Technical Adviser

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 has a mission to promote the right of every woman, man, and child to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity. The organization is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, particularly in the areas of sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender equality, and population dynamics. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2026-2029 outlines its response to a complex global environment, aiming to accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action from the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD).

Job Overview:
The Technical Adviser serves as the principal adviser at the regional level, providing integrated technical and programmatic advice on sustainable financing for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and Gender-based Violence (GBV). This role involves collaboration with technical and program staff across the Regional Office (RO), Sub-regional Office (SRO), and Country Offices (COs), reporting directly to the Deputy Regional Director. The adviser will support UNFPA's strategic shift from funding to financing, strengthen policy environments, and engage with International Financial Institutions (IFIs) to leverage financing opportunities. The position requires a focus on health financing, universal health coverage, and systems to improve national policy frameworks and service delivery, particularly in the Asia Pacific region. The adviser will also engage in policy dialogues with governments and development partners to promote innovative financing modalities and increase domestic resource allocations for sustainable financing of SRHR.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic technical development, monitoring, and oversight to support UNFPA’s strategic shift from funding to financing.
• Strengthen engagement with International Financial Institutions (IFIs) to identify and leverage financing opportunities for the ICPD agenda.
• Lead partnerships with private sector entities to mobilize innovative financing for advancing SRHR.
• Offer technical leadership on health financing and universal health coverage to improve national policy frameworks.
• Support policy dialogue with governments and development partners to strengthen financing architectures.
• Initiate and monitor regional partnerships in health economics and financing.
• Design and implement learning programs to build staff skills for strategic policy dialogues.
• Coach and manage junior professional staff and facilitate working groups.
• Build and coordinate a regional knowledge platform in health economics. 1
• Collect and analyze data for advocacy and resource mobilization efforts. 1
• Lead analysis of trends and research findings to produce technical knowledge. 1
• Collaborate with UN agencies, academia, and think tanks on substantive issues. 1
• Carry out any other duties as required by UNFPA leadership.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree in economics, public finance, public policy, or related disciplines, including health economics.
• At least 10 years of increasingly responsible professional experience in the substantive area, with 7 years at the international level.
• Proven experience in a senior economist role, preferably in health or social sector financing.
• Familiarity with operational modalities and financing instruments of International Financial Institutions (IFIs).
• Understanding of UNFPA's mandate areas such as Family Planning, Sexual and Reproductive Health, and Gender-based Violence.
• Established global and regional professional networks related to health economics.
• Strong track record of producing demonstrable results and engaging effectively with national counterparts and development partners.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in economics, public finance, public policy, or related fields, with a strong emphasis on health economics. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of financing and policy development in the health sector, particularly in relation to sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Experience:
The position requires at least 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in relevant fields, with a minimum of 7 years at the international level. Candidates should have substantial experience in a senior economist role, particularly in health or social sector financing, and should demonstrate familiarity with the operational modalities of International Financial Institutions (IFIs). Field experience, especially within the Asia and Pacific region, is essential, along with a proven ability to engage with private sector entities and development partners.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the Asia Pacific region would be considered an asset, enhancing the ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other benefits. UNFPA promotes a work environment that reflects values of gender equality, diversity, and integrity, and encourages applications from women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, and persons with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process. The organization emphasizes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, and compensation.