National Recruitment Population and Development Specialist (FTA NOC)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on delivering a world where 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 and territories, working to ensure that every individual has access to sexual and reproductive health services and the ability to make informed choices about their bodies and lives. With a mission to promote the right of every woman, man, and child to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity, UNFPA emphasizes the importance of population data and demographic insights in shaping social, economic, and environmental development. The organization is committed to gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, and it plays a crucial role in addressing issues related to population dynamics, reproductive health, and sustainable development.

Job Overview:
The Population and Development Specialist position at UNFPA is a pivotal role that focuses on supporting the implementation of population and development activities in Somalia. The specialist will work under the guidance of the Deputy Representative and directly supervise the Population Development Program Specialist. The role involves providing policy insights into how demographic changes influence social, economic, and environmental development, and it is crucial for informing economic planning and achieving the goals set forth in the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action and the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. The specialist will be responsible for enhancing the capacity of Somali authorities to utilize data effectively for monitoring and evaluating government policies and programs, particularly in areas related to population dynamics, sexual and reproductive health, and socio-economic development. This position requires a strong commitment to ethical standards and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders to ensure that population and development issues are integrated into national development processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Population and Development Specialist will oversee the formulation and design of the country programme's population and development component, ensuring alignment with government priorities and UNFPA policies. Key responsibilities include collaborating with government counterparts and partners to implement UNFPA's programs, enhancing the institutional framework for population and social statistics, and developing methods for data collection and analysis. The specialist will strengthen the capacity of Somali authorities to monitor and evaluate policies related to population dynamics and reproductive health. Additionally, the role involves reviewing the political, social, and economic environment to identify opportunities for UNFPA intervention, overseeing project implementation, and establishing partnerships with executing agencies and other UN entities. The specialist will also be responsible for documenting knowledge about population development trends and participating in advocacy and resource mobilization efforts.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in demography, population studies, statistics, econometrics, or a related social science discipline. They should have at least five years of progressively responsible professional experience in development and population activities, including the collection, analysis, and dissemination of population and socio-economic data. Experience in developing population and statistical concepts and methods is essential, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and statistical software such as SPSS, Stata, and R. Familiarity with programme/project management, particularly in large multi-sector projects, is required. Proven experience in coordinating multi-disciplinary teams and drafting legislation is an asset, as is prior experience within the UN system.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in demography, population studies, statistics, econometrics, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background provides the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to analyze population data and contribute to the development of effective policies and programs.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of increasingly responsible professional experience in the field of development and population activities. This includes experience in the collection, compilation, analysis, and dissemination of population and socio-economic data. Candidates should have a demonstrated ability to develop and implement population and statistical concepts and methods, as well as experience in managing large multi-sector projects and liaising with relevant stakeholders.

Languages:
A solid command of spoken and written English and Somali is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

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, and integrity, and encourages applications from women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. The organization is committed to ensuring gender parity and equal opportunities in all aspects of employment.