Programme Specialist

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Position Title: Programme Specialist
Location: Niassa
Country: Mozambique
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, aiming to ensure that 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, employing thousands of staff dedicated to advancing the health and rights of individuals, particularly women and youth. The organization is committed to achieving transformative results in areas such as ending preventable maternal deaths, unmet needs for family planning, and gender-based violence. UNFPA's mission is driven by the principles of human rights and gender equality, and it works collaboratively with various stakeholders to implement effective programs that align with national priorities and international commitments.

Job Overview:
The Programme Specialist for Niassa is tasked with developing and managing UNFPA programs, particularly focusing on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and the prevention and response to Gender-Based Violence (GBV). This role involves building and maintaining strategic partnerships with various stakeholders, including government entities, civil society organizations, and international development agencies. The Programme Specialist will lead the implementation and coordination of UNFPA projects, ensuring alignment with national priorities and UNFPA policies. The position requires strong leadership skills to guide field office staff and collaborate with the Country Office’s program, operations, and administrative support teams. The Programme Specialist is expected to provide technical guidance for planning, implementation, and monitoring of programs, particularly those targeting adolescents and youth, addressing issues such as child marriage, adolescent pregnancy, and comprehensive sexuality education.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Specialist will oversee the timely planning, monitoring, and execution of joint UN programs and projects, ensuring alignment with the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) commitments. Responsibilities include developing provincial partnerships, coordinating with UN agencies, and managing program implementation to maximize impact. The role involves preparing annual work plans and budgets, monitoring program progress, conducting field visits, and ensuring compliance with reporting requirements. The Programme Specialist will also facilitate capacity development activities, provide technical support to implementing partners, and represent UNFPA in advocacy efforts related to SRHR and GBV. Additionally, the position requires identifying opportunities for collaboration and resource mobilization, addressing implementation bottlenecks, and ensuring adherence to UNFPA policies and guidelines.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in health, gender studies, demography, social sciences, or related fields. A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in relevant areas is required, preferably within public, NGO, or international institutions. Field experience in SRHR, gender issues, child marriage, and life skills education is essential. Familiarity with UNFPA programs and policies, as well as experience in coordinating multi-sectoral project working groups in Mozambique, is highly desirable. Proficiency in the latest office software applications and familiarity with ERP systems is also required. Strong interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills are critical for success in this role.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as health, gender studies, demography, or social sciences. This advanced degree is essential to ensure that the candidate possesses the necessary theoretical knowledge and analytical skills to address complex issues related to sexual and reproductive health and rights, as well as gender-based violence.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of increasingly responsible professional experience in the substantive area, with a preference for candidates who have worked in public, NGO, or international institutions. Field experience specifically related to sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender issues, and child marriage is crucial. Candidates should also have experience in coordinating multi-sectoral projects and familiarity with UNFPA operations and procedures.

Languages:
Excellent oral and written communication skills in both English and Portuguese are mandatory for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with stakeholders, reporting, and advocacy efforts. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, pension, and other applicable benefits. The role is subject to the availability of funds and satisfactory performance. UNFPA emphasizes its commitment to diversity and inclusion, seeking candidates who embody these values. The organization does not charge any fees during the application or recruitment process, and candidates are encouraged to report any fraudulent notices or offers.