Assistant Representative

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 territories, working to ensure that every individual has access to reproductive health services and the ability to make informed choices about their bodies and futures. The organization is committed to advancing the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) agenda and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 203

• UNFPA's mission is driven by a focus on four interconnected outcomes: ending unmet needs for family planning, preventing maternal deaths, eliminating gender-based violence, and adapting to demographic changes through evidence-based policies. UNFPA emphasizes the importance of principled and ethical staff who embody international norms and standards, ensuring effective external relations and resource mobilization in a rapidly changing development landscape.

Job Overview:
The Assistant Representative plays a crucial role in the design, development, and management of UNFPA's country programme in Vietnam. This position requires a dynamic leader who can inspire the programme team to translate regional and country goals into actionable solutions and measurable results. The Assistant Representative will contribute to the management of programme activities related to population and development, reproductive health, youth empowerment, and gender equality. This role involves navigating a politically sensitive environment and responding to the evolving priorities of the government. The Assistant Representative will promote partnerships and strategic alliances with government counterparts, multi-lateral and bilateral agencies, and civil society organizations. Additionally, the position entails coordinating technical advisers and participating in policy dialogues to ensure that UNFPA's priorities are integrated into national plans and strategies. The Assistant Representative will also be responsible for resource mobilization efforts, identifying potential donors, and preparing proposals to support the country programme.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Assistant Representative will be responsible for conducting policy dialogues with government officials and development partners to incorporate UNFPA's priorities into national strategies and frameworks. This includes translating global strategies into country-specific advocacy messages and promoting a results-based approach in programme design. The Assistant Representative will facilitate the achievement of programme results by coordinating inputs into programme development, monitoring, and evaluation. They will promote knowledge sharing and continuous learning by documenting innovative strategies and best practices. The role also involves contributing to resource mobilization by identifying potential donors and supporting the government in coordinating assistance for programmes. The Assistant Representative will ensure that programmes are responsive to the country's needs and aligned with UNFPA's strategic priorities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Public Health, Medicine, Sociology, Demography, Gender, International Relations, International Development, Economics, Public Administration, Management, or related disciplines. Additionally, candidates should have at least seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in development and population activities, including programme design, appraisal, and management. A demonstrated ability to lead and manage teams effectively is essential, along with excellent written and oral communication skills to foster high-level partnerships. Basic AI literacy and strong critical thinking skills are highly desirable, enabling candidates to review and refine AI-generated content for accuracy and alignment with organizational standards.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in relevant fields such as Public Health, Medicine, Sociology, Demography, Gender, International Relations, International Development, Economics, Public Administration, or Management is required for this position. This educational background provides the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively contribute to UNFPA's mission and objectives.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible 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. Proven leadership and management skills are crucial for achieving results and fostering effective partnerships.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Vietnamese is required for this position. Knowledge of other official UN languages is considered desirable, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a diverse environment.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other applicable benefits. UNFPA is committed to providing 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 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 candidates, regardless of personal characteristics.