Deputy Representative

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and territories, working to ensure that every individual has the right to make informed choices about their reproductive health. The organization is committed to achieving three transformative results: ending preventable maternal deaths, ending unmet need for family planning, and ending gender-based violence and harmful practices. UNFPA's mission is driven by the belief that human rights are universal and that everyone should have access to the resources and support they need to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

Job Overview:
The Deputy Representative plays a crucial role in the formulation and delivery of the UNFPA country programme, ensuring that the organization's goals are integrated into the national development agenda. This position involves close collaboration with the UNFPA Representative and requires strong leadership skills to manage the Country Office's day-to-day operations. The Deputy Representative is responsible for promoting the goals of the UNFPA programme at the national level, ensuring that issues related to population, sexual and reproductive health, and gender are prioritized within the broader development framework. The role also includes providing guidance and support to Country Office staff, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages knowledge sharing and innovative programme development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Deputy Representative's duties encompass a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Programme Leadership: Ensuring the quality development and delivery of integrated technical and programmatic support that aligns with country needs and achieves ICPD goals and SDGs. This includes assessing national trends, consulting with stakeholders, and managing the Country Programme in line with strategic plans.
• National Capacity Development: Implementing strategies for capacity building at the country level, providing support to strengthen national capacities on thematic programmes, and creating an enabling environment for the ICPD agenda.
• Partnerships and Advocacy: Enhancing the country office's ability to build sustainable partnerships and advocate for the ICPD agenda, promoting cooperation among national institutions and UN agencies.
• Resource Management: Ensuring efficient management of country operations, including formulating annual work plans, monitoring implementation, and mobilizing financial resources.
• Supervising staff and fostering a harmonious working environment, while also ensuring accountability and performance standards are met.
• Performing other job-related duties as assigned by the UNFPA Representative or Regional Management Team to ensure the success of the country programme.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or advanced university degree in fields such as Public Health, Medicine, Sociology, Demography, Gender, International Relations, International Development, Economics, Public Administration, Management, or related areas. Additionally, candidates should have at least 7 years of progressively responsible professional experience in development and population activities, including programme design, appraisal, and management. Experience in humanitarian contexts is considered an asset. Strong leadership and team management skills are essential, along with excellent communication abilities in English, both spoken and written. A strong interest in development work and dedication to the principles of the United Nations are also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree or advanced university degree in relevant fields such as Public Health, Medicine, Sociology, Demography, Gender, International Relations, International Development, Economics, Public Administration, Management, or other related disciplines. This advanced education is crucial for understanding the complexities of population and development issues and for effectively leading the UNFPA country programme.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 7 years of increasingly responsible professional experience in the field of development and population activities. This experience should include programme design, appraisal, and management, demonstrating the ability to align organizational objectives with national priorities. Experience in humanitarian settings is advantageous, as is field experience, which provides practical insights into the challenges faced in implementing development programmes.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is essential for effective communication and partnership building at high levels. Additionally, proficiency in another UN language is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to the organization's global mission.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, pension, medical, and other benefits as applicable. The role is categorized as a senior position within the UNFPA, requiring a high level of responsibility and accountability. The organization emphasizes ethical management of human and financial resources and does not charge any fees during the application or recruitment process. Candidates should be aware that those holding permanent resident status in a country other than their nationality may be required to renounce such status upon appointment.