Note: The vacancy closing date has been exended due to technical difficulties experieced by applicants. New closing date: 2 June 2020.

The Position

The Inter-Agency Affairs Specialist post is located in the Intergovernmental, Inter-agency and Policy Dialogue Branch (IIPDB), Policy and Strategy Division (PSD). Reporting to the Inter-agency Affairs Coordinator, and working in close collaboration with all members of IIPDB, the Inter-Agency Affairs Specialist will be working as part of the team responsible for facilitating the development of UNFPA’s strategic positioning in UN reform and inter-agency matters. She/he will manage assigned portfolio within the team, maintain regular contact with external partners and organizational focal points to position UNFPA’s mandate in inter-agency coordination dialogues, mechanisms, and processes to advance the goals of the Secretary General’s reform of the UN Development System.

How Can You Make a Difference?

UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young’s person potential is fulfilled. UNFPA’s new strategic plan 2018- 2021, focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal death; to end the unmet need for family planning; end gender-based violence and harmful practices.

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction. UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results. We need staff who are transparent and exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.

Job Purpose

The incumbent plays a key role to facilitate the development of UNFPA’s strategic positioning in UN reform and inter-agency matters. S/he prepares strategic analysis to guide UNFPA’s position and develop action plans for the Fund’s strategic engagement with partners in UN Reform and inter-agency processes. S/he will manage a specific portfolio in the team and act as a focal point for UN strategic financing, common business operations, and will provide necessary guidance to the UNFPA Regional and Country Offices to advance the implementation of the UN Development System reform. S/he will explore, expand and manage partnerships and promote strategic collaboration with UN agencies, the Member States and counterparts for positioning UNFPA’s mandate in intergovernmental, UNDS reform and UNSDG processes and ensure full engagement within IIPDB, PSD and across relevant UNFPA offices and divisions.

Qualifications and Experience

Education:

Advanced university degree in Social Sciences, Political Science, International Relations or other relevant fields.

Knowledge and experience:

• 5 years of relevant professional experience, of which 3 years at the international level. Field experience at the country or regional levels preferably with a UN agency is highly desirable
• Knowledge of external relations and the UN System; networking and advocacy and well as substantive areas of UNFPA’s work;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills as well as proven experience in inter-agency coordination, negotiations, facilitation and reporting;
• Innovative and sound judgment;
• Dedication to the United Nations principles and demonstrated willingness to work as part of a team;

Language:

Fluency in English required; knowledge of other official UN Languages is an asset