Chief of the UNFPA Representation Office to the AU and the UNECA

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead United Nations agency for 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 focuses on reproductive health, gender equality, and population issues, aiming to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA's work is guided by the principles of human rights and the need for sustainable development, and it plays a crucial role in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The Chief of the UNFPA Representation Office to the AU and the UNECA will play a pivotal role in fostering a coordinated Pan African engagement with the African Union Commission (AUC), the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), and other regional and multilateral partners. This position is crucial for advancing collaboration on issues of common interest, particularly the integration of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) agenda into continental frameworks. The incumbent will be responsible for overseeing the follow-up and reviews of the ICPD Programme of Action, including the Addis Ababa Declaration on Population and Development. The role requires a strategic approach to policy dialogue and resource mobilization, leveraging relationships with International Financial Institutions (IFIs) and continental funding mechanisms to support UNFPA's mandate. The Chief will also advise Senior Leadership on opportunities, risks, and areas requiring oversight, ensuring that UNFPA's objectives align with the broader goals of the African Union and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
A. Strategic Advisory and Engagement: Act as the main interlocutor for UNFPA to the AU and UNECA, providing strategic advice to Senior Leadership on coordination mechanisms to enhance engagement with continental actors. Stay informed on inter-governmental processes relevant to UNFPA’s mandate and the AU’s Agenda 206

• Assist in identifying opportunities for strengthening UNFPA's impact in Africa. Represent the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Executive Director as needed. B. Representation: Represent UNFPA at high-level policy dialogues and events with the AU and UNECA, engaging with Member States, international partners, and civil society organizations. Promote UNFPA's mandate and position in relevant intergovernmental negotiations. Lead the preparation of environmental scans on continental issues to inform UNFPA's strategies. C. Resource Mobilization and Strategic Financing: Proactively engage with the donor community in Addis Ababa to secure funding for UNFPA initiatives. Serve as a liaison for funding proposals and coordinate with the Division for External Relations to align with institutional priorities. D. Partnership Strengthening and Policy Dialogue: Enhance advocacy efforts by tailoring outreach to AU representatives and maintaining partnerships with AU Commissioners and heads of regional institutions. Engage in policy dialogue to advocate for the integration of population-related issues into policy frameworks. E. Manage the Office: Oversee the Representation Office, ensuring operational coherence and effective management of financial and human resources. Provide leadership and mentorship to staff, fostering a culture of performance and accountability.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in disciplines such as Public Health, Medicine, Sociology, Demography, Gender, International Relations, International Development, Economics, Public Administration, or Management. A minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience in public administration and international development is required, with at least 8 years in the field of population and development at the international level. Candidates should demonstrate up-to-date knowledge of population and development issues, sexual and reproductive health, and gender, along with proven leadership and team management skills. Excellent communication skills in English are essential, and knowledge of French is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in one or more of the following fields is required: Public Health, Medicine, Sociology, Demography, Gender, International Relations, International Development, Economics, Public Administration, Management, or a related field. This educational background is essential to understand the complexities of population and development issues and to effectively engage with various stakeholders.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 15 years of increasingly responsible professional experience in public administration and international development, with at least 8 years specifically focused on population and development at the international level. This experience should include a strong understanding of intergovernmental processes and the ability to lead and manage teams effectively to achieve results.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, while knowledge of other official UN languages, particularly French and/or Spanish, is desirable. Proficiency in these languages will enhance communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders in the international arena.

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 for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA is committed to equal opportunities in appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all candidates, regardless of personal characteristics.