Programme Associate

Job Posting Organization:
UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is the lead UN agency focused on reproductive health and rights, population and development, and gender equality. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries, working to ensure that every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 and has a strategic plan for 2026-2029 that outlines its response to a complex global environment, emphasizing resilience and renewal. UNFPA's mission is pursued through four interconnected outcomes: ending unmet need for family planning, preventing maternal deaths, eliminating gender-based violence, and adapting to demographic changes through evidence-based policies. UNFPA values principled and ethical staff who embody international norms and standards, and who are committed to delivering high-impact results in a rapidly changing development landscape.

Job Overview:
The Programme Associate plays a crucial role in supporting the design, planning, and management of UNFPA's country programme. This position involves managing data inputs, providing logistical support, monitoring project implementation, and following up on recommendations. The Programme Associate will report to the Deputy Representative or Programme Specialist/Programme Analyst. The role is instrumental in facilitating UNFPA's country programme and project implementation, particularly in the areas of population and development, reproductive health, and gender. The Programme Associate will apply established systems and procedures, assist in knowledge creation by compiling and analyzing relevant information, and ensure compliance with procedures. This position is vital for the successful execution of UNFPA's mission and objectives in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Associate will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including: participating in the formulation of the country programme and component projects by compiling and analyzing relevant information, drafting project documents and work plans, and preparing tables and statistical data. The associate will support the evaluation of project and programme activities, establish methods to assess achievements, recommend corrective actions as necessary, conduct field visits, participate in review meetings and evaluation missions, and prepare regular inputs for status and progress reports. Additionally, the Programme Associate will guide the routine implementation of assigned projects in coordination with national counterparts and project personnel, coordinate the delivery of project inputs, and ensure the participation of national counterparts in training activities and study tours. The role also involves providing logistical support to projects by coordinating project-related meetings, workshops, and events, training and guiding project personnel on national execution and programme policies, and supporting advocacy and resource mobilization efforts by maintaining a network of donor and public information contacts. The associate will assist in organizing donor meetings and public information events, prepare relevant background materials, and implement knowledge management strategies to capture lessons learned and best practices for future planning. The Programme Associate may also carry out any other duties and tasks as required by the supervisor and UNFPA senior management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in population, health, gender, social sciences, project management, or a related field. Additionally, candidates should have seven years of relevant experience in programme/project management. Proficiency in current office software applications and corporate IT systems is essential, and experience working with government and NGOs will be considered an asset. Candidates should exemplify integrity, demonstrate commitment to UNFPA and the UN system, embrace cultural diversity, and be adaptable to change. Core competencies include achieving results, accountability, developing and applying professional expertise, analytical and strategic thinking, teamwork, and effective communication.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field such as population, health, gender, social sciences, or project management. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of the issues UNFPA addresses and for effectively contributing to the organization's goals.

Experience:
The position requires seven years of relevant experience in programme or project management. This level of experience is necessary to ensure that the Programme Associate can effectively support the design, planning, and management of UNFPA's country programme and projects, as well as to navigate the complexities of working in a multi-stakeholder environment.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Arabic is required for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, NGOs, and community members, as well as for the preparation of reports and documentation.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, 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 is committed to ensuring gender parity and encourages women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. 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. Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance, and other administrative requirements. UNFPA does not charge any fees in connection with the application or recruitment process.