Population Policy Specialist

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 person can realize their rights to 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 population dynamics and reproductive health issues globally. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 emphasizes three transformative results: ending preventable maternal deaths, fulfilling unmet needs for family planning, and eliminating gender-based violence and harmful practices. The organization aims to accelerate progress towards the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Decade of Action leading up to 203

• UNFPA seeks principled and ethical staff who embody international norms and standards and who are committed to delivering excellence in program results.

Job Overview:
The Population Policy Specialist will oversee project formulation and evaluation, joint programming initiatives, and national development frameworks, ensuring effective management of UNFPA activities in population and development. This role involves integrating population dynamics into national and subnational development planning and strategies. The specialist will report to the Deputy Representative and will be responsible for employing program management experience to lead the population and development team, as well as consultants and experts. The position requires establishing collaborative relationships with government counterparts, multi-lateral and bilateral donor agencies, and civil society to address emerging issues and trends. The specialist will monitor the country's views and policies on key population issues, utilizing available data and statistics to inform design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design and implementation. The role also includes providing technical advice on population issues, managing projects aimed at improving access to socio-health services for people with disabilities, and coordinating support for the Sahel Women's Empowerment and Demographic Dividend (SWEDD) program in Senegal.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Population Policy Specialist will be responsible for providing strategic direction and technical leadership in developing key population-related documents, ensuring coherence among different initiatives, and generating data to inform program design and evaluation. The specialist will conduct regular population-related situation analyses, identify capacity gaps among ICPD partners, and facilitate capacity building and policy dialogue. They will work closely with national entities to ensure the availability of accurate data for monitoring ICPD commitments and SDGs. The specialist will oversee the design and implementation of the Population and Development component of the country program, ensuring alignment with government priorities and UNFPA policies. They will manage financial resources allocated to the program, conduct budget reviews, and ensure compliance with UNFPA norms. The role also involves interpreting data from national surveys to draw policy recommendations, advocating for the use of population data in decision-making, and facilitating policy dialogue for advancing the ICPD agenda. The specialist will maintain strategic partnerships with external counterparts and represent UNFPA Senegal in relevant meetings and conferences. Additionally, they will lead the Population and Development Team, ensuring high standards of staff management and mentoring team members.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in economics, statistics, health, population, demography, development studies, or related social science disciplines, preferably with a research background. They should have at least five years of increasingly responsible professional experience in population and development activities, particularly in policy development within the public, private, or academic sectors. A strong track record of technical leadership and the ability to produce demonstrable results are essential. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to network with academic and research organizations and engage in high-level political dialogue. Knowledge of the population and development landscape in Senegal, proficiency in data interpretation, research methodology, and policy analysis are required. Experience in program/project management, including large multi-sector projects, and the ability to coordinate a multi-disciplinary team are also necessary. Excellent drafting, communication, and interpersonal skills are essential, and field experience with the UN system would be an asset.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in economics, statistics, health, population, demography, development studies, or other related social science disciplines is required for this position. A research background is preferred, as it will enhance the candidate's ability to engage in evidence-based policy development and analysis.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in the field of population and development activities. This experience should include significant involvement in policy development, program management, and the ability to engage in high-level political dialogue. Proven experience in coordinating and managing multi-disciplinary teams and developing strategic partnerships is also essential.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory, along with a working knowledge of English. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in enhancing communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other benefits as applicable. 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 ensuring equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all candidates, regardless of personal characteristics.