Social Policy and Health Economics Adviser

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), population dynamics, and gender equality. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries, with a mission to ensure that every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization aims to accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action from the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 203

• UNFPA emphasizes the importance of principled and ethical staff who embody international norms and standards, and who are committed to delivering high-impact results across its global mandate.

Job Overview:
The Social Policy and Health Economics Adviser serves as the senior technical authority within the West and Central Africa Regional Office (WCARO) on matters related to social policy, health economics, public financing, and investment strategies. This role is pivotal in translating complex economic evidence into actionable policies and sustainable financing strategies that support UNFPA's mandate across a diverse 23-country portfolio. The Adviser is responsible for providing high-level technical leadership, guiding Country Offices and national governments in mobilizing domestic resources, strengthening health financing systems, and ensuring that SRHR is integrated into national budgets and development plans. The position requires a strategic approach to advance the transition from funding to financing the ICPD Programme of Action, focusing on evidence generation, policy advocacy, and accountability monitoring.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Adviser will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including: 1) Providing strategic leadership on health financing and policy engagement by advising regional office leadership and country representatives on national health financing architectures and sustainable resource allocation strategies for SRHR. 2) Leading high-level policy dialogues with government ministries to strengthen public investment in SRHR and universal healthcare. 3) Engaging with international financial institutions to influence lending packages and embed SRHR priorities. 4) Promoting innovative financing approaches and advocating for increased national budget allocations for health. 5) Leading the development of high-quality economic evidence to support policy dialogue and financing strategies, including conducting financing diagnostics and developing investment cases for SRHR. 6) Strengthening health financing capacities within UNFPA and among government counterparts through tailored technical assistance and capacity development initiatives. 7) Mobilizing resources and establishing strategic partnerships to sustain and scale financing initiatives for SRHR. 8) Contributing to global learning and knowledge leadership on health economics and development financing by generating regional analytical products and participating in global discussions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s level or equivalent) in Health Economics, Economics, Public Finance, Public Health, or a closely related discipline. A PhD or equivalent is considered an asset. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in health economics or related fields, with at least 7 years at the international level. A demonstrated track record in senior health economist roles, expertise in policy engagement with government ministries, and familiarity with SRHR and population dynamics are essential. Technical proficiency in investment case development, fiscal space analysis, and development finance instruments is required, along with established networks within the health economics community.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree, specifically at the Master’s level or equivalent, in relevant fields such as Health Economics, Economics, Public Finance, or Public Health. A PhD or equivalent qualification is advantageous and may enhance a candidate's application.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in health economics, health financing, or related fields. At least 7 years of this experience should be at the international level, demonstrating a strong background in health sector reform, public financial management, and health financing strategy. Field experience in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in the West and Central Africa region, is required to effectively navigate the local context and challenges.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and French is mandatory, reflecting the bilingual nature of the WCARO's mandate across Anglophone and Francophone countries. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other benefits. UNFPA promotes a work environment that values gender equality, diversity, and integrity, and encourages applications from women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, 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. The organization emphasizes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, and compensation, and is committed to ensuring gender parity within its workforce.