Programme Specialist, Commodities

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, with a mission to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights, and to promote gender equality. The organization is committed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and aims to end preventable maternal deaths, meet the unmet need for family planning, and eliminate gender-based violence and harmful practices. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2026-2029 outlines its response to a complex global environment, emphasizing resilience and renewal in its programs.

Job Overview:
The Programme Specialist, Commodities, will play a crucial role in supporting the UNFPA Supplies Partnership, which is the largest thematic trust fund of UNFPA. This position is integral to the Family Planning Programme, focusing on strengthening health systems by improving supply chains, advancing policy, diversifying financing, and expanding access to quality-assured contraceptives and maternal health medicines. The incumbent will work to ensure that over 20 million women and girls in 54 of the lowest-income countries receive the necessary reproductive health commodities. The role involves providing advice and support to expand access to a broader mix of reproductive health commodities, coordinating with various units at headquarters, and managing a multi-stakeholder Gates Foundation grant. The Programme Specialist will also contribute to the overall goals of UNFPA's Strategic Plan by ensuring effective planning, coordination, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of activities related to reproductive health commodities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for grant coordination and oversight, acting as the project manager for a multi-country Gates Foundation grant. Key responsibilities include aligning program approaches, addressing implementation issues, and leading the preparation of regular meetings with donors and stakeholders. The Programme Specialist will develop annual work plans, monitor activity implementation and budgets, and compile comprehensive reports on activities and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Additionally, the role involves providing technical support to regional and country offices on reproductive health commodity availability, managing procurement plans, and analyzing procurement trends. The incumbent will also support communication and advocacy efforts related to reproductive health commodities, capturing learning and sharing knowledge on best practices and lessons learned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in public health, pharmacy, supply chain management, social science, public administration, management, or related fields. A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible relevant experience is required, preferably in family planning, RH commodity planning and management, or supply chain management. Demonstrated expertise in RH commodity security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security and access is essential, along with strong oral and writing skills for developing reports and presentations. Candidates should have the ability to synthesize complex ideas into digestible formats for non-technical audiences and demonstrate capacities in program management and results-based management principles.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in public health, pharmacy, supply chain management, social science, public administration, management, or other related fields is required for this position. This educational background is critical as it provides the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage reproductive health commodities and contribute to the overall goals of UNFPA's programs.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 7 years of progressively responsible relevant experience, preferably in family planning, RH commodity planning and management, or supply chain management. This level of experience is essential to ensure that the Programme Specialist can effectively manage complex projects, coordinate with various stakeholders, and contribute to the strategic goals of UNFPA.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of other official UN languages is considered an asset, as it may enhance communication and collaboration within the international context of UNFPA's work.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other benefits as applicable. 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 upon request to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA is committed to equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all candidates.