Deputy 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 universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights, and to promote gender equality. The organization is committed to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, aiming to end poverty and achieve sustainable development through a focus on population and development issues. UNFPA employs thousands of staff worldwide, dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of millions, particularly those who are most vulnerable and marginalized. The organization emphasizes the importance of partnerships with governments, civil society, and the private sector to achieve its mission and objectives.

Job Overview:
The Deputy Representative plays a crucial role in the design and delivery of the UNFPA country programme in Ivory Coast. This position involves collaborating closely with the UNFPA Representative to strengthen the country’s capacity to implement the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action. The Deputy Representative is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Country Office, managing staff, and ensuring that the programme aligns with national development efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The role requires a strong focus on advocacy, partnership-building, and resource mobilization to ensure that sexual and reproductive health and rights are integrated into the national development agenda. The Deputy Representative is expected to lead initiatives that promote national ownership of the programme and to engage with various stakeholders to validate the organization’s mandate and deliver high-quality results, even in emergency settings.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Deputy Representative will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Programme Leadership: Develop, manage, and monitor the Country Programme in alignment with the strategic plan, utilizing demographic and socio-economic data. Assess national trends and their implications for UNFPA's work, and expand the organization's portfolio to include strategic new programme options. Ensure adherence to quality standards for project development and delivery, and oversee the monitoring and evaluation of the programme.
• National Capacity Development: Implement strategies to enhance national capacity for delivering on ICPD commitments, identify capacity gaps, and provide technical assistance to partner institutions. Promote the use of demographic data for evidence-based policy-making and engage in continuous dialogue with national partners to foster an enabling environment for the ICPD agenda.
• Partnership and Advocacy: Build collaborative relationships with key government partners and advocate for the inclusion of the ICPD agenda in national policies. Represent UNFPA within the UN system and engage with donors and development partners to mobilize resources and communicate UNFPA's mandate effectively.
• Management of Resources: Support the UNFPA Representative in managing the Country Office, including formulating annual work plans and monitoring implementation. Facilitate capacity building for national staff and ensure compliance with security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security standards. Carry out any other duties as required by the Country Representative.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a postgraduate university degree in disciplines such as Public Health, Medicine, Sociology, Demography, Gender, International Relations, International Development, Economics, Public Administration, Management, or related fields. Additionally, candidates should have at least seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in public administration and international development, with a minimum of five years in the field of population and development, sexual and reproductive health, or humanitarian work at the international level. Strong advocacy and policy dialogue experience, excellent media and communication skills, and proven leadership abilities are essential for this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a postgraduate university degree in relevant fields such as Public Health, Medicine, Sociology, Demography, Gender, International Relations, International Development, Economics, Public Administration, Management, or other related areas. This advanced education is crucial for understanding the complexities of population and development issues and for effectively managing the Country Programme.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of seven years of increasingly responsible professional experience in public administration and international development, with at least five years specifically in the fields of population and development, sexual and reproductive health, or humanitarian contexts at the international level. Field experience is essential, particularly in developing or humanitarian settings, and candidates should demonstrate a strong ability to lead teams and achieve high-quality results.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is the primary working language of UNFPA. Additionally, a working knowledge of other official UN languages is desirable, which may enhance communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders in the international arena.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other applicable benefits. UNFPA promotes 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 to applicants with disabilities upon request to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA is committed to equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all, regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity.