Programme Development and Implementation Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead agency focused on ensuring that 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 towards achieving universal access to sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, and the empowerment of women and girls. The organization is committed to addressing the needs of the most vulnerable populations, including those living in poverty, people with disabilities, and marginalized communities. UNFPA's mission is guided by its strategic plan for 2022-2025, which emphasizes the importance of inclusive participation and the rights of women, adolescents, and youth as agents of change. The organization aims to achieve three transformative results by 2030: ending unmet need for family planning, ending preventable maternal deaths, and ending gender-based violence and harmful practices.

Job Overview:
The Programme Development and Implementation Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting the UNFPA Pacific Sub-Regional Office (PSRO) in executing the Country Program Document interventions and the Transformative Agenda for 2023-202

• This position focuses on four key transformative results: ending preventable maternal deaths, addressing unmet needs for family planning, combating gender-based violence, and adapting to demographic changes through evidence-based and rights-based policies. The specialist will work closely with government and civil society partners to develop and implement programs, ensuring that operational activities are effectively carried out. The role requires continuous monitoring and follow-up of activities, contributing to quality reporting, and supporting the coordination of interventions related to Family Life Education and sexual reproductive health in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). The specialist will also be responsible for providing technical and program management support to ensure the quality development, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of educational programs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Programme Development and Implementation Specialist include:

• Assisting in the development and implementation of programs in collaboration with government and civil society partners.
• Monitoring and following up on all activities within the designated geographical/thematic area, including finalizing queries and summarizing reports.
• Supporting the coordination of interventions assigned to the country office, particularly in Family Life Education and sexual reproductive health.
• Contributing quality inputs to quarterly and annual reporting, including workplan progress reports for implementing partners.
• Monitoring project expenditures and disbursements to ensure alignment with approved budgets and targeted delivery levels.
• Identifying operational and financial challenges and developing solutions.
• Coordinating quarterly meetings with implementing partners to monitor program implementation and conducting monitoring missions.
• Supporting the training needs of counterparts by fostering collaborative relationships with executing agencies, consultants, and government counterparts.
• Assisting in the preparation of national and regional events related to the program. 1
• Drafting background project papers, proposals, statements, and reports on program and operational issues. 1
• Analyzing incoming documents and correspondence to ensure quality and relevance. 1
• Liaising between the country office and other UNFPA offices to obtain relevant information and feedback.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Programme Development and Implementation Specialist include:

• A strong understanding of sexual and reproductive health issues, particularly in the context of the Pacific region.
• Proven experience in program development and implementation, particularly in partnership with government and civil society organizations.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to communicate effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment and to engage with diverse stakeholders.
• Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation frameworks and reporting processes.
• Familiarity with UNFPA's mandate and the broader UN system is an asset.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a master's degree in public health, social sciences, international development, or a related field. A strong academic foundation in sexual and reproductive health, gender studies, or program management is highly desirable. Additional certifications or training in project management or monitoring and evaluation would be advantageous.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in program development and implementation, particularly in the field of sexual and reproductive health. Experience working with UN agencies or international organizations is preferred. The role requires a demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and to work effectively under pressure.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the official language of the FSM and the primary language of communication within UNFPA. Knowledge of additional languages spoken in the region, such as Chuukese or Pohnpeian, would be considered an asset, as it would facilitate better communication with local partners and communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, and may involve travel within the region. The role is full-time and may require flexibility in working hours to accommodate different time zones and stakeholder availability. The contract duration and specific compensation details will be discussed during the interview process.