
• Guiding and assisting Country Offices, Regional Offices, and Headquarters units in proposal processes and funding requests to the EU.
• Offering one-on-one assistance and group training on EU contracting and reporting procedures.
• Monitoring the status of proposals and reporting, and liaising with relevant UNFPA representatives and partners as needed.
• Acting as the EU/EC focal point for ongoing contribution agreements and ensuring compliance with contractual requirements.
• Assisting in the organization of meetings, workshops, and round tables on key policy issues.
• Conducting regular monitoring and analysis of European media to identify advocacy opportunities.
• Maintaining contacts with stakeholders to increase public awareness of UNFPA's initiatives.
• Supporting the organization of advocacy and publicity activities, including World Population Day and other UN media events. 1
• Assisting in establishing partnerships with EU institutions and donor countries to develop joint initiatives. 1
• Performing any other tasks as directed by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Programme Coordination and Liaison Specialist position include:

• An advanced university degree in public health, social science, gender, economics, international relations, international development, public administration, management, or a related field.
• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience, with field experience strongly preferred.
• Proven experience in program development, management, and reporting, with knowledge of UNFPA's mandate and program priorities considered an asset.
• Advanced knowledge of EU institutions, policies, procedures, and financing in the field of development and humanitarian aid is highly desirable.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, negotiation, networking, and advocacy skills are essential for success in this role.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as public health, social science, gender studies, economics, international relations, international development, public administration, or management. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of the role and the issues that UNFPA addresses in its mission.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of increasingly responsible professional experience, with a strong preference for candidates who have field experience. This experience should include program development, management, and reporting, as well as familiarity with UNFPA's mandate and program priorities. Candidates should demonstrate a track record of successfully navigating complex institutional environments and engaging with diverse stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both oral and written, is required for this position. A working knowledge of French is highly desirable, as it will facilitate communication with EU institutions and stakeholders. Additionally, knowledge of another UN language would be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with a broader range of partners and audiences.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other applicable benefits. UNFPA promotes a work environment that reflects values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. The organization encourages applications from women, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA is committed to equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all candidates, regardless of personal characteristics. The selection and appointment process may be subject to background checks, medical clearance, and other administrative requirements.