Socio-Economic Policy Advisor

Job Posting Organization:
The UNFPA Regional Office for East and Southern Africa is dedicated to optimizing technical efficiency and enhancing programmatic impact in middle-income countries. Established as part of a regional transformation agenda, the Multi-Country Middle-Income Country Hub (MIC-Hub) aims to provide tailored policy support to Country Offices in Southern Africa. The organization focuses on addressing demographic transitions and persistent inequalities, promoting integrated socio-economic policies, and ensuring sustainable development outcomes. UNFPA is the lead United Nations agency for reproductive health and rights, striving to create a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization operates in multiple countries, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and partnerships to achieve its mission.

Job Overview:
The Socio-Economic Policy Advisor will lead the MIC-Hub, overseeing a multi-disciplinary Expert Team and reporting to the Deputy Regional Director. This role involves providing tailored technical, policy, and programmatic support to selected middle-income countries, ensuring coherence in UNFPA's technical engagement and knowledge generation. The advisor will focus on advancing inclusive socio-economic policies, demographic dividend strategies, and sustainable financing approaches. The position requires a strategic thinker capable of integrating demographic realities with equitable access to opportunities, thereby contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 203

• The advisor will also play a crucial role in fostering partnerships and mobilizing resources to support the implementation of UNFPA's strategic plan.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Policy and Programme Development: Ensure alignment of UNFPA-supported programmes with health financing and delivery systems, social systems, and public financial management reforms. Serve as a technical resource for Country Offices and line Ministries, advocating for evidence-based policies on health care economics and sustainable financing. Collaborate on the development and evaluation of technical cooperation programmes aimed at advancing the ICPD agenda, including Universal Health Coverage and social protection policies. Assist in budget preparation and resource tracking to link financing strategies with demographic priorities. Provide policy advice integrating population dynamics into fiscal frameworks.
• Tailored Capacity Development & Partnerships: Foster multisectoral partnerships and engage in policy dialogues to advance the ICPD Programme of Action. Advise Ministries of Health on strengthening institutional capacity for health financing policies. Collaborate with UN agencies and financial institutions to develop programmes that enhance national capacity in health economics and sustainable financing. Contribute to SRHR research and demographic analysis relevant to inclusive development.
• Partnerships and Sustainable Financing: Promote collaborative actions with national governments and partners to implement integrated programme models. Support UNFPA representatives in mobilizing sustainable financing, ensuring mechanisms strengthen national ownership and equitable outcomes.
• Leadership and Effective Management: Supervise and mentor MIC-Hub staff, promoting accountability and a results-oriented culture. Lead the preparation of the MIC Technical Expert Team’s Annual Work Plan and budget, ensuring coherence with regional priorities. Mobilize resources to support Country Offices’ programmes and provide oversight for integrated policy and technical support delivery.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s Degree in public health, medicine, demography, economics, international development, public administration, management, or related fields. They should have at least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in managing development programmes and inclusive policy actions related to socio-economic dimensions of sexual and reproductive health and rights. Substantive knowledge of UNFPA's mandate, particularly in health economics and population dynamics, is essential. Candidates must demonstrate strategic thinking, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to produce high-quality advisory reports. Field experience in managing complex programmes in middle-income contexts is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
A Master’s Degree in relevant fields such as public health, medicine, demography, economics, international development, public administration, or management is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of socio-economic policies and their implications for health and development.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of increasingly responsible professional experience in managing and leading development programmes, particularly those addressing socio-economic dimensions of sexual and reproductive health and rights. Experience in health economics, health financing, and social policy is essential. Proven ability to engage with national governments and development partners is also required, along with a strong track record of producing results in complex policy environments.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. A working knowledge of another UN language, particularly French or Portuguese, is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's profile.

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, LGBTQIA+ individuals, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA is committed to equal opportunities in appointment, training, compensation, and selection.