Programme Specialist, Population Dynamics and Policy

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to promote the right of every individual to enjoy a healthy life and to make informed choices about their reproductive health. The organization is committed to achieving three transformative results by 2030: ending preventable maternal deaths, ending unmet need for family planning, and ending gender-based violence and harmful practices. UNFPA emphasizes the importance of principled and ethical staff who embody international norms and standards, and who are dedicated to delivering high-impact results.

Job Overview:
The Programme Specialist, Population Dynamics and Policy plays a crucial role within the UNFPA country office, providing leadership in coordinating and managing interventions related to population dynamics and demographic intelligence. This position serves as a strategic bridge between data, policy, and programming, ensuring that insights from population dynamics are effectively translated into actionable development outcomes in Tanzania and Zanzibar. The Programme Specialist is responsible for analyzing trends in population dynamics and their implications for social and policy environments, providing technical leadership to advance rights-based population and development policies, and strengthening national population data systems. This role also involves establishing collaborative relationships with government counterparts, multi-lateral and bi-lateral agencies, and civil society organizations to facilitate program delivery and address emerging issues.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Programme Specialist include leading policy dialogue with government counterparts and development partners to integrate population dynamics into national development plans and sectoral policies. The role involves utilizing population data and demographic intelligence to inform strategic planning and advocacy, providing advisory support on demographic dividend strategies, and reviewing the political, social, and economic environment relevant to population dynamics. Additionally, the Programme Specialist will lead the generation and dissemination of evidence on population trends, strengthen census and survey systems, and provide technical leadership on population projections and demographic modeling. The position also requires overseeing the design and implementation of population programs, ensuring alignment with national priorities, and actively participating in resource mobilization efforts.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in Population Studies, Demography, Economics, Public Policy, Statistics, Development Studies, or related social science fields. A minimum of five years of experience in population dynamics, demographic analysis, policy development, and data systems is required. Proficiency in data interpretation, research methodology, and policy analysis is essential, along with a strong track record of technical leadership and the ability to engage in high-level political dialogue. Candidates should have experience in developing strategic partnerships and mobilizing resources, as well as excellent drafting, communication, and interpersonal skills. Field experience and prior experience with the UN system are considered assets.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in relevant fields such as Population Studies, Demography, Economics, Public Policy, Statistics, Development Studies, or other related social science disciplines is required for this position. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of population dynamics and their implications for policy and development.

Experience:
The position requires at least five years of relevant experience in areas such as population dynamics, demographic analysis, policy development, and data systems. Candidates should demonstrate a strong ability to produce results and have a proven track record of technical leadership in these areas. Experience in engaging with academic and research organizations, as well as in high-level political dialogue, is also important.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, while knowledge of Kiswahili and other official UN languages is desirable. Proficiency in multiple languages can enhance communication and collaboration within the diverse contexts in which UNFPA operates.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package that includes a competitive net salary, cost of living adjustment, rental subsidy, education grant, home leave, 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 for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA is committed to equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all candidates.