Liaison Officer

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 ensure that every individual has access to reproductive health services and the ability to make informed choices about their bodies and futures. The organization is committed to promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls, and it plays a crucial role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by addressing issues related to population and development, sexual and reproductive health, and rights. UNFPA's mission is to ensure that every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled, which is reflected in its strategic plans and programs that aim to address the unmet needs in family planning, maternal health, and gender-based violence.

Job Overview:
The Liaison Officer position at UNFPA is pivotal in driving the organization's country policy advocacy and dialogue in Suriname. Under the guidance of the Director of UNFPA’s Sub-Regional Office of the Caribbean, the Liaison Officer will design, develop, and manage innovative programs that align with national priorities and the UNFPA's strategic plans for 2022-2026 and 2027-203

• This role involves leading the implementation of these programs, ensuring they translate into tangible results by fostering strategic partnerships and enhancing resilience against disasters. The Liaison Officer will be responsible for the daily operations of the Liaison Office, acting as a thematic focal point for cross-cutting developmental areas such as youth engagement. The position requires effective communication with national counterparts, promoting UNFPA's goals at the national level, and enhancing the organization's advocacy efforts. The Liaison Officer will also engage with various stakeholders, including government partners, civil society organizations, and international entities, to strengthen collaborative efforts and resource mobilization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Liaison Officer will undertake a variety of duties, including:

• Policy Advocacy and Programme Development: Advance the ICPD policy agenda, respond to governmental priorities, facilitate advocacy for public policies, and coordinate technical inputs into work plans.
• Capacity Building: Support national counterparts in strengthening their capacity to implement the ICPD agenda.
• Partnerships & Resource Mobilization: Cultivate partnerships with government and stakeholders, develop resource mobilization strategies, and advocate for the ICPD agenda.
• Management & Coordination: Support the Sub-regional Director in managing the Liaison Office, monitor work plans, and ensure quality implementation of programs.
• Engage in continuous feedback and knowledge sharing with partners and the Sub-Regional office, focusing on gender and human rights.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned by the Supervisor.

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. Candidates should demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills, familiarity with social, political, and economic conditions in Suriname, and proficiency in computer literacy.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Public Health, Medicine, Sociology, Demography, Gender, International Relations, International Development, Economics, or Public Administration. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of population and development issues and for effectively contributing to UNFPA's mission and goals.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in developmental or social impact activities. This experience should preferably include policy development, advocacy, resource mobilization, and program management. Candidates should have a proven ability to manage teams and achieve demonstrable results, as well as familiarity with the United Nations System and public sector dynamics in Suriname.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Dutch is mandatory for this position. Additionally, proficiency in other official UN languages, particularly Spanish, is considered desirable. This linguistic capability is crucial for effective communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders 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, LGBTQIA+ individuals, 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 ensuring equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all candidates, regardless of personal characteristics.