UNFPA Representative

UNFPA Representative

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

August 7, 2026September 21, 2026Benin
Job Description
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, with a mission to ensure that every individual has the right to make informed choices about their reproductive health. The organization plays a crucial role in the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 203
  • UNFPA is committed to addressing issues of population and development, sexual and reproductive health, and gender equality, particularly in humanitarian contexts. The organization emphasizes the importance of partnerships with governments, civil society, academia, and the private sector to realize its mission and make a positive difference in the lives of millions, especially those who are marginalized or vulnerable.

Job Overview:
The UNFPA Representative leads complex business units and country office teams in the design and implementation of population and development and sexual and reproductive health country programmes. This role is critical in humanitarian-development-peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security contexts, where applicable. The Representative is responsible for ensuring that the organization's mandate is integrated into national development agendas and that the needs of the most vulnerable populations are prioritized. The position requires a strategic leader who can navigate complex environments, build alliances, and mobilize resources effectively. The Representative will oversee the development and management of innovative Country Programmes of Cooperation, focusing on universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights, maternal health, family planning, gender, and adolescent and youth empowerment. The role also involves engaging with national counterparts, UN Country Teams, and other stakeholders to advocate for the organization's agenda and ensure the effective delivery of programmes, particularly in emergency settings.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the UNFPA Representative include:
  • Strategic Direction, Planning, and Management: Lead the positioning of UNFPA on strategic issues related to the ICPD Agenda, build institutional relationships with government counterparts, civil society, and the private sector, and ensure that policies and programming tools are incorporated into UNFPA country programme delivery.
  • Management of Resources: Manage international and national staff, providing strategic direction and motivation, and facilitate UNFPA’s ability to attract and retain expertise tailored to the Country programme.
  • Programme Leadership and Representation: Provide leadership in the development and execution of the organization’s country-level policy dialogue and programme, engage national counterparts through effective advocacy, and represent UNFPA within the United Nations Country Teams and Humanitarian Teams.
  • Programme Oversight and Coordination: Drive the application of results-based management and quality assurance frameworks, enforce financial and monitoring processes, and carry out any other duties as required by the Regional Director.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master’s degree or advanced university degree in disciplines such as Public Health, Medicine, Sociology, Demography, Gender, International Relations, International Development, Economics, Public Administration, Management, or other related fields. Candidates must have 10 years of increasingly responsible professional experience in public administration and international development, with at least 7 years in the field of population and development, sexual and reproductive health, or humanitarian work at the international level. A current knowledge of issues related to population and development, sexual and reproductive health, and their integration into the development and humanitarian agenda is essential. Proven leadership abilities, experience in advocacy and policy dialogue, and field experience in developing or crisis contexts are also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or advanced university degree in relevant fields such as Public Health, Medicine, Sociology, Demography, Gender, International Relations, International Development, Economics, Public Administration, Management, or other related disciplines. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of population and development issues and for effectively leading programmes that address these challenges.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in public administration and international development, with at least 7 years specifically in the fields of population and development, sexual and reproductive health, or humanitarian work at the international level. Candidates should have a proven track record of leading teams to achieve high-quality results and experience in advocacy and policy dialogue at both national and international levels. Field experience is essential, particularly in developing or crisis contexts, to ensure that the Representative can effectively navigate the challenges faced in these environments.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French is required for this position. Knowledge of any other UN language is considered desirable, as it can enhance communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders in the international community.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other benefits as applicable. UNFPA is committed to providing a work environment that reflects the 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 promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all, regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity.
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