Assistant Representative

Job Posting Organization:
UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) 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 territories, working to ensure that sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights are central to national initiatives. The organization aims to end preventable maternal deaths, unmet needs for family planning, and gender-based violence, aligning its efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNFPA is committed to upholding human rights and ethical standards, seeking principled staff who can advocate for these values.

Job Overview:
The Assistant Representative is a senior role within UNFPA Rwanda's Country Office, part of the Senior Management Team, and reports directly to the Country Representative. This position plays a crucial role in analyzing political, social, and economic trends to inform project formulation and evaluation, as well as providing technical assistance to the government. The Assistant Representative will facilitate collaboration with consultants, technical advisers, and civil society, while also contributing to UN systems coordination. The role emphasizes the importance of innovative financing and resource mobilization to support UNFPA's mandate and programming in Rwanda, ensuring that sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, and youth empowerment are prioritized in national development frameworks.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Assistant Representative will perform several key functions, including:

• Thought Leadership: Advocate for the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Rwanda, analyze socio-economic environments, and advise management on policy dialogues.
• Development Financing: Develop a strategy to transition from funding to financing, establish partnerships, and market innovative financing tools.
• Resource Mobilization & Strategic Partnership: Lead the implementation of the resource mobilization strategy, prepare project proposals, and coordinate donor relations. The incumbent will also ensure that UNFPA’s priorities are integrated into national plans and actively participate in relevant working groups with government and development partners.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s level degree in Economics, Health Financing, Business Administration, or relevant fields. Specialized knowledge in health financing and international development is desirable, along with experience in donor management and resource mobilization. Strong analytical and interpersonal skills are essential, as well as proven leadership abilities in program management and policy negotiation.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Economics, Health Financing, or Business Administration is required. Other qualifications in the humanities may be considered if accompanied by relevant experience in core functions of the position.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 7 years of progressively responsible professional experience in the development sector, either nationally or internationally. Experience in health financing, innovative funding approaches, and familiarity with the UN system is preferred. Proven ability to manage teams and achieve results is crucial, along with experience in policy development and negotiation with government and civil society organizations.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory. Knowledge of other official UN languages, particularly French, is desirable and will be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position offers a competitive remuneration package, including health insurance and other benefits. UNFPA does not charge any fees during the application or recruitment process. Applicants holding permanent resident status in a country other than their nationality may need to renounce that status upon appointment.