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 that their rights are respected. The organization is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, particularly in the areas of population and development, reproductive health, and gender equality. 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. With a diverse workforce, UNFPA emphasizes the importance of gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in its operations, striving to create a work environment that reflects these values.

Job Overview:
The Assistant Representative plays a crucial role in the management of UNFPA's country programme activities, focusing on population and development, reproductive health, and gender issues. This position involves leading a programme team to translate regional and country goals into actionable solutions and results. The Assistant Representative will work closely with the UNFPA Representative and Deputy Representative, acting on their behalf as necessary. The role requires a proactive approach to policy dialogue with government entities and other development partners to ensure that UNFPA's priorities are integrated into national plans and strategies. The Assistant Representative will also be responsible for promoting partnerships and strategic alliances, coordinating technical advisers, and contributing to UN systems coordination. This position is vital for advancing the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) policy agenda in a politically sensitive environment, responding to changing government priorities, and ensuring that UNFPA's programme goals are met effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Assistant Representative will be responsible for conducting policy dialogues with government and UN partners to incorporate UNFPA's priorities into national strategies. This includes translating global strategies into country-specific advocacy efforts, creating evidence-based advocacy messages, and promoting a results-oriented approach in programme design. The role involves facilitating programme results by coordinating inputs into programme development, monitoring, and evaluation. The Assistant Representative will also promote knowledge sharing and continuous learning, contributing to resource mobilization efforts by identifying potential donors and preparing proposals. Additionally, the position requires leading rapid adaptations of programme management in response to humanitarian situations, promoting UNFPA's positioning in interagency spaces, and analyzing population and development issues to inform advocacy strategies. The Assistant Representative will create opportunities to leverage UNFPA's policy agenda through public information events and other outreach efforts.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in public health, medicine, sociology, demography, gender studies, international relations, international development, economics, public administration, management, or a related discipline. They should have at least 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in development and population activities, including programme design, appraisal, and management. Demonstrated ability to refine programme design with a strategic focus is essential, as is proven experience in leading and managing teams to achieve results. Candidates should also have a track record of resource mobilization and contributions to normative roles, particularly in humanitarian response contexts. Excellent written and oral communication skills are necessary for fostering high-level partnerships and maintaining political relationships.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in a relevant field such as public health, sociology, demography, gender studies, international relations, or related disciplines is required for this position. This educational background provides the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to effectively manage and implement UNFPA's programmes and initiatives.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in the field of development and population activities. Candidates should have experience in programme design, appraisal, and management, demonstrating the ability to align organizational objectives with national priorities and capacities. Proven leadership and team management skills are essential, as well as experience in resource mobilization and contributions to humanitarian responses.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is mandatory, as it is the mother tongue for this position. Proficiency in English is also required, and additional proficiency in Spanish will be considered an asset. Strong communication skills in both languages are necessary for effective engagement with partners and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve international recruitment. UNFPA promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment, encouraging applications from individuals of various backgrounds, including women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, minority ethnic groups, and persons with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities during the recruitment process. UNFPA does not charge any fees in connection with the application or recruitment process, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates regardless of personal characteristics.