Demographic Resilience Technical Specialist for Central Asia

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, 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 ensure that every individual has the right to make informed choices about their reproductive health and well-being. The organization is committed to promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls, and it plays a crucial role in addressing global challenges such as population dynamics, reproductive health, and sustainable development. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 emphasizes the importance of ending preventable maternal deaths, unmet needs for family planning, and gender-based violence, aligning its mission with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action.

Job Overview:
The Demographic Resilience Technical Specialist for Central Asia serves as the principal technical expert in understanding demographic shifts and their implications for sustainable development. This role focuses on generating and analyzing demographic intelligence to inform national frameworks and policies, enhancing capacity-building initiatives, and advancing thought leadership on demographic resilience. The Specialist will work within the context of the Agenda 2030 on Sustainable Development and the ICPD Programme of Action, ensuring that the unique political, social, economic, and environmental contexts of Central Asian countries are considered in developing tailored pathways to demographic resilience. The position requires collaboration with country officers and focal points to design, plan, and deliver effective programs that address the challenges posed by demographic changes, while also leveraging opportunities for the demographic dividend, particularly for vulnerable populations such as youth and women.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Demographic Resilience Technical Specialist will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Evidence Generation and Analyses: Identify and analyze demographic data related to population size, structure, and dynamics, and assess their implications for sustainable development. Conduct advanced analyses of multivariate datasets to understand the interactions between demographic changes and socio-economic factors. Utilize innovative methodological tools to demonstrate the value of demographic analysis for national actors.
• Knowledge Management: Prepare analytical reports, position papers, and policy briefs to promote demographic resilience. Develop and share knowledge-based tools that strengthen knowledge management practices across Central Asia.
• Quality Technical Support and Capacity Development: Provide technical support and capacity-building initiatives related to demographic resilience policies and strategies. Develop and implement regional strategies to enhance institutional capacities for high-quality technical work.
• Technical Representation and Strategic Partnerships: Foster partnerships with UN agencies, governments, and other stakeholders to advance demographic resilience initiatives. Represent UNFPA in relevant platforms and meetings, advocating for sustainable financing and resource mobilization for the ICPD Programme of Action.
• Additional Duties: Undertake any other responsibilities as required by the Regional and Country office leadership, including support for regional projects.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in demography, economics, or related fields such as population statistics. A minimum of 7 years of progressive professional experience in demographic data generation and evidence-based policy formulation is required. Demonstrable expertise in population and development, with a strong track record of leading high-quality analyses and publications in the field, is essential. Familiarity with methods and tools for examining population dynamics and socio-economic analysis is necessary, along with experience in coordinating and building partnerships with various stakeholders.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in demography, economics, or a related socio-economic development field is required. Candidates should have a strong academic background that equips them with the necessary analytical and technical skills to address complex demographic issues.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of progressive professional experience in demographic analysis and policy formulation. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with diverse stakeholders, including government, academia, and civil society, to deliver quality results. Experience in capacity building and technical support in demographic resilience is highly desirable.

Languages:
Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English are mandatory, particularly for conveying technical knowledge to non-experts. Proficiency in Russian is desirable, as it will facilitate communication within the Central Asian context and with regional partners.

Additional Notes:
This position offers a competitive remuneration package, including health insurance and other benefits. UNFPA promotes a work environment that values gender equality, diversity, and integrity. The organization encourages applications from women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, minority ethnic groups, and persons with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to support applicants with disabilities during the recruitment process. The role may involve international collaboration and requires a commitment to the principles and values of the United Nations.