Position Title: Programme Specialist, Demographic Dividend (P-4)
Location: Nairobi
Contract Type: Fixed Term Appointment
Closing Date: 29 January 2025, 04:06 PM (America/New York)
About the Position
This position is located within the Population and Development Branch of the Programme Division at UNFPA and reports directly to the Chief of the Population and Development Branch. The Programme Specialist will provide technical guidance and strategic policy support on demographic dividend and its linkages to population and development. The role requires close collaboration with demographic resilience and megatrends advisors, with a focus on integrated, coordinated, and systems-strengthening approaches aligned with UNFPA’s overall strategy.
How You Can Make a Difference
UNFPA is the leading UN agency dedicated to delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled. Through its strategic plan (2022-2025), UNFPA focuses on achieving three transformative results:
- Ending preventable maternal deaths
- Ending unmet need for family planning
- Ending gender-based violence and harmful practices
The Programme Specialist, Demographic Dividend, plays a critical role in advancing the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) agenda and the SDGs, especially in countries in the early stages of demographic transition. By working to secure a demographic dividend, the Programme Specialist helps to unlock the potential of young populations, particularly in Africa, driving sustainable development and long-term progress.
Key Responsibilities
Technical and Programme Support
- Provide substantive guidance on demographic dividend and population-development linkages.
- Oversee the development, quality assurance, and dissemination of strategic reports.
- Develop tools to assess demographic trends and help countries incorporate population dynamics into development planning.
- Ensure alignment of UNFPA’s demographic dividend programs across regions and contexts.
- Support resource mobilization efforts for advancing population and development initiatives.
Capacity Development
- Offer technical support and guidance to countries and governments on demographic dividend assessment tools.
- Organize technical meetings, training, eLearning sessions, and workshops to foster knowledge exchange.
- Facilitate cross-regional learning and exchanges on policy successes and challenges.
Evidence and Knowledge Development
- Collect, analyze, and disseminate data on population trends, women’s empowerment, and youth engagement.
- Track scientific developments and advise on their relevance to demographic dividend programming.
- Contribute to policy briefs, reports, and publications on population dynamics and their links to development.
Strategic Partnerships and Technical Representation
- Represent UNFPA at global, regional, and inter-agency meetings on population and development.
- Engage with strategic partners, including UN agencies, academia, and research institutions.
- Support senior management in high-level engagements with governments, donors, and partners.
- Develop new partnerships to advance UNFPA’s position on demographic dividend issues.
Qualifications and Experience
Education:
- Advanced university degree in demography, sociology, population studies, geography, public health, statistics, or economics with a focus on population data analysis. A PhD is considered an asset.
Knowledge and Experience:
- At least 7 years of professional experience in policy-relevant population and development issues, especially in high-fertility contexts.
- Experience in areas such as sexual and reproductive health, international migration, urbanization, climate change, and gender equality is highly desirable.
- Strong understanding of human rights in the context of population and development.
- Proven track record of technical leadership and ability to produce results.
- Experience in policy development and national development planning processes.
- Fluency in English, with working knowledge of French, Spanish, or another UN language considered an asset.
Required Competencies:
- Values: Integrity, commitment to UNFPA’s mission, embracing cultural diversity, and openness to change.
- Core Competencies: Results achievement, accountability, professional expertise, strategic thinking, teamwork, and relationship management.
- Functional Competencies: Technical expertise, leveraging resources, knowledge application, and integration in a multidisciplinary environment.
Compensation and Benefits
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other benefits applicable to a P-4 level appointment.
UNFPA Work Environment
UNFPA offers a work environment that values gender equality, diversity, and integrity. The organization actively promotes equal opportunities, and encourages applications from women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications through the UNFPA website. Deadline: 29 January 2025.
Note: Only candidates shortlisted for an interview will be contacted.
