Social Policy and Health Economics Adviser - WCARO, Dakar, Senegal, P5

Organizational Context

The Social Policy and Health Economics Adviser is the senior technical authority for Social Policy, health economics, public financing, and investment strategy within UNFPA's West and Central Africa Regional Office (WCARO). Reporting to the Deputy Regional Director, the role provides high-level technical leadership across 23 countries, guiding Country Offices and governments in mobilizing resources and strengthening health financing systems to support UNFPA's mandate.

Job Purpose

This role provides strategic leadership to transition the region from funding to financing the ICPD Programme of Action, focusing on evidence generation, policy advocacy, and accountability. The adviser will generate and apply economic evidence, support countries in developing investment cases and financing strategies, and translate insights into policy engagement and budget advocacy. By fostering partnerships with governments, IFIs, UN agencies, and the private sector, the adviser aims to mobilize sustainable financing to accelerate progress towards ending preventable maternal deaths, unmet need for family planning, and gender-based violence.

Responsibilities

The adviser will provide strategic leadership on health financing and policy engagement, offering technical advice on national health financing architectures and resource allocation for SRHR. This includes leading policy dialogue with Ministries of Finance, Planning, and Health, and engaging with IFIs to embed SRHR priorities in lending packages. The role involves championing benchmarks for health budget allocation and promoting innovative financing approaches like results-based financing and public-private partnerships. Additionally, the adviser will lead the generation and application of economic evidence through diagnostics, investment case development, and regional analyses, applying frameworks like demographic dividends and gender-responsive budgeting. Capacity development for governments and Country Offices, strengthening partnerships, and contributing to global knowledge leadership on health economics and development financing are also key responsibilities.

Work Experience

Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in health economics or health financing, with at least 7 years at the international level. Demonstrated experience in health sector reform, public financial management, health systems strengthening, and health financing strategy is required. Experience in policy engagement with Ministries of Finance, Planning, and Health in LMICs, and familiarity with SRHR, family planning, and gender-based violence are essential. Proficiency in investment case development, fiscal space analysis, and various development finance instruments is necessary. Field experience in Sub-Saharan Africa is required.

Skills

Core competencies include achieving results, accountability, professional expertise, analytical and strategic thinking, teamwork, and communication. Functional competencies involve strategic positioning, conceptual innovation, knowledge management, capacity building, and advocacy. Values such as integrity, commitment, cultural diversity, and embracing change are essential.

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