National Recruitment: Population and Development Specialist – FTA- NOC, Mogadishu, Somalia

The Position:

An outstanding opportunity for a qualified individual with a background in Population Studies, Demography, Statistics, Mathematics, and Econometrics or the equivalent to make a real difference in the support to capacity development of population statistics in Somalia, ensure that that UNFPA’s programs on population and development are implemented in the context of the ICPD Programme of Action and UNFPA Strategic Plan.

Under the overall guidance of the Deputy Representative and the direct supervision of the Population Development Program Specialist (IP), the Population Development Specialist will support the implementation of UNFPA’s Population and Development activities in Somalia. S/he UNFPA’s work in population data and population dynamics to offer policy insights into how demographic changes shape social, economic and environmental development; inform economic and development planning including setting of targets and financing; and help accelerate achievement of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action (PoA) and Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. Population dynamics plays an important role in determining pathways to sustainable development, making it a critical factor in formulating and implementing development strategies, policies and programmes. Strong data systems enable countries to track and address inequalities and target their investments at national, regional and local 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 strategic plan (2022-2025), reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. These results capture our strategic commitments on accelerating progress towards realizing the ICPD and SDGs in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030. Our strategic plan calls upon UN Member States, organizations and individuals to “build forward better”, while addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women’s and girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, recover lost gains and realize our goals.

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 Population and Development Specialist, supports UNFPA’s work in population data and population dynamics to offer policy insights into how demographic changes shape social, economic and environmental development; inform economic and development planning including setting of targets and accelerate achievement of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action (PoA) and Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. Population dynamics plays an important role in determining pathways to sustainable development, making it a critical factor in formulating and implementing development strategies, policies and programmes. Strong data systems enable countries to track and address inequalities and target their investments at national, regional and local level.

You would be responsible for:

• In collaboration with Government counterparts, and other partners, the P&D Specialist oversees the formulation and design of the country programme P&D component and projects in line with Government priorities and according to UNFPA programme policies and procedures and strategic directions/framework.
• Working closely with the statistical offices, line ministries and other partners supporting the national mechanisms for a multi-sectoral approach to capacity development of statistics in Somalia, ensure that UNFPA’s programs on population and development are implemented in the context of the ICPD Programme of Action and UNFPA Strategic Plan; and Population and Development issues are firmly placed within national development processes and national strategic frameworks.
• Institutional framework for population and social statistics to support policy, legal and regulatory framework for statistical development is enhanced.
• Manpower and methods required for collecting, compiling and disseminating data are developed and enhanced: This will include human resource development (such as enhancing of the analytical capacity of staff, etc.), mastering methods for data collection and analysis, development of manuals, designing and conducting household surveys and censuses etc.
• The capacity of Somali Authorities in using data to monitor and evaluate government policies and programs in the areas of population dynamics, sexual and reproductive health, education, socio-economic and gender equality is strengthened.
• Availability of evidence through in-depth analysis on population dynamics, sexual and reproductive health, education, socio-economic data and their linkages to poverty eradication and sustainable development
• Oversees achievement of programme results by ensuring appropriate policies and procedures and appropriate monitoring and oversight mechanisms and systems are established and implemented.
• Reviews the political, social and economic environment relevant to population and development, reproductive health and gender, and pursues opportunities for UNFPA assistance and intervention. Assesses implications of new policy developments and strategies on programme execution and ensures appropriate implementation.
• Oversees project implementation, establishing collaborative partnerships with executing agencies, experts, government counterparts and other UN agencies to facilitate timely and efficient delivery of project inputs, and addressing training needs of project personnel.
• Ensures the creation and documentation of knowledge about current and emerging population development trends through the analysis of programme, projects, strategies, approaches and ongoing experience for lessons learned, best practices, and uses this knowledge for information sharing and planning future strategies.
• Participates in advocacy and resource mobilization efforts of Country Office by ensuring preparation of relevant documentation, i.e. project summaries, conference papers, speeches, donor profiles, and participating in related donor meetings and public information events.
• Performs any other official tasks assigned by the supervisor, Representative and deputy representative

Qualifications and Experience: 

Education:  

Master degree in demography, populations studies, statistics, econometrics or equivalent  field related social science discipline
Knowledge and Experience: 

• Five years of increasingly responsible professional experience in the field of development and population activities; collection, compilation, analysis and dissemination of population, reproductive health and socio-economic data.
• Experience in the development of population and statistical concepts and methods and their implementation is required.
• Experience with concepts and indicators for the measurement of sustainable development is desirable.
• Demonstrated experience in the use of Microsoft Office Suite, CSPro, SPSS, Stata, R statistical packages and population analysis software such as Population Analysis System (PAS), MortPak etc. or other equivalent packages for analysis of data;.
• Experience in programme/ project management including experience in large multi-sector projects, designing and appraising proposals and actively liaising with relevant and potential project partners;
• Proven experience in coordinating/managing a multi-disciplinary team of staff, experts and  consultants;
• Experience in drafting and implementing legislation is an asset;
• Field experience is an asset;
• Prior experience in the UN system is an asset.

Languages: 

Solid command of spoken and written English and Somali language.

Required Competencies: 

Values:

• Exemplifying integrity,
• Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system,
• Embracing cultural diversity,
• 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,

Functional Competencies:

• Advocacy/Advancing a policy-oriented agenda
• Leveraging the resources of national governments and partners/building strategic alliances and partnerships
• Delivering results-oriented programmes
• Internal and external communication and advocacy for  resource mobilization

Compensation and Benefits:

This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary plus health insurance and other benefits as applicable.

UNFPA Work Environment:

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA’s workforce – click here to learn more.

Disclaimer:

Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements.

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.

Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.