The Position:

The post of Programme Specialist, UN Coordination is located in the Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI). Four UN Organizations (UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF and UN Women) have agreed on a UN Joint Presence System for Pacific Island Countries. Within this system, Programme Specialist, UN Coordination placed in each country are the primary liaison for coordinating the work of UN agencies and also serve as a focal point in the country for the Resident Coordinator and her/his office in Suva, Fiji, with a division of the work of 25% UNFPA Agency programming support and 75% UN Coordination. Under the Memorandum of Understanding between the four UN agencies, UNFPA is responsible for the Programme Specialist, UN Coordination in the RMI. The incumbent reports through a matrix supervisory model to the UNFPA Assistant Representative and to the Resident Coordinator. 

How you can 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 person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA’s new strategic plan (2018-2021), focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and 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, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.

Job Purpose:

The Programme Specialist, UN Coordination supports effective coordination of the UN programmes in line with the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) / United Nations Pacific Strategy (UNPS) and the respective Country Programmes of the United Nations agencies. S/He provides inputs to the analysis and assessments of political, social and economic trends.  S/he also provides coordination and management support to programme formulation, monitoring and evaluation and joint programming initiatives in the context of the UNDAF/UNPS. S/He must effectively influence counterparts from diverse backgrounds to jointly contribute to advance the ICPD policy agenda and the post 2015 SDG agenda. In the administrative area, s/he is expected to work closely with the programme and operational team of the Resident Coordinator’s Office and the UN agencies to deliver quality services to internal and external clients mastering all relevant rules, guidelines, processes and procedures.  S/he takes a client-oriented, results-focused proactive approach consistent with UN rules, procedures and guidelines in the delivery of the country programme, and providing support and guidance to the Representatives of the agencies and agency-supported programmes.

The incumbent will be supported by a Programme Assistant and is expected to provide oversight to the day-to-day clerical duties and other administrative support work provided by the PA. The rental and setup of an office space, logistics and other support requirements will be negotiated with the host government. The scope of work might change as a result of implementing of the UN Development System Reform and the Multi-Country Office Review Recommendations. It might also mean a more focused support for UNFPA programming within the context of the UN Pacific Strategy.

Requirements:

Qualifications and Experience

Education:  

An Advanced (Master’s) degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Public health, Political Sciences, Population Studies, Education and/or related Social Sciences field.

Knowledge and Experience: 

Minimum of five (5) years professional experience preferably in programme/project management in the public or private sector.

Substantive knowledge and practical experience in population, reproductive and sexual health programming.

Sound knowledge of the social and cultural realities of the region.

Strong research and analytical skills.

Field experience is an asset.

Familiarity with UN procedures and working methods, particularly with UNFPA’s agenda, policies and procedures is highly desirable.

Proficiency in MS Office Packages, database management and the Internet.

Languages: 

Fluency in English is required. Fluency in local Pacific language is an advantage.