Assistant Representative

Job Posting Organization:
UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is the lead UN agency for reproductive health and rights. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization focuses on three transformative results in its strategic plan for 2022-2025: ending preventable maternal deaths, ending unmet need for family planning, and ending gender-based violence and harmful practices. UNFPA is committed to ethical standards and principled staff who embody international norms and standards.

Job Overview:
The Assistant Representative will play a crucial role in supporting the design, development, and management of an innovative and responsive country programme in Papua New Guinea. This position involves being the key liaison with the government and national partners to translate the goals of the approved Country Programme into tangible solutions and results. The Assistant Representative will report directly to the UNFPA Representative and will contribute to the management of UNFPA programme activities in areas such as population and development, reproductive health, and gender in both development and humanitarian settings. The role requires responding to changing government priorities and promoting partnerships and strategic alliances with various stakeholders, including government counterparts, multi-lateral and bilateral agencies, and civil society. The Assistant Representative will also participate in policy dialogue and contribute to UN systems coordination, ensuring that UNFPA's programme priorities are integrated into national and sub-national plans and strategies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Assistant Representative will be responsible for several key areas: Programme Management, where they will collaborate with the Deputy Representative and other programme staff to design and formulate country programmes and projects based on strategic priorities. They will facilitate the achievement of programme results by coordinating substantive and technical inputs, ensuring monitoring and oversight, and evaluating the contributions of consultants. The role also involves promoting knowledge sharing and continuous learning, integrating new policies and methodologies, and participating in UN Common Country Assessment processes. In terms of Advocacy and Partnerships, the Assistant Representative will support political scanning and engage in policy dialogue with government counterparts and development partners to incorporate UNFPA programme priorities into national strategies. They will prepare documentation for advocacy efforts and build strong technical partnerships for the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development. Additionally, they will manage resources by formulating annual work plans, contributing to resource mobilization initiatives, coaching and supervising staff, and undertaking capacity building among UNFPA staff and counterparts.

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 five years of progressively responsible professional experience in development and population activities, including programme design, appraisal, and management. Demonstrated ability to align programme objectives with national priorities is essential, along with experience in gender, health, or population programming in development or humanitarian settings. Strong leadership and team management skills are required, as well as excellent written and oral communication skills for fostering high-level partnerships.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in relevant fields 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.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in the field of development and population activities. This includes experience in programme design, appraisal, and management, as well as demonstrated ability to lead teams and achieve results in challenging environments. Experience in gender, health, or population programming in both development and humanitarian settings is highly valued.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in Tok Pisin is also required. Additional language skills may be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other benefits. UNFPA is committed to gender equality and diversity in the workplace, encouraging applications from women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. The organization promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all candidates, regardless of personal characteristics. The work environment at UNFPA reflects values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance.