Assistant Representative

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency for reproductive health and rights, established to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA's mission is to ensure that every individual has the right to make informed choices about their reproductive health. The organization operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on transformative results such as ending preventable maternal deaths, unmet needs for family planning, and gender-based violence. UNFPA is committed to ethical standards and international norms, seeking principled staff who can advocate for these values.

Job Overview:
The Assistant Representative will play a crucial role in supporting the design, development, and management of UNFPA's country programme in Papua New Guinea. This position involves acting as a key liaison with government and national partners to translate the goals of the approved Country Programme into actionable solutions and results. The Assistant Representative will report directly to the UNFPA Representative and will be instrumental in managing programme activities related to population and development, reproductive health, and gender in both development and humanitarian settings. The role requires a proactive approach to adapt to changing government priorities and to foster partnerships with various stakeholders, including civil society and international agencies. The Assistant Representative will also contribute to UN systems coordination and participate in policy dialogues, ensuring that UNFPA's priorities are integrated into national strategies and frameworks.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Assistant Representative will be responsible for several key areas:

• Programme Management: Collaborate with the Deputy Representative and programme staff to design and formulate country programmes and projects that align with strategic priorities. Ensure effective monitoring and evaluation of programme results, providing technical inputs and coordinating with consultants. Promote knowledge sharing and continuous learning within UNFPA and beyond.
• Advocacy and Partnerships: Engage in political scanning and facilitate policy dialogue with government counterparts and development partners. Prepare documentation and donor profiles to support advocacy efforts, translating global strategies into country-specific initiatives. Build strong partnerships for advocacy related to the International Conference on Population and Development.
• Management of Resources: Participate in the formulation of annual work plans and monitor their implementation. Contribute to resource mobilization initiatives and ensure accountability in managing Country Office resources. Coach and supervise national staff, fostering capacity building in programme and financial management. Carry out additional duties as required by UNFPA leadership.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in Public Health, Medicine, Sociology, Demography, Gender, International Relations, International Development, Economics, Public Administration, Management, or a related discipline. They should have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in development and population activities, including programme design and management. Demonstrated ability to align programme objectives with national priorities is essential, along with experience in gender, health, or population programming in various settings. Excellent communication skills are necessary for fostering high-level partnerships and maintaining political relationships.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in relevant fields such as Public Health, Medicine, 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 reproductive health, gender issues, and development policies.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of progressively responsible experience in the field of development and population activities. This experience should include programme design, appraisal, and management, with a proven track record of leading teams to achieve significant results. Familiarity with gender, health, and population development programming in both development and humanitarian contexts is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in Tok Pisin is also required. These language skills are essential for effective communication with stakeholders and partners in Papua New Guinea.

Additional Notes:
This position offers a competitive net salary along with health insurance and other benefits. UNFPA promotes a work environment that values gender equality, diversity, and integrity, encouraging applications from women and underrepresented groups. The organization is committed to ensuring gender parity and fostering a healthy work-life balance. Selection and appointment may be subject to background checks, medical clearance, and other administrative requirements. UNFPA does not charge any fees during the application process.