Programme Specialist, Population & Development

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) 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 ensure that every individual has access to reproductive health services and the ability to make informed choices about their bodies and lives. The organization is committed to promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls, and it plays a crucial role in advancing the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) agenda. UNFPA's mission is to support countries in achieving their development goals through evidence-based policies and programs that prioritize population and development issues.

Job Overview:
The Programme Specialist, Population & Development, is a pivotal role within the UNFPA Malawi Country Office, reporting directly to the Deputy Representative. This position is responsible for coordinating the UN joint program known as the Harmonized National Management Information System (HN-MIS) project, which aims to enhance governance through evidence-based decision-making. The Programme Specialist will also assist in implementing Population & Development activities under the UNFPA 9th Country Programme. This role requires establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships with various stakeholders, including government entities, donor agencies, civil society, and the private sector, to advocate for UNFPA's mandate. The Programme Specialist will actively contribute to inter-agency work, particularly through UNSDCF coordination mechanisms and the UN Data Group, ensuring that UNFPA's transformative results are integrated into joint UN initiatives. The position demands a strong commitment to advancing the ICPD policy agenda in a politically sensitive environment, responding to the evolving priorities of governments, and ensuring effective management of the HN-MIS project activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Specialist, Population & Development, will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Policy Dialogue and Advocacy: Supporting evidence-based policy dialogue on population dynamics and development planning, contributing to UN coordination processes, and advocating for the ICPD agenda with national institutions and other UN agencies.
• Strengthening Strategic Partnerships and Resource Mobilization: Participating in national forums, maintaining collaborative relationships with government counterparts and development partners, and supporting the preparation of donor reports and funding proposals.
• Evidence Management and Knowledge Sharing: Collecting and analyzing data, preparing materials for policy dialogues, and contributing to knowledge-sharing platforms in Population & Development.
• Managing and Coordinating the HN-MIS Project: Coordinating project implementation, drafting work plans and budgets, providing logistical support, and ensuring project visibility and effective knowledge management.
• General Support: Standing in for team members as needed and carrying out other duties as required by UNFPA leadership.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s (advanced) degree in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), Demography, Population, Information Technology, Computer Sciences, or a related discipline. Additionally, candidates should have at least five years of progressively responsible professional experience in health management information systems, overseeing large health-related surveys, and managing development programs. Strong results-based program management experience is essential, particularly in strategic planning and capacity building using data and evidence for policy and advocacy. Knowledge and experience in data collection and management, including innovative technologies for data collection and statistical analysis, are also required. Experience in implementing population and development projects with multiple government counterparts is crucial, as is proven experience in coordinating large multi-sector projects and teams.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s (advanced) degree in fields such as Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), Demography, Population, Information Technology, Computer Sciences, or other related disciplines. This advanced education is critical for understanding the complexities of population dynamics and development planning, as well as for effectively managing the HN-MIS project.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of increasingly responsible professional experience in health management information systems, including overseeing the development and analysis of large health-related surveys and managing development programs. Experience in coordinating large multi-sector projects and working with multidisciplinary teams is essential. Field experience is considered an asset, as is prior experience within the UN system or international development agencies, particularly in areas related to strategic information for health, population, and development.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this position. Additionally, a working knowledge of another UN official language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a diverse international environment.

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. UNFPA is committed to ensuring 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, visa issuance, and other administrative requirements.