Deputy Representative

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on reproductive health and rights, population dynamics, and gender equality. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries, working to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and has a strategic plan for 2026-2029 that emphasizes ending preventable maternal deaths, unmet needs for family planning, and gender-based violence. UNFPA employs a diverse workforce dedicated to upholding human rights and ethical standards in their operations.

Job Overview:
The Deputy Representative at UNFPA plays a crucial role in the formulation and delivery of the UNFPA country programme, ensuring that the organization's goals are integrated into national development efforts. This position involves close collaboration with the UNFPA Representative and requires strong leadership skills to manage the Country Office's day-to-day operations. The Deputy Representative is responsible for promoting the goals of the UNFPA programme at the national level, ensuring that issues related to population, sexual and reproductive health, and gender are prioritized in the broader development agenda. This role also includes providing guidance and support to the Country Office staff, facilitating knowledge sharing, and fostering a collaborative environment to achieve high-impact results.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Deputy Representative's duties include:

• Programme Leadership: Ensuring the quality development and delivery of integrated technical and programmatic support that meets country needs and achieves ICPD goals and SDGs. This involves assessing national trends, consulting with stakeholders, and providing inputs for strategic planning.
• National Capacity Development: Implementing strategies for capacity building at the country level, providing support to strengthen national capacities on thematic programmes, and creating an enabling environment for the ICPD agenda.
• Partnerships and Advocacy: Enhancing the capacity of the country office to build sustainable partnerships, advocating for the ICPD agenda, and maintaining communication with government and donors.
• Resource Management: Ensuring efficient management of country operations, supporting the UNFPA Representative in accountability for the Country Office's work, and managing human and financial resources effectively. The Deputy Representative also serves as Officer-in-Charge in the absence of the UNFPA Representative and participates in the Country Management Team.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s Degree or advanced university degree in fields such as Public Health, Medicine, Sociology, Demography, Gender, International Relations, International Development, Economics, Public Administration, or Management. Additionally, candidates should have at least 7 years of progressively responsible professional experience in development and population activities, including programme design, appraisal, and management. Proven leadership skills and the ability to manage teams effectively are essential, along with excellent communication skills in English, both spoken and written, to engage with high-level stakeholders and maintain political partnerships.

Educational Background:
A Master’s Degree or advanced university degree in relevant fields such as Public Health, Sociology, Demography, Gender, International Relations, International Development, Economics, Public Administration, or Management is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of population dynamics and development issues that UNFPA addresses.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 7 years of increasingly responsible professional experience in the field of development and population activities. This experience should include programme design, appraisal, and management, demonstrating the ability to align organizational objectives with national priorities and capacities. Field experience is considered a strong asset, as it provides practical insights into the challenges and opportunities in implementing UNFPA's mission.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is essential for effective communication and partnership building. Additionally, a working knowledge of another official UN language is desirable, which would enhance the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to UNFPA's global mission.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, pension, medical, and other benefits as applicable. The role is full-time and involves significant responsibilities in managing the Country Office's operations and strategic direction. UNFPA emphasizes ethical practices in its recruitment process and does not charge any fees for applications or related processes. Candidates should be aware that those holding permanent resident status in a country other than their nationality may need to renounce that status upon appointment.