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 over 150 countries, focusing on the needs of women and young people, and aims to end preventable maternal deaths, unmet needs for family planning, and gender-based violence. UNFPA is committed to promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls, and it works closely with governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to achieve these goals.

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 contribute to the management of programme activities in areas such as population and development, reproductive health, and gender in both development and humanitarian settings. The role requires a proactive approach to respond to changing government priorities and to promote partnerships and strategic alliances with various stakeholders. The Assistant Representative will also participate in UN systems coordination and contribute to policy dialogue, ensuring that UNFPA's priorities are integrated into national and sub-national plans and strategies.

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

• Programme Management: Collaborating with the Deputy Representative and programme staff to design and formulate country programmes and projects that align with strategic priorities. Ensuring effective monitoring and oversight of programme implementation, providing technical inputs, and evaluating the contributions of consultants. Promoting knowledge sharing and continuous learning within UNFPA and among partners.
• Advocacy and Partnerships: Supporting political scanning and facilitating policy dialogue with government counterparts and development partners. Contributing to advocacy efforts by preparing documentation and participating in donor meetings. Building strong technical partnerships for advocacy related to the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development.
• Management of Resources: Participating in the formulation of annual work plans and monitoring their implementation. Contributing to resource mobilization initiatives and ensuring accountability for the management of Country Office resources. Coaching and supervising staff, providing managerial direction, and overseeing performance.
• Capacity Building: Undertaking capacity building initiatives for UNFPA staff and counterparts in programme and financial management, as well as advocacy efforts. Carrying out any other 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. Additionally, candidates should have at least five years of progressively responsible professional experience in development and population activities, including programme design, appraisal, and management. A demonstrated ability to align programme objectives with national priorities and experience in gender, health, or population programming in development or humanitarian settings are essential. Strong written and oral communication skills are required to foster partnerships and maintain political relationships.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in a relevant field such as Public Health, Medicine, Sociology, Demography, Gender, International Relations, International Development, Economics, Public Administration, Management, or other related disciplines is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of reproductive health, gender issues, and population dynamics, which are central to UNFPA's mission.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in the field of development and population activities. This experience should include programme design, appraisal, and management, with a proven ability to lead and manage teams effectively. Experience in gender, health, or population programming in both development and humanitarian settings is highly desirable. The ability to achieve demonstrable results and to communicate effectively at high levels of representation is essential for success in this role.

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, where both languages are commonly used in professional and governmental contexts.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other benefits as applicable. UNFPA is committed to providing 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 promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all, regardless of personal characteristics. The selection and appointment process may be subject to background checks, medical clearance, and other administrative requirements.