Liaison Officer

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 territories, with a mission to ensure that every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization focuses on reproductive health, gender equality, and population issues, working to improve the lives of women and young people around the world. UNFPA's strategic plan outlines its commitment to addressing complex global challenges and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, emphasizing the importance of partnerships and resource mobilization to achieve its objectives.

Job Overview:
The Liaison Officer plays a pivotal role in the UNFPA's efforts to implement its country policy advocacy and dialogue in Suriname. This position is responsible for designing, developing, and managing innovative programs that align with national priorities and the UNFPA's strategic plans for 2022-2026 and 2027-203

• The Liaison Officer will lead the implementation of these programs, ensuring they translate into tangible results by fostering strategic partnerships and enhancing disaster preparedness. The incumbent will manage the day-to-day operations of the Liaison Office and serve as a thematic focal point for cross-cutting developmental areas, such as youth engagement, to strengthen integrated programming in the Caribbean. The role requires effective communication with national counterparts and the ability to advocate for UNFPA's goals at the national level, thereby enhancing the organization's advocacy efforts and overall impact.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Liaison Officer's duties include advancing the ICPD policy agenda in a politically sensitive environment, responding to changing governmental priorities, and facilitating advocacy for public policies with various stakeholders. The incumbent will coordinate technical inputs into work plans, monitor and evaluate program results, and assess national trends impacting UNFPA's work. The Liaison Officer will also support national counterparts in strengthening their capacity to implement the ICPD agenda, cultivate partnerships with government and civil society, and pursue resource mobilization strategies. Additionally, the role involves managing the Liaison Office's operations, ensuring quality implementation of programs, and maintaining a harmonious working environment. The Liaison Officer will also be responsible for preparing progress reports, leading knowledge sharing, and ensuring compliance with UNFPA guidelines and policies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in fields such as Public Health, Medicine, Sociology, Demography, Gender, International Relations, International Development, Economics, or Public Administration. A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in developmental or social impact activities is required, with a preference for experience in policy development, advocacy, and resource mobilization. Knowledge of the United Nations System and public sector in Suriname is an asset, along with proven team management skills and excellent communication abilities. Familiarity with the social, political, and economic conditions in Suriname is also important, as is computer literacy.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Public Health, Sociology, Demography, Gender, International Relations, International Development, Economics, or Public Administration. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of population and development issues, as well as for effectively engaging with various stakeholders in the implementation of UNFPA's programs.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in developmental or social impact activities. This experience should preferably include work in policy development, advocacy, resource mobilization, and program management. Candidates should demonstrate a proven ability to manage teams and achieve results, as well as familiarity with the United Nations System and public sector dynamics in Suriname. Experience in conducting and reporting on meetings is also beneficial, as is the ability to navigate complex political environments and engage with high-level representatives.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Dutch is mandatory for this position. Additionally, proficiency in other official UN languages, particularly Spanish, is desirable. Strong communication skills in these languages are crucial for fostering partnerships and effectively advocating for UNFPA's goals at both national and regional levels.

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