Programme Specialist, Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Programme (SIARP) 2.0, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, P-3

Organizational Context

UNFPA, the United Nations agency for sexual and reproductive health, leads efforts to achieve a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. This role is embedded within the African Union Commission (AUC) to support the Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Programme (SIARP) 2.0, a partnership aimed at eliminating violence against women and girls and advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights across Africa.

Job Purpose

The Programme Specialist provides high-level technical expertise and strategic coordination to the African Union Commission (AUC) for the Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Programme (SIARP) 2.0. The role ensures the seamless alignment of regional policies with international standards to accelerate the elimination of violence against women and girls (VAWG), eradicate harmful practices, and advance sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) across the continent. The purpose is to foster a unified strategic direction among implementing agencies, enhance technical support, and improve advocacy, knowledge management, and communication efforts for the programme's impact and sustainability.

Responsibilities

The Programme Specialist, under the guidance of the AUC and in collaboration with UNFPA, ensures effective coordination and strategic alignment of the UNFPA SIARP 2.0 components with regional partners and stakeholders. This includes providing guidance on performance indicators, monitoring results, and identifying capacity-building needs through technical assistance and training. The role reinforces partnerships with diverse stakeholders, including youth groups and civil society, and oversees liaison with the Civil Society Regional Reference Group (CSRRG). Responsibilities also encompass coordinating accountability frameworks for EVAWG and SRHR commitments, aligning regional policies with international standards, and ensuring long-term sustainability through multisectoral partnerships. Additionally, the specialist manages advocacy, knowledge building, and communication efforts, supporting the design of monitoring tools, co-creating advocacy materials, and disseminating programme learnings and best practices.

Work Experience

Requires at least 5 years of progressive experience in designing and managing complex multi-stakeholder programmes, policy research, and advocacy for the elimination of violence against women and girls, preferably in the African region. Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, project management, and coordinating joint programmes with governments, donors, and civil society is essential. Experience in leading communications product development and dissemination is also required.

Skills

Core competencies include integrity, commitment to UNFPA and UN system values, embracing diversity and change, accountability, and developing professional expertise. Key skills involve analytical and strategic thinking, teamwork, advocacy, building strategic alliances, delivering results-based programmes, and effective internal and external communication.

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