SWEDD Project Director

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 works towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, particularly in the areas of reproductive health, gender equality, and population dynamics. UNFPA is committed to ensuring that all individuals have access to quality reproductive health services and that their rights are respected and upheld. The organization employs thousands of staff worldwide, working collaboratively with governments, civil society, and other partners to implement programs that empower women and adolescents, improve health outcomes, and promote gender equality.

Job Overview:
The SWEDD Project Director is a senior leadership role within UNFPA, reporting directly to the UNFPA West and Central Africa (WCA) Regional Director. The Director is responsible for overseeing all project activities related to the SWEDD initiative, which aims to enhance the empowerment of women and adolescent girls and improve their access to quality reproductive, child, and maternal health services across selected regions in West and Central Africa. This position requires a strategic thinker who can effectively coordinate program activities, manage relationships with key stakeholders, and ensure the integration of the SWEDD initiative with other functional units within the Regional Office. The Director will work closely with UNFPA representatives in participating countries, UN partner agencies, and regional organizations to maximize the impact of the project. The role involves providing high-quality technical advisory services, managing financial resources, and ensuring effective knowledge management and human resource management within the SWEDD project.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The SWEDD Project Director will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Program Coordination: Ensure effective coordination among all parties involved in project implementation, including the Regional Technical Secretariat, Regional Steering Committee, and UNFPA country offices. Develop annual work plans and budgets for UNFPA-managed regional activities and monitor their implementation.
• Resource Mobilization: Design and execute resource mobilization strategies to diversify SWEDD's funding portfolio, cultivate relationships with new donors, and strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders.
• Integrated Technical and Program Support: Develop mechanisms for integrated planning and review, coordinate inputs for regional strategies, and provide guidance to project implementing partners.
• Management of Regional Implementing Unit: Lead and supervise the Programme Implementation Unit, ensuring high-quality performance and compliance with UNFPA policies.
• Evidence and Knowledge Management: Coordinate the capture of lessons learned from the project and establish a regional knowledge network of experts in gender empowerment and demographic dividend.
• Representation: Represent the project in regional and international forums as required and ensure timely communication with governing bodies regarding project implementation issues.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in international development management, public policy, political science, economics, sociology, demography, public health, or related fields. A minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience in managing complex, donor-funded programs is required, with at least 10 years at the international level. Demonstrated success in resource mobilization and partnership building is essential, along with a strong understanding of the international donor landscape. Experience in public policy, particularly in the context of gender and reproductive health, is desirable. Candidates should also have a proven track record of leadership and management, with the ability to motivate and lead cross-cutting teams.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in relevant fields such as international development management, public policy, political science, economics, sociology, demography, or public health is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate possesses the necessary theoretical knowledge and analytical skills to effectively manage the SWEDD project and contribute to its objectives.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 15 years of increasingly responsible professional experience in managing complex, donor-funded, and multi-partner programs, with at least 10 years of experience at the international level. Candidates should have a strong background in resource mobilization, partnership building, and program management, particularly in the areas of gender, reproductive health, and development. Experience working in a developing country context, particularly in Africa, is highly desirable, as is a track record of leadership and management in the development sector.

Languages:
Strong verbal and written communication skills in both English and French are required for this position. Knowledge of other official UN languages is considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's qualifications for the role.

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 ensuring equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all candidates.