Population Dynamics Policy Adviser

Population Dynamics Policy Adviser

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

March 29, 2025May 13, 2025JohannesburgSouth Africa
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is the lead UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights, and population dynamics. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries, with a mission to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization emphasizes the importance of human rights and gender equality in its work, particularly in the context of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action, which was adopted in 199
  • UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 aims to address preventable maternal deaths, unmet needs for family planning, and gender-based violence, while also focusing on humanitarian action and population change.

Job Overview:
The Population Dynamics Policy Adviser position is a strategic role within the East and Southern Africa regional office (ESARO) of UNFPA. The adviser will provide evidence-based policy advocacy and advice on population dynamics and its implications for development. This role requires collaboration with technical, policy, program, and operations staff to ensure that the region's programs align with UNFPA's strategic objectives. The adviser will analyze population trends and their socio-economic impacts, particularly in light of megatrends such as migration, aging, and climate change. The position is critical for promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and ensuring that the needs of adolescents and youth are prioritized in policy and program development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Population Dynamics Policy Adviser will be responsible for a range of duties including: providing analytical advice for decision-making related to population dynamics; leading the development and implementation of regional population policies; supporting emergency preparedness and humanitarian assistance; overseeing evidence generation and knowledge management; fostering strategic partnerships; and managing the regional research agenda. The adviser will also coach junior staff, contribute to capacity development at regional and country levels, and ensure that UNFPA's strategic plan is effectively implemented in the region. Additionally, the adviser will represent UNFPA in various policy dialogues and advocate for substantive issues in international forums.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in demography, economics, or a related field. They should have at least 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in population and development, with a minimum of 7 years at the international level. Demonstrated expertise in population policy, strong technical leadership, and a proven ability to produce results are essential. Candidates should also have excellent verbal and written communication skills, experience in networking within the academic and development community, and familiarity with management and monitoring tools. Multi-country field experience and a track record of successful resource mobilization are highly desirable.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in demography, economics, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background should provide the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to address complex issues related to population dynamics and development.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of increasingly responsible professional experience in the field of population and development, with at least 7 years of this experience at the international level. Candidates should have a strong track record of technical leadership and the ability to produce demonstrable results in their work. Experience in managing resources and partnerships is also important.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this position. A working knowledge of French and/or Portuguese is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication and collaboration in the region.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other benefits. UNFPA promotes a work environment that values 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 equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all candidates, regardless of personal characteristics.
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