Assistant Representative

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 improve reproductive health and rights, and to promote gender equality. The organization is committed to the principles of human rights and aims to ensure that every individual has access to the necessary resources and support to lead a healthy and fulfilling life. UNFPA's mission is driven by the belief that every person has the right to make informed choices about their reproductive health and to live free from discrimination and violence. The organization plays a crucial role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD).

Job Overview:
The Assistant Representative will play a pivotal role in designing, developing, and managing an innovative and responsive country programme in coordination with the Representative. This position requires a dynamic leader who can inspire the programme team to translate regional and country goals into tangible solutions and results. The Assistant Representative will contribute to the management of UNFPA programme activities focusing on population and development, reproductive health, and gender. The role involves navigating a politically sensitive environment while advancing the ICPD policy agenda and responding to the changing priorities of governments. Building partnerships and strategic alliances with government counterparts, multi-lateral and bilateral agencies, and civil society will be essential. The Assistant Representative will also coordinate technical advisers and participate in policy dialogue, ensuring that UNFPA's priorities are integrated into national plans and strategies. This position is critical for promoting a results-based approach and ensuring that programmes are responsive to the country's needs in alignment with UNFPA's strategic priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Assistant Representative will be responsible for conducting policy dialogue with government, UN, and other development partners to incorporate UNFPA’s priorities into national plans and strategies. This includes translating global strategies into country-specific advocacy strategies and delivering evidence-based advocacy messages that promote UNFPA’s programme goals while considering political and social sensitivities. The role requires promoting a results-based approach by integrating innovative policies and strategies into the design and formulation of country programmes, sub-programmes, and projects. The Assistant Representative will facilitate the achievement of programme results by identifying, providing, and coordinating inputs into programme development and implementation, ensuring effective programme monitoring and oversight, and coordinating the inputs of consultants and technical experts. Additionally, the Assistant Representative will promote knowledge sharing and continuous learning by testing, evaluating, and documenting innovative strategies and best practices, integrating these as appropriate. Contributing to resource mobilization by identifying potential donors, preparing proposals, and supporting the government and other agencies in coordinating assistance for programmes will also be key responsibilities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in Public Health, Medicine, Sociology, Demography, Gender, International Relations, International Development, Economics, Public Administration, Management, or a related discipline. A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in the field of development and population activities is required, including programme design, appraisal, and management. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to refine programme design to ensure alignment with organizational objectives and national priorities. Proven leadership and management skills are essential, along with excellent written and oral communication skills to foster engaged partnerships at a high level of representation and maintain political partnerships.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in a relevant field such as Public Health, Medicine, Sociology, Demography, Gender, International Relations, International Development, Economics, Public Administration, Management, or other related disciplines is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of population and development issues and for effectively managing UNFPA's programme activities.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in development and population activities. Candidates should have experience in programme design, appraisal, and management, demonstrating the ability to lead and manage teams to achieve demonstrable results. Experience in navigating politically sensitive environments and working with government and development partners is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Spanish is required for this position, as effective communication in both languages is crucial for engaging with diverse stakeholders. Proficiency in French is also desired, as it can enhance communication and collaboration with additional partners and stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other applicable benefits. UNFPA is committed to providing a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. The organization encourages women, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups to apply. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all, regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity.