UNFPA Programme Specialist, Population Dynamics & Youth

Job Posting Organization:
UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health and rights agency, was established to expand the possibilities for women and young people to lead healthy and productive lives. It is the lead UN agency focused on ensuring that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Since its establishment in 2003, UNFPA Timor-Leste has been instrumental in supporting the Government of Timor-Leste in conducting census activities and promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights, as well as gender equality. The organization has contributed significantly to establishing basic social services and generating essential socio-demographic data for the country. UNFPA's mission is aligned with the transformative results aimed at ending maternal deaths, unmet needs for family planning, and gender-based violence, with a focus on vulnerable populations including women, adolescents, youth, and those living in rural areas or with disabilities.

Job Overview:
The UNFPA Programme Specialist for Population Dynamics and Youth will play a critical role in leading UNFPA's technical work on population dynamics and youth development in Timor-Leste. This position is designed to translate demographic evidence into actionable policy dialogue and multisectoral youth programming. The specialist will work closely with the UNFPA Country Office team to ensure that the initiatives align with the organization's programmatic outputs in sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender equality, and climate change. The role involves analyzing political, economic, and social trends that impact population dynamics and youth development, and providing strategic inputs to national development frameworks. The specialist will also be responsible for managing the planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of the Population Dynamics and Youth Development portfolio, collaborating with various stakeholders including government ministries, civil society organizations, and youth groups. This position is pivotal in advocating for youth investment and integrating youth development issues into national and local plans, thereby contributing to the overall goal of harnessing the demographic dividend in Timor-Leste.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the UNFPA Programme Specialist include:

• Analyzing and assessing political, economic, and social trends related to population dynamics and their implications for socio-economic development.
• Leading the planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of the Population Dynamics and Youth Development portfolio in collaboration with relevant ministries and stakeholders.
• Developing youth investment cases and conducting demographic dividend analyses to advocate for youth development issues.
• Producing policy and program briefs for government counterparts and partners to support evidence-based policy-making.
• Facilitating policy dialogue and technical coordination with the Government of Timor-Leste and other partners.
• Representing UNFPA's technical position on population dynamics in various forums and dialogues.
• Leading resource mobilization efforts by preparing funding proposals and donor reports.
• Strengthening multisectoral youth coordination mechanisms to enhance the National Action Plan for Youth.
• Providing guidance and support for youth program implementation, including comprehensive sexuality education and youth empowerment initiatives. 1
• Offering capacity-building support to national counterparts and Country Office staff on demography and population dynamics. 1
• Performing other related tasks as required by the Country Office management.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a strong background in demography, social sciences, or a related field, with a focus on population dynamics and youth development. Candidates should possess excellent analytical skills and the ability to translate complex demographic data into actionable policy recommendations. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential for effective collaboration with government officials, civil society organizations, and youth groups. The ideal candidate should demonstrate a commitment to UNFPA's mission and values, particularly in promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender equality, and youth empowerment.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a master's degree in demography, social sciences, public health, or a related field. A PhD in a relevant discipline would be an advantage. The educational background should include a strong emphasis on population studies, youth development, and public policy.

Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in population dynamics, youth development, or related fields is required. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing programs and projects, particularly in the context of international development and public health. Experience working with government agencies, UN organizations, and civil society is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both written and spoken. Knowledge of Portuguese or Tetum is an asset, as it will facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of the role.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Dili, East Timor, and is expected to be a full-time role. The contract duration is subject to availability of funding and operational necessity, with the possibility of extensions based on satisfactory performance. The UNFPA offers a supportive environment for its volunteers, including mentoring, training, and access to necessary resources to fulfill the objectives of the assignment. Volunteers will also receive guidance on local customs and emergency procedures, ensuring their safety and well-being during their assignment.