Sustainable Health Financing and Economics Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, established to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA's mission is to achieve universal access to sexual and reproductive health, realize reproductive rights, and reduce maternal mortality. The organization aims to improve the lives of adolescents, youth, and women by addressing population dynamics, human rights, and gender equality. UNFPA launched efforts in 2018 to achieve three transformative results: ending unmet need for family planning, ending preventable maternal death, and ending gender-based violence and harmful practices. The organization recognizes innovation as a key accelerator to achieve these results, focusing on strengthening corporate innovation architecture, scaling up effective innovations, forming new partnerships, and leveraging financing for innovation.

Job Overview:
The Sustainable Health Financing and Economics Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting UNFPA's strategic plan (2026-2029), which focuses on three transformative results: ending preventable maternal deaths, ending unmet need for family planning, and ending gender-based violence and harmful practices. This position is essential for enhancing social health protection by improving public financing capacities in the Arab region. The Specialist will provide technical assistance in analyzing financing needs among countries in the region and will collaborate with partnering institutions and technical experts to accelerate efforts on financing the ICPD agenda. The role involves working closely with technical and program staff in the Regional Office and Country Offices, reporting directly to the Sexual and Reproductive Health Regional Adviser. The Specialist will support the implementation of the ASRO Regional Programme Output 3, focusing on leveraging sustainable financing and investments to improve national policy frameworks and service delivery in alignment with UNFPA's mandate.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Sustainable Health Financing and Economics Specialist include:

• Supporting the implementation of UNFPA’s ASRO Regional Programme Output 3 on leveraging sustainable financing and investments.
• Providing technical leadership and assistance on health financing and universal health coverage within the Arab States region.
• Engaging with International Financial Institutions (IFIs) to identify and mobilize financing opportunities for advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).
• Conducting analysis" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">technical analysis and providing evidence-based advice in health economics and financing to UNFPA Country Offices.
• Developing and monitoring regional partnerships in health economics and financing, including South-South technical support.
• Analyzing data and trends related to public investments to ensure accountability and effectiveness of public spending.
• Collaborating with UN agencies, multilateral partners, academia, and research institutions on financing mandates.
• Carrying out any other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a strong background in health economics, public finance, or a related field. Candidates should possess excellent analytical skills, with the ability to conduct complex financial analyses and provide evidence-based recommendations. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential for engaging with various stakeholders, including government officials, international organizations, and civil society. The Specialist should demonstrate adaptability and flexibility in a dynamic work environment, along with a commitment to UNFPA's mission and values.

Educational Background:
Candidates should hold a master's degree in health economics, public finance, international development, or a related field. A PhD in a relevant discipline is preferred but not mandatory. Additional training or certifications in health financing or public health will be considered an asset.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 5 years of relevant professional experience in health financing, public health, or a related field. Experience working with international organizations, particularly in the context of sexual and reproductive health, is highly desirable. Familiarity with the Arab region's health systems and financing mechanisms will be an advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, while proficiency in Arabic is highly desirable. Knowledge of French or other languages spoken in the region will be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Cairo, Egypt, which is a family duty station with good living conditions and access to various services. The International UN Expert Volunteer will receive a Volunteer Living Allowance of USD 3,522.23 per month, along with a one-time entry lump-sum payment of USD 4,000 and an exit lump-sum upon completion of the contract. The position includes comprehensive medical and life insurance coverage, as well as access to training and learning resources through the UNV E-Campus.