Assistant Representative

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, which is the lead UN agency focused on reproductive health and rights, population and development, and gender equality. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries, with a mission to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization employs thousands of staff members globally, working collaboratively with governments, civil society, and other partners to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The Assistant Representative position is a critical role within the UNFPA Moldova Country Office, responsible for establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships with various stakeholders, including government entities, donor agencies, and civil society organizations. This position requires a strong understanding of the Country Programme and the strategic guidance provided by the Representative. The Assistant Representative will play a dual role, contributing to the development and implementation of the Country Programme while leading the programme team. The role involves providing timely, evidence-based information to the Representative to support strategic decision-making and ensuring that UNFPA's activities align with national priorities and international standards. The Assistant Representative will also engage in institutional representation at the political level when delegated by the Representative, further emphasizing the importance of this role in facilitating effective programme delivery and addressing emerging issues in the country.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Assistant Representative will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including: demonstrating deep knowledge of the Country Programme Document (CPD) and ensuring its translation into annual workplans; assessing technical assistance needs in population and development, youth empowerment, reproductive health, and gender issues; providing substantive leadership in the design and formulation of programmes and projects; advising on policy issues and contributing to policy dialogue; measuring progress and ensuring effective utilization of resources; leading programme implementation and guiding project personnel; creating and documenting knowledge through evaluations and best practices; analyzing key issues related to population and development; supporting resource mobilization strategies; and identifying opportunities for cost sharing and resource leverage.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in Public Health, Medicine, Sociology, Demography, Gender, International Relations, International Development, Economics, Public Administration, Management, or a related field. Additionally, candidates should have at least 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in development and population activities, with demonstrated experience in programme/project design, appraisal, and management. Proven leadership skills and the ability to manage multi-disciplinary teams are essential, along with excellent written and oral communication skills to provide clear, evidence-based technical advice and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in a relevant field such as Public Health, Medicine, Sociology, Demography, Gender, International Relations, International Development, Economics, Public Administration, Management, or a related discipline is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of population and development issues and for effectively contributing to UNFPA's mission.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in the field of development and population activities. This experience should include demonstrated expertise in programme and project design, appraisal, and management. The ability to lead and manage multi-disciplinary teams and partners to achieve results is essential, as is experience in engaging with government officials and other stakeholders at various levels.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Romanian is mandatory for this position. Additionally, a working knowledge of one or more additional languages relevant to Moldova, such as Russian, Bulgarian, Gagauzian, Romani, Ukrainian, or sign language, is considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's ability to engage with diverse communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and is offered on a fixed-term basis for one year, with the possibility of renewal. It is classified as a non-rotational position, meaning that the incumbent will remain in the same location for the duration of the contract. The role involves significant responsibilities and requires a high level of professionalism and commitment to UNFPA's mission. The compensation package includes a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other applicable benefits. It is important to note that UNFPA does not charge any fees during the application or recruitment process, and candidates must be citizens of the host country to apply for this position.