Strategic Information Specialist

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Position Title: Strategic Information Specialist
Location: Gaborone
Country: Botswana
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights, maternal health, and gender equality. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and territories, 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 universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, and its strategic plan for 2022-2025 emphasizes ending preventable maternal deaths, unmet needs for family planning, and gender-based violence. UNFPA's mission is to promote the health and rights of individuals, particularly women and youth, and to advocate for policies that support these goals.

Job Overview:
The Strategic Information Specialist position is crucial for the UNFPA Botswana country office, reporting directly to the Head of Office. This role involves delivering high-level strategic technical expertise in Monitoring and Evaluation, Data for Development, and Population Dynamics, aligning with the approved UNFPA and Botswana Government 6th Country Programme. The incumbent will lead the monitoring of implementation and provide technical advice, policy advocacy, capacity development, and knowledge management within the framework of integrated Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH), HIV, Gender-Based Violence (GBV), and Youth Outputs. The position is pivotal in providing evidence for program planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, ensuring that UNFPA fulfills its strategic role as a data agency in Botswana.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Strategic Information Specialist will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Analyzing the political, social, and economic environment relevant to population and development, SRHR, and gender equality.
• Leading the establishment of quality standards for project development and delivery, providing quality assurance and technical support to program development and evaluation processes.
• Developing the Country Programme and Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Plan in collaboration with government counterparts and NGOs.
• Providing expert advice on policies and frameworks to advance the ICPD Programme of Action.
• Compiling and analyzing data on project indicators and presenting findings to management.
• Supporting the monitoring and evaluation of the Country Programme and advising on country-level processes.
• Leading coordination programming and participating in key coordination meetings.
• Supporting evaluations and ensuring compliance with management audits.
• Providing technical support in developing a national research agenda and conducting secondary data analyses. 1
• Contributing to advocacy and resource mobilization efforts by preparing relevant documentation and developing project proposals. 1
• Building partnerships for advocacy and resource mobilization, monitoring existing partnerships, and ensuring follow-through on action points. 1
• Carrying out any other duties as required by UNFPA leadership.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s Degree in Demography, Statistics, Population Studies, Health Economics, or a related field. They should have a minimum of five years of program experience, advocacy work, and capacity development. Excellent interpersonal, communication, negotiation, and managerial skills are essential. Candidates should be self-starters with a proactive approach and a passion for the issues at hand. Proven ability to develop and implement effective resource mobilization strategies and campaigns is required, along with demonstrated problem-solving skills and data analytical capabilities. A thorough understanding of the UN system is also necessary.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a Master’s Degree in a relevant field such as Demography, Statistics, Population Studies, Health Economics, or other directly related areas. This advanced degree is essential for understanding the complexities of population dynamics and the analytical skills needed for effective program management and evaluation.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in program management, advocacy, and capacity development. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in similar roles, demonstrating their ability to analyze data, develop strategies, and implement programs effectively. Experience in the UN system or similar international organizations is highly desirable, as is familiarity with the challenges and opportunities in the field of sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of other official UN languages is considered an additional advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate and collaborate in a diverse international environment.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including 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. UNFPA is committed to ensuring 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 checks, medical clearance, and other administrative requirements.