Programme Management and Oversight Specialist

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, employing approximately 4,000 staff members. The organization is dedicated to promoting reproductive health, gender equality, and sustainable development, aligning its mission with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2026-2029 outlines its commitment to addressing complex global challenges and ensuring that its programs are transparent, accountable, and responsive to the evolving development landscape.

Job Overview:
The Programme Management and Oversight Specialist plays a crucial role in managing the resources of the West and Central Africa Regional Office (WCARO) and Country Offices (COs) through effective budget planning, oversight, and compliance. This position requires a strategic approach to program management, focusing on quality assurance and the anticipation of emerging trends that may impact program delivery. The specialist is responsible for ensuring that programs are aligned with national development plans and UNFPA's strategic objectives, while also providing integrated support to COs. The role involves monitoring program performance, coordinating evaluations, and ensuring that audit recommendations are implemented in a timely manner. The specialist must also engage in proactive environmental scanning to identify risks and opportunities, thereby enhancing the resilience and adaptability of programs in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Management and Oversight Specialist is tasked with a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Monitoring and overseeing WCARO resources and program performance, ensuring alignment with corporate strategic plans and national priorities.
• Collaborating with the United Nations Development Coordination Office (UNDCO) to integrate UNFPA mandates into country analyses.
• Conducting continuous environmental scanning to identify risks and opportunities for adaptive responses.
• Leading the integration of futures thinking into design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design and implementation.
• Providing technical guidance and training to CO staff on horizon scanning methodologies.
• Developing and maintaining a comprehensive Program Database Management Information System.
• Documenting socio-demographic and health indicators relevant to the ICPD and SDGs.
• Monitoring the implementation of annual work plans and producing management reports on program status.
• Supporting the preparation of annual evaluation plans and audits, ensuring that foresight dimensions are included. 1
• Engaging with regional stakeholders to foster transparency and accountability in program delivery.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in public health, medicine, sociology, demography, gender, economics, international relations, international development, public administration, management, or related fields. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in developmental work, with at least five years at the international level. Substantive knowledge and practical experience in population, sexual and reproductive health, and gender programming are essential. Candidates should demonstrate experience in applying strategic foresight and systems analysis to complex development issues, as well as familiarity with participatory foresight methodologies. Strong communication and writing skills in both English and French are required, along with field experience and proficiency in digital tools for data visualization and management information systems.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as public health, sociology, demography, gender studies, economics, international relations, or public administration. This advanced degree is crucial for understanding the complexities of population dynamics and development issues that the UNFPA addresses.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of professional experience in developmental work, with at least five years at the international level. Candidates should have substantial experience in population and reproductive health programming, as well as demonstrated expertise in strategic foresight and systems analysis. Field experience is also essential to understand the practical challenges and dynamics of program implementation in diverse contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and French is mandatory for this position, as effective communication with both English-speaking and French-speaking country coordination groups and local organizations is essential for successful program management and oversight in the West and Central Africa region.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other benefits. UNFPA promotes a work environment that reflects values of gender equality, diversity, and integrity, and encourages applications from women and underrepresented groups. The organization is committed to ensuring gender parity and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. The selection process may involve background checks, medical clearance, and other administrative requirements. UNFPA does not charge any fees during the application or recruitment process.