Assistant Representative
Organizational Context
UNFPA is the lead United Nations agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights. The Assistant Representative, reporting to the UNFPA Representative, designs, develops, and manages an innovative country programme. This role contributes to programme activities in population and development, reproductive health, and gender, advancing the ICPD policy agenda in a politically sensitive environment.
Job Purpose
The Assistant Representative advances the ICPD and sustainable development policy agenda, responding to government priorities and leveraging demographic dividends. This role facilitates and coordinates technical advisors, fostering partnerships with government, multilateral agencies, and civil society. The position also contributes to UN system coordination through policy dialogue and joint initiatives. Internal contacts include the Representative, UNCT, CO programme team, and HQ divisions, while external contacts involve country programme partners like NGOs and experts.
Responsibilities
Conduct policy dialogue with government and development partners to integrate UNFPA priorities into national plans and UN initiatives. Develop country-specific advocacy strategies with evidence-based messages, considering political sensitivities. Promote a results-based approach, integrating innovative policies into country programmes responsive to national needs. Facilitate programme results by coordinating inputs, monitoring, and evaluating expert contributions. Promote knowledge sharing and document best practices. Contribute to resource mobilization by identifying donors, preparing proposals, and supporting coordinated assistance. Perform other duties as required by UNFPA leadership.
Work Experience
Requires 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in development and population activities, including programme design, appraisal, and management. Demonstrated ability to refine programme design with a strategic focus, align organizational objectives with national priorities, and lead teams to achieve results. Experience in resource mobilization and normative contributions is essential. Excellent written and oral communication skills are needed for partnerships.
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 communication. Functional skills involve advocacy, building strategic alliances, delivering results-based programmes, and resource mobilization. Managerial skills include strategic focus, stakeholder engagement, leadership, and decision-making.