SWEDD Project Director

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 has a workforce of approximately 4,000 employees. The organization is dedicated to promoting reproductive health, gender equality, and the empowerment of women and girls, aligning its mission with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) commitments.

Job Overview:
The SWEDD Project Director is a pivotal role within the UNFPA, reporting directly to the WCA Regional Director. This position is responsible for overseeing all project activities related to the SWEDD initiative, which aims to enhance the empowerment of women and adolescent girls and improve their access to quality reproductive, child, and maternal health services across West and Central Africa. The Director will coordinate with various stakeholders, including UNFPA representatives, UN partner agencies, and regional bodies, to ensure the effective implementation of the project. The role requires a strategic approach to integrate the SWEDD initiative with other functional units within the Regional Office, ensuring coherence and maximizing program impact. The Director will also be responsible for managing financial resources, providing technical assistance, and fostering partnerships to achieve the project's objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the SWEDD Project Director include:

• Effective program coordination, ensuring policy coherence and intellectual leadership across various technical teams.
• Building and nurturing relationships with implementing partners and participating governments.
• Providing high-quality technical advisory services and managing the Regional Technical Secretariat.
• Overseeing financial resource management and ensuring compliance with donor requirements.
• Coordinating the development and implementation of annual work plans and budgets for regional activities.
• Preparing and reviewing annual progress reports and ensuring timely donor reporting.
• Leading resource mobilization efforts to diversify funding sources and strengthen partnerships.
• Managing a motivated team of qualified staff and ensuring high-quality performance.
• Coordinating knowledge management efforts to capture lessons learned and best practices. 1
• Representing the project in regional and international forums as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in international development management, public policy, political science, economics, sociology, demography, public health, or related fields. A minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience in managing complex, donor-funded programs is required, with at least 10 years at the international level. Demonstrated success in resource mobilization and partnership building is essential, along with a strong understanding of the international donor landscape and compliance requirements. Experience in public policy and working in a developing country context, particularly in Africa, is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as international development management, public policy, political science, economics, sociology, demography, or public health. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of development management and the specific challenges faced in the areas of reproductive health and women's empowerment.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 15 years of increasingly responsible professional experience in managing complex, multi-partner programs, with at least 10 years at the international level. Candidates should have a proven track record of developing and implementing resource mobilization strategies and managing high-level strategic partnerships with diverse stakeholders, including governments and international organizations. Experience in the public policy sector and working in developing countries, particularly in Africa, is preferred.

Languages:
Strong verbal and written communication skills in English and French are mandatory for this position. Knowledge of other official UN languages is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's profile.

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 reflects values of gender equality, diversity, and integrity, and encourages applications from women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, minority ethnic groups, and persons with disabilities. The organization is committed to ensuring gender parity and equal opportunities for all candidates, regardless of personal characteristics. Selection and appointment may be subject to background checks, medical clearance, and other administrative requirements.