UNFPA
Role Specification
As the UN Sexual and Reproductive Health Agency, UNFPA focuses on the delivery of the Integrate Sexual and Reproductive and Rights (ISRHR) services with the target of reducing preventable maternal deaths and unmet need of family planning to zero by 2030 (Transformative Results 1 and 2). This is also in line with UNFPA’s approach of delivering an ‘Integrated Package of Rights’ that includes Maternal Health; Family Planning; HIV Prevention; Adolescents and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health; and prevention and response to Gender-Based Violence and other harmful practices.
You will therefore be a critical member of staff for advancing Population and Development issues within the national development frameworks, plans, and budgets working closely with relevant UNFPA staff and other stakeholders. This includes supporting the Government of Zambia at both national and sub-national levels, and other relevant RH stakeholders. services with in the health system.
Rotation
This post is non-rotational.
Background Information
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 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 other harmful practices.
In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, UNFPA needs principled and ethical staff, who embody the 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; who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them; and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.
Organizational Setting
The Programme Specialist, Population and Development is responsible for coordination and providing technical oversight and overall technical and programmatic leadership of the Population and Data component of the Government of Zambia/UNFPA 8th Country Programme. S/he will report to the Assistant Representative and work closely with a team of Programme and Operations staff with support from the Management Team
Main Tasks & Responsibilities
In collaboration with Government counterparts, ESARO advisers, contributes to the integration of Population issues in the formulation and design, of development plans in line with Government priorities and UNSDCF.
Providing technical support to government and partners for development and application of practical tools for integration of population issues in development plans and strategies
Providing substantive technical leadership in the development of the GRZ/UNFPA 9th country programme, annual work plans with a focus on Population and Development component and its linkages to other components
Analyzing policy papers, strategy documents, national plans and development frameworks and prepares briefs and inputs for policy dialogue to address population and development issues in line to ICPD Action Plan.
Representing UNFPA in the development of UNSDCF to ensure the integration of Population related issues and availability of socio demographic data priorities are addressed
Participating in the development of Joint Programmes that enhance Population and Data documents on Participatory Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation;
Providing technical support to the Zambia Statistical Agency and partners in the Planning, Implementation, Evaluation and Documentation of the National Population and Housing Census in line with the UN Statistic Division Principles
Supporting government to ensure that the Census and other socio demographic surveys taking place, produce key indicators to monitor ICPD commitments, SDGs, and population and development policies, strategies and programmes
Actively supporting advocacy and resource mobilization efforts of the Country Office by preparing relevant documentation, i.e. project summaries, speeches, donor profiles and participating in donor meetings, with particular focus to support the realization of Population and Development results.
Facilitating the work of consultants, advisors and experts and establishes and maintains collaborative relationships with MNDP, Zambia Statistics Agency (ZamStats) UNZA, UN entities and cooperating partners and academic institutions to address emerging population and development issues.
Supporting ongoing capacity strengthening of the Department of Population and Development, MNDP to ensure they adequately apply their mandate with in government sectors and across population and development partners and actors.
Technical representation of UNFPA in key fora that seek to advance the implementation of the national commitments within the context of the ICPD 25 Global Summit, 2019
Participating in UN system-wide efforts to provide support to government in the implementation of the National Development Plan, ensuring a focus on Population and Development issues
Ensuring Population and Development programmatic work plans are formulated, implemented and monitored in accordance with Results Based Management and HACT procedures and in compliance with UNFPA policies and guidance.
Supporting the P&D Implementing Partners in reporting on quarterly and annual achievements in accordance with AWP and provides data for assessing country programme effectiveness in achieving country programme results and consistency with UNSDCF and NDP priorities.
Acting as UNFPA focal point in the UN system –wide efforts for promoting coherence in supporting the government national development and humanitarian priorities. This may include, active participation in and ensuring integration of P&D aspects in the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) processes, joint programmes and initiatives Humanitarian Response plan, etc
Providing technical input in resource mobilization and leveraging efforts for Population and Development initiatives including generation of evidence and proposal writing.
Creating and documenting knowledge by evaluating population programs, projects and ongoing experience for lessons learned, best practices and replicable strategies and approaches and actively sharing and applying this knowledge.
Performing any other duties as may be assigned.
Key Outcomes
The following will be the corresponding expected outcomes:
National and sub-national strategic policy and programmatic frameworks demonstrate mainstreaming of Population and Development Issues.
Timely and quality planning, implementation and reporting for P&D component of the programme
Evidence is available to inform the development of national development policies, plans and strategies and programmes
More Integrated, appropriate, effective and efficient SRH services in the health sector.
Improved utilization and implementation rates; and timely and quality accountability for the UNFPA funds.
Increased resources for P&D initiatives.
Enabling policy environment and improved programming for population and development (as a result of documented and disseminated good practices/ lessons learnt)
Qualifications and Experience
Education:
Advanced degree in population studies, demography and statistics or other related fields.
Knowledge and Experience:
At least five (5) years of professional experience with programme/project planning, designing and management in the public or private sector, including international development assistance.
Experience in the development of National development policies, strategies and plans
Experience working with the government ministries and departments in strengthening national data system at national and sub-national levels
Excellent analytical, writing and interpersonal communication skills
Good computer/information systems skills.
Understanding of the UN system in general, and especially UNFPA’s mandate, policies, operations and development topics within the Zambia setting is an added advantage.
Languages:
Fluency in English is required; knowledge of major national languages is an added advantage.
Required Competencies
Values:
- Exemplifying integrity
- Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system
- Embracing diversity in all its forms
- Embracing change
Core Competencies:
- Achieving Results
- Being Accountable
- Developing and Applying Professional Expertise/Business Acumen
- Thinking analytically and Strategically
- Working in Teams/Managing Ourselves and our Relationships
- Communicating for Impact
UNFPA Work Environment
UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, teamwork, Embracing diversity in all its forms, integrity and a healthy balance of work and life. We are committed to maintaining our balanced gender distribution and therefore encourage women to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities for all including persons with disabilities.
Compensation and Benefits
This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary plus health insurance and other benefits as applicable.
Disclaimer
WARNING TO APPLICANTS: UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you have received a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web. Should you feel that you have received a fraudulent notice, letter or offer that makes use of the name or logo of UNFPA, you may submit a report through the UNFPA fraud hotline http://www.unfpa.org/help/hotline.cfm
Notice to applicants: In accordance with the rules of the United Nations, persons applying to posts in the international Professional category, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, are required to renounce such status upon their appointment. Exceptions to this rule are very limited and can be made only for: (a) stateless persons; (b) newly appointed staff members who have applied for citizenship by naturalization, when such citizenship will be granted imminently; (c) acting staff members in the General Service and related categories with permanent residency status, on promotion to the Professional category; (d) staff members appointed under a temporary appointment. Please understand that UNFPA is not in a position to provide advice on or assistance in applying for any citizenship.