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 has a mission to promote the right of every woman, man, and child to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity. The organization emphasizes the importance of population dynamics in national development and aims to integrate these considerations into development planning and strategies.

Job Overview:
The Population Policy Specialist is responsible for overseeing project formulation and evaluation, joint programming initiatives, and national development frameworks. This role focuses on integrating population dynamics into national and subnational development planning and strategies. The specialist will report to the Deputy Representative and will be expected to employ their program management experience to lead the population and development team, as well as consultants and advisors. 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. Additionally, the role involves providing substantive technical advice on population issues to various stakeholders, ensuring effective coordination and capacity building on population-based data collection and analysis.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Population Policy Specialist include providing strategic direction and technical leadership in developing key population-related documents, ensuring coherence among different initiatives, generating and disseminating data to inform program design, and conducting regular population-related situation analyses. The specialist will identify capacity gaps among key partners and facilitate capacity building, work closely with national entities to ensure the availability of accurate data, oversee the design and implementation of the Population and Development component of the country program, and ensure compliance with UNFPA policies. The role also involves engaging in policy dialogue, advocating for the use of population data in decision-making, leading economic analysis, and facilitating partnerships with external counterparts for resource mobilization and knowledge sharing. The specialist will supervise the Population and Development Team, ensuring high standards of staff management and performance, and coordinate the implementation of projects aimed at strengthening access to integrated socio-health services for people living with disabilities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in economics, statistics, health, population, demography, development studies, or related social science disciplines. They should have at least five years of increasingly responsible professional experience in population and development activities, particularly in policy development. A strong track record of technical leadership, networking with academic and research organizations, and engaging in high-level political dialogue is essential. Candidates should demonstrate expertise in the population and development landscape in Senegal, proficiency in data interpretation and policy analysis, and experience in program/project management, including large multi-sector projects. Excellent drafting, communication, and interpersonal skills are required, along with field experience and prior experience with the UN system being advantageous.

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

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in the field of population and development activities. This includes experience in policy development within public, private, or academic sectors, as well as a proven ability to produce demonstrable results. Experience in coordinating and managing multi-disciplinary teams, developing strategic partnerships, and mobilizing resources 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, enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other 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, regardless of personal characteristics.