Programme Specialist, Climate Change, Population and Development Branch, Programme Division (PD)
Organizational Context
The Programme Specialist is part of the UNFPA Programme Division, reporting to the Chief of the Population and Development Branch. This role leads UNFPA's engagement on climate change, providing strategic guidance on adaptation, particularly its links to demographic resilience, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), gender equality, and youth leadership. UNFPA is the UN agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled, aligning with the ICPD Programme of Action and SDGs.
Job Purpose
The Programme Specialist provides technical leadership in policy analysis, advocacy, and capacity building related to climate action. The role strengthens UNFPA's ability to advocate for, design, and implement climate change adaptation initiatives that are data-informed, rights-based, and prioritize youth engagement. A key contribution is ensuring that gender-responsive climate adaptation, equity, and rights-based approaches are integrated into national commitments and actions, thereby enhancing demographic resilience and protecting vulnerable populations.
Responsibilities
The role involves leading policy analysis on climate change adaptation, demographic resilience, SRHR, and gender equality to integrate strategies into national policy frameworks. This includes commissioning assessments on climate change impacts on women and youth, designing innovative adaptation solutions, and developing global guidelines for knowledge sharing. The Specialist will provide expert advice to governments on integrating SRHR and gender-responsive services into national adaptation plans, support geospatial vulnerability mapping, and analyze climate change interactions with demographic megatrends. Responsibilities also include driving the implementation of UNFPA's climate commitments, leading capacity-building initiatives, and ensuring the integration of climate adaptation across the humanitarian-development-peace continuum. Furthermore, the role entails leading policy advocacy for increased climate finance for women and girls, fostering partnerships with various stakeholders, and representing UNFPA in inter-agency coordination forums.
Work Experience
Requires a minimum of seven years of progressive professional experience in programme management and coordination, with a focus on climate change, SRHR, and policy advocacy. At least three years of international experience is necessary. Proven expertise in training design and delivery on climate change and SRHR, involving youth in advocacy, and experience in policy dialogue, research, and partnership building are essential. Prior UN or international development experience is required.
Skills
Key skills include integrity, commitment to UNFPA and the UN system, cultural diversity, and embracing change. Core competencies involve achieving results, accountability, professional expertise, analytical and strategic thinking, and teamwork. Functional competencies encompass advocacy, leveraging partnerships, innovation, results-based programme development, financial resource management, and strategic budgeting.