Representative, Ghana, D1

Organizational Context

UNFPA is the lead United Nations agency dedicated to sexual and reproductive health and rights, aiming to fulfill its mandate through the 2030 Agenda and the ICPD Programme of Action. The Representative leads country office teams in designing and implementing programmes focused on population and development and sexual and reproductive health, particularly in humanitarian-development-peace nexus contexts. This role is crucial for realizing the 2030 Agenda and positively impacting vulnerable populations.

Job Purpose

The Representative, reporting to a Regional Director, leads a Country team in developing and managing an innovative Country Programme of Cooperation. This programme focuses on population and development and universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights, encompassing maternal health, family planning, gender, and youth empowerment. The role is accountable for effective programme implementation, championing UNFPA's mandate, and integrating sexual and reproductive health and rights into the national development agenda. Through engagement with national counterparts, UN Country Teams, advocacy, and effective programme delivery, including in emergencies, the Representative serves on the organization's frontline, ensuring high-quality support and results for the most vulnerable populations.

Responsibilities

The Representative provides strategic direction, planning, and management by positioning UNFPA on key national issues, building institutional relationships with diverse stakeholders, and promoting UNFPA's role in the national development agenda. This includes establishing country office priorities aligned with corporate goals and ensuring the integration of best practices. Resource management involves leading and motivating international and national staff, fostering a culture of growth and accountability, and driving a comprehensive resource mobilization and partnership strategy. Programme leadership includes advising senior management, leading policy dialogue and programme execution, and representing UNFPA within the UN Country Team and Humanitarian Team. The role also drives programme oversight and coordination, ensuring results-based management, quality assurance, and compliance with UNFPA policies and procedures.

Work Experience

Requires 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience in public administration and international development, with at least 10 years focused on population and development, sexual and reproductive health, or humanitarian work at the international level. Essential field experience, with experience in developing, humanitarian, or crisis contexts being an asset. Proven ability to lead teams and experience in advocacy, policy dialogue, and media/communication are necessary.

Skills

Core competencies include integrity, commitment to UNFPA and the UN system, embracing diversity and change, achieving results, accountability, professional expertise, analytical and strategic thinking, and teamwork. Managerial competencies involve providing strategic focus, engaging with partners, leading and empowering people, and making sound decisions.

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