Representative, Burundi, P-5

Organizational Context

UNFPA is the lead United Nations agency dedicated to a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization's Strategic Plan for 2026-2029 focuses on accelerating the ICPD Programme of Action and achieving the SDGs by 2030. This role operates within a complex global environment, emphasizing principled and ethical staff to defend fundamental human rights.

Job Purpose

The Representative will lead the Burundi Country team in developing and managing innovative Country Programmes focused on population and development, and universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights. This includes maternal health, family planning, gender, and youth empowerment, aligning with the 9th country programme (2024-2027) and national development visions. The role is accountable for effective programme implementation, promoting UNFPA's mandate, and integrating sexual and reproductive health and rights into the national development agenda. Through advocacy, partnerships, and effective programme delivery, including in emergency settings, the Representative serves on the frontline, ensuring high-quality support and results for vulnerable populations.

Responsibilities

The Representative provides strategic direction, planning, and management for UNFPA's country programmes, positioning the organization on key ICPD Agenda issues and building institutional relationships with diverse stakeholders. This includes promoting UNFPA's role in national development, establishing country office priorities, and ensuring the integration of best practices. The role involves managing international and national staff, fostering a culture of performance and development, and driving resource mobilization and partnership strategies. Ensuring staff safety and security is also a key responsibility. The Representative offers advice to UNFPA senior management, leads policy dialogue and programme execution, and represents UNFPA within UN Country Teams and Humanitarian Teams, contributing to UNSDCF results and humanitarian response plans. Oversight includes applying results-based management and enforcing financial and monitoring processes.

Work Experience

10 years of progressive professional experience in public administration and international development, with at least 7 years focused on population and development, sexual and reproductive health, or humanitarian work at the international level. Requires proven ability to lead teams, experience in advocacy and policy dialogue, and field experience, preferably in developing, humanitarian, or crisis contexts.

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, teamwork, and effective communication. Managerial competencies involve providing strategic focus, engaging partners, leading and empowering people, and making sound decisions.

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