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 territories, with a mission to promote the right of every woman, man, and child to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity. The organization is committed to achieving three transformative results: ending preventable maternal deaths, ending unmet need for family planning, and ending gender-based violence and harmful practices. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 emphasizes the importance of addressing the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women's and girls' access to sexual and reproductive health services, while also focusing on the broader goals of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The SWEDD Project Director is a pivotal role within UNFPA, reporting directly to the UNFPA West and Central Africa (WCA) Regional Director. The Director 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 selected regions in West and Central Africa. This position requires a strategic leader who can effectively coordinate program activities, manage financial resources, and foster high-level relationships with various stakeholders, including governments, UN agencies, and regional organizations. The Director will also ensure the integration of the SWEDD initiative with other functional units within the Regional Office to maximize program impact and coherence. The role involves significant collaboration with UNFPA representatives in participating countries and requires a strong commitment to advancing gender equality and reproductive health rights.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The SWEDD Project Director will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including but not limited to:

• Program Coordination: Ensure effective coordination among all parties involved in project implementation, including the Regional Technical Secretariat, Regional Steering Committee, and UNFPA country offices. Develop annual work plans and budgets for regional activities, monitor implementation, and prepare progress reports.
• Resource Mobilization: Design and execute strategies to diversify SWEDD's funding portfolio, cultivate relationships with new donors, and strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders.
• Integrated Technical Support: Coordinate inputs for the implementation of regional strategies, provide guidance to project partners, and participate in capacity-building initiatives.
• Management of Regional Implementing Unit: Lead and supervise the Programme Implementation Unit, ensuring high-quality performance and compliance with UNFPA policies.
• Evidence and Knowledge Management: Capture lessons learned from the project, develop knowledge-sharing systems, and synthesize project results for dissemination.
• Representation: Represent the project in regional and international forums as required, ensuring effective communication of project goals and achievements.

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. Candidates should demonstrate success in resource mobilization, partnership building, and managing high-level strategic relationships. Strong understanding of the international donor landscape and experience in developing compelling grant proposals and donor reports are essential. Experience in public policy, particularly in a developing country context in Africa, is desirable.

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

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 15 years of increasingly responsible professional experience in managing complex, donor-funded programs, with at least 10 years of experience at the international level. This experience should include a track record of successful resource mobilization, partnership building, and managing high-level strategic relationships with diverse stakeholders, including governments and international organizations. Experience in the public policy sector and working in a developing country context in Africa is highly desirable.

Languages:
Strong verbal and written communication skills in both 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, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. The organization is committed to ensuring gender parity and equal opportunities in recruitment and career development.