Head of Office

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender equality, and population dynamics. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries, with a mission to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization emphasizes the importance of addressing gender-based violence and harmful practices, particularly in humanitarian contexts. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 aims to end preventable maternal deaths, unmet needs for family planning, and gender-based violence, aligning its efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) commitments. UNFPA is committed to building forward better in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, ensuring that women and girls have access to essential health services and rights. The organization values principled and ethical staff who embody international norms and standards, and who are dedicated to delivering high-impact results in their programming and operations.

Job Overview:
The Head of Office position at UNFPA in Hpa-An, Kayin State, is a leadership role responsible for the overall management of the sub-office. The incumbent will report to the Deputy Representative and will work closely with local and regional authorities, non-state actors, humanitarian and development agencies, and civil society organizations to coordinate gender-based violence (GBV) initiatives. This role is crucial in implementing UNFPA's integrated reproductive health (RH) and GBV programs in the Southeast States, ensuring that the organization's strategic objectives are met. The Head of Office will analyze the socio-economic and political landscape to identify opportunities for programming and partnerships, manage program development and implementation, and support capacity building for national counterparts. The position requires a strong commitment to UNFPA's mission and the ability to navigate complex humanitarian and development contexts effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Programme Planning, Coordination, and Implementation: Analyze the socio-economic, political, humanitarian, and development situation in Kayin State to identify opportunities for UNFPA programming and partnerships. Provide guidance and manage overall programme development and implementation, including planning, budgeting, monitoring, and humanitarian supply chain management. Assist in the effective coordination and coherence of programmes and projects, ensuring consistency with established UN frameworks. Support capacity building of national counterparts and partners by identifying needs and facilitating training sessions. Contribute to the analysis and incorporation of ICPD issues into emergency preparedness and response approaches.
• Field Office Management: Ensure the smooth day-to-day management of the Hpa-An Field Office, fostering teamwork and a results-oriented environment. Support the effective management of financial and other resources attributed to the Field Office. Formulate and propose evidence-based recommendations for efficiency gains and targeted cost reductions. Analyze and synthesize regular reports on office performance and program achievements, identifying trends and opportunities for evidence-based decision-making. Ensure security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security needs of the office and projects are met.
• Representation, Coordination, and Partnership Building: Represent UNFPA with the UN Local Team, donors, and other partners at various levels. Offer coordination assistance to UN Agencies and partners, contributing to interagency initiatives. Conduct mapping of stakeholders and health service facilities relevant for GBV and RH response and prevention. Liaise with GBV staff and gender advisors in other agencies for coherent GBV programme intervention. Identify new partnerships and strengthen existing ones at the Field Office level.
• Communication and Advocacy: Maximize communication within the Field Office and ensure consistent communication with all stakeholders. Monitor the perception of UNFPA at the local level and suggest media activities to enhance visibility. Lead the development of advocacy and communication materials in collaboration with relevant teams.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in medical science, public health, social work, or related social sciences. A minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible professional experience is required, with a strong commitment to the UN and UNFPA's mandate in Myanmar. Field experience addressing gender and reproductive health issues in emergency and post-conflict contexts is essential. Knowledge of gender issues in development, particularly GBV and RH, as well as operational and advocacy experience implementing relevant UNSC resolutions, is necessary. Candidates should also have experience with international tools related to GBV and excellent computer literacy, including proficiency in MS Office applications. Experience in developing and delivering GBV training components is also required.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in medical science, public health, social work, or other related social sciences is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary knowledge and skills to address complex issues related to sexual and reproductive health, gender-based violence, and humanitarian response effectively.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of increasingly responsible relevant professional experience. Candidates should have field experience addressing or integrating gender and reproductive health issues in emergency and post-conflict contexts. This experience is crucial for understanding the challenges and opportunities present in the Kayin State and for effectively implementing UNFPA's programs.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English and Myanmar is essential, with the ability to write clearly and concisely in both languages. The ability to communicate in Karen and other local languages spoken in the Southeast is desirable, as it will facilitate better engagement with local communities and stakeholders.

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, 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. UNFPA is committed to equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all, regardless of personal characteristics.