The Position:

The Programme Specialist is part of an inter-disciplinary team which provides integrated programme, technical and operational support within a systems-strengthening approach fundamental to UNFPA’s overall strategy.  S/he contributes to the coordination and management of quality, timely and integrated technical and programme support to Country Offices, ensuring that country programmes are implemented in the context of: the ICPD Programme of Action, UNFPA Strategic Plan as well as national development processes, frameworks and UN reform.  S/he monitors country level technical, programmatic and operational support needs and progress and provides feedback to the Regional Office Advisers team.

In all activities, the Programme Specialist fosters collaboration with UNFPA’s external and internal partners, in order to: develop and maintain strategic partnerships, discuss joint programme activities and build capacity, participate with UN agency Regional Offices and UN Inter-Agency initiatives.   

UNFPA's external partners are UN agencies, donor representatives, country and regional organizations and Economic Commissions.  Internal partners primarily include UNFPA Country Office staff in the Caribbean, Representatives, Heads of Office, all programme and technical staff; Programme Division staff; TD, and IERD.  The Programme Specialist also regularly communicates with the relevant staff in the HQ Programme Division, including the Regional Desk Adviser, and with other HQ Divisions, ensuring the timeliness, relevance and quality of programming support to countries under the area of geographical responsibility.

Expected Key Results:

• Effective coordination and delivery of country and regional level programme support.
• Programme assessment and support to Common Country programming processes, where applicable.
• Assistance in advocacy and positioning of ICPD in policy dialogue.
• Support to resource mobilization efforts by country-offices and at the regional level.

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.

Qualifications and Experience:

Education:

• Post-graduate University Degree or equivalent in public health, medicine, sociology, demography, gender, economics, international relations, international development, public administration, management or other related field.

Knowledge and Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years' increasingly responsible professional experience in management and development relevant to population and development, sexual and reproductive health, and gender, of which three at the international level.
• Substantive knowledge and practical experience in population and development, sexual and reproductive health, and gender.
• Experience in programme and/or technical assistance with the UN System.
• Field experience is required.

Language:

• Fluency in written and spoken Spanish and English is a requirement.
• Working knowledge of French and Portguese is an asset.