Junior Professional Officer (JPO)

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 has a mission to promote the right of every woman, man, and child to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity. The organization is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, particularly in the areas of reproductive health and rights, gender equality, and population dynamics. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2026-2029 outlines its response to a complex global environment, emphasizing resilience and renewal through a focus on four interconnected outcomes: ending unmet needs for family planning, preventing maternal deaths, eliminating gender-based violence, and adapting to demographic changes through evidence-based policies.

Job Overview:
The Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Programme at UNFPA is designed to provide on-the-job training for young professionals seeking practical experience in development assistance. This position is exclusively for nationals of Norway and aims to equip candidates with professional knowledge in population projects within a developing country context. The JPO will work under the supervision of the CSE Global Programme Coordinator and collaborate closely with technical officers in the CSE and Child Marriage teams, as well as with other UN agencies. The role involves supporting UNFPA's global Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) programmes, contributing to the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of related initiatives. The JPO will also engage in data analysis and visualization, ensuring that program data is effectively utilized for planning and communication purposes. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain insights into the UN system and develop skills in a multicultural environment, ultimately contributing to the advancement of sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The JPO will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including: assisting in the implementation of UNFPA strategic plan outputs related to Comprehensive Sexuality Education; supporting the design and evaluation of CSE programs; extracting and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data from various sources to inform strategic decision-making; visualizing program data using corporate tools like Quantum and Power BI; liaising with regional and country offices as well as implementing partners to document best practices; and performing additional duties as assigned by the supervisor. The JPO will also participate in team meetings and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the unit.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's Degree or equivalent in social sciences, medical sciences, public health, international development, or related fields. A minimum of 2 years of relevant and paid experience in areas such as human rights, gender, sexual and reproductive health and rights, or comprehensive sexuality education is required. Demonstrated experience in data analysis and visualization, particularly using tools like Microsoft Power BI or Tableau, is essential. Candidates should also exhibit strong writing skills, initiative, sound judgment, and the ability to work harmoniously in a diverse team environment.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's Degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as social sciences, medical sciences, public health, or international development. This advanced education is crucial for understanding the complexities of the issues addressed by UNFPA and for effectively contributing to the organization's mission.

Experience:
The position requires at least 2 years of relevant and paid experience in fields related to human rights, gender, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and/or comprehensive sexuality education. Prior experience in developing countries is considered an asset, as it provides valuable context for the work undertaken by the JPO.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of additional languages such as Arabic, French, or Spanish is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a diverse international environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is part of the Junior Professional Officer (JPO) scheme sponsored by the Government of Norway and is exclusively open to Norwegian nationals. The job may involve a full-time commitment, and candidates should be prepared for a role that emphasizes learning and professional development within the UN system. UNDP is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and values diversity, encouraging qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and maintains a strict policy against harassment and discrimination.