Head of Office

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is a leading UN agency dedicated to 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 to promote reproductive health and rights, gender equality, and sustainable development. The organization is committed to addressing the challenges posed by population dynamics and ensuring that the needs of the most vulnerable populations are met. UNFPA's mission is to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled, aligning its work with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action.

Job Overview:
The Head of Office position is pivotal in leading the North Macedonia country team in the implementation of the Government-UNFPA country programme of cooperation. This role encompasses the management of a comprehensive country programme that spans from 2026 to 2030, focusing on critical areas such as sexual and reproductive health and rights, the prevention and response to gender-based violence, data system strengthening, and building demographic resilience. The Head of Office will work under the overall management of the non-resident director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director and will be responsible for translating regional and country goals into actionable solutions and results. This position requires a strong commitment to the ICPD Programme of Action and the Sustainable Development Goals, as well as the ability to inspire and lead a diverse team towards achieving these objectives. The Head of Office will also engage in policy dialogue with government and other stakeholders to ensure that UNFPA's priorities are integrated into national strategies and frameworks, thereby promoting a results-oriented approach to programme implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Head of Office will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including conducting policy dialogue with government officials, UN agencies, and development partners to align UNFPA's priorities with national plans. This includes translating global strategies into country-specific advocacy strategies and delivering evidence-based advocacy messages. The Head of Office will promote a results-based approach by integrating innovative policies into the design of country programmes and ensuring that these programmes are responsive to national needs. Additionally, the role involves facilitating programme results by coordinating inputs into programme development, monitoring and oversight, and evaluating the contributions of consultants and technical experts. The Head of Office will also lead resource mobilization efforts, develop partnerships, and leverage financing to support the country programme goals. Knowledge sharing and continuous learning will be emphasized, with a focus on documenting and integrating best practices into UNFPA's work.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in fields such as Public Health, Medicine, Sociology, Demography, Gender, International Relations, International Development, Economics, or Public Administration. A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in development and population activities is required, including experience in programme design, appraisal, and management. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to align programme objectives with national priorities and possess proven leadership skills to manage teams effectively. Excellent written and oral communication skills are essential for fostering high-level partnerships and maintaining political relationships.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Public Health, Medicine, Sociology, Demography, Gender, International Relations, International Development, Economics, or Public Administration. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of population dynamics and reproductive health issues, as well as for effectively engaging with government and other stakeholders.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in the field of development and population activities. This experience should include programme design, appraisal, and management, demonstrating the ability to refine programme designs to align with national priorities. Proven experience in leading and managing teams to achieve significant results is essential, as is the ability to navigate politically sensitive environments and respond to changing governmental priorities.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Macedonian is required for this position. Knowledge of other official UN languages is considered desirable, as it can enhance communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders and partners in the region.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other benefits. The work environment at UNFPA reflects values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. UNFPA is committed to 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 accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities 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.