Chief, Innovation and Transformation Branch

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 dedicated to addressing issues related to population and development, sexual and reproductive health, and gender equality, with a focus on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

Job Overview:
The Chief, Innovation and Transformation Branch, plays a pivotal role in driving UNFPA’s institutional transformation and strategic positioning. This position acts as a key partner to the Chief of Staff in advancing organization-wide reform, innovation, and performance. The Chief will serve as a central integrator of cross-organizational transformation efforts, including UNFPA’s change management and transformation processes, broader UN reform processes, and priority corporate initiatives. The role requires empowering UNFPA through expert guidance, capacity building, and knowledge management, fostering an environment where innovation thrives. The Chief will also forge strategic partnerships across sectors to secure vital resources and amplify UNFPA's reach, accelerating progress towards the three transformative results outlined in the UNFPA Strategic Plan for 2026-2029.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Chief will lead and oversee initiatives to enhance corporate performance and business transformation, ensuring coherence with strategic plans and emerging trends. Responsibilities include driving UNFPA's innovation strategy, fostering an enabling environment for knowledge sharing, and building strategic partnerships to mobilize resources. The Chief will coordinate with UNFPA Business Units to design and implement innovative solutions, serve as a project manager for high-priority corporate transformation initiatives, and facilitate capacity building and knowledge management. Additionally, the Chief will advocate for UNFPA's innovation efforts within UN inter-agency groups and identify new models of partnership to leverage core business values across sectors.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (minimum Master’s degree or equivalent) in Social Science, Business Administration, International Development, sustainable development, economics, project management, public policy, public administration, or another relevant field. A minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, innovation, partnership development, and inter-agency cooperation is required. Candidates should have extensive experience in leading and managing teams within large complex organizations, providing strategic guidance, and a substantive knowledge of population & development, sexual & reproductive health, and gender.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (minimum Master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Social Science, Business Administration, International Development, sustainable development, economics, project management, public policy, or public administration is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively lead innovation and transformation initiatives within UNFPA.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, innovation, partnership development, and inter-agency cooperation. This experience should include leading the development and implementation of innovation strategies across complex technical areas, managing diverse partnerships with governments, NGOs, private sector, and donors, and working in field settings including regional and country offices. Experience in corporate transformation and/or performance projects is also essential, as is experience in leveraging innovation for sustainable development solutions.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is required for this position. Knowledge of an additional UN language is considered an asset, as it can enhance communication and collaboration within the diverse international environment of UNFPA.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other benefits as applicable. UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. The organization is committed to ensuring gender parity and encourages applications from women, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all, regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity.