National Post: Programme Analyst, Data & Research, Zambia, NOA

The Position

The Programme Analyst, Data & Research is located in the UNFPA Zambia Country Office and reports directly to P&D/Strategic Information Specialist.

Job Purpose

The Programme Analyst will be responsible for strengthening knowledge management and research strategies undertaken by the country office.

The Programme Analyst, Data & Research is responsible for the collection, analysis and use of data to inform and enhance UNFPA's programmes. This role involves conducting research, managing data systems and providing evidence-based insights that contribute to effective programme design, monitoring and evaluation. The Programme Analyst ensures that high-quality data and research are integrated into UNFPA's work, enabling the organization to address key issues related to sexual and reproductive health, gender equality and population dynamics. S/he will facilitate the maintenance of accessible database(s) of best/good practices, lessons learned and researches/studies.    

S/he contributes to Country Office’s efforts to facilitate generation of sound knowledge products and evidence-based briefing papers from across all units to highlight country specific issues relevant for the ICPD Agenda; provides technical support and contributes to building the capacity of partners for the implementation of Country Programme activities.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

A. Data Collection, Research, and Programme Support:

• In collaboration with the CO management, technical leads and the UNFPA regional office, identify areas for research in line with UNFPA mandate, facilitate the research activities from design, through implementation to quality assurance, and synthesis of results.
• Gather and manage data related to UNFPA’s programmes in areas such as sexual and reproductive health, gender equality and population dynamics. 
• Provide data-driven insights and research inputs to support the development of the UNFPA Zambia country programme.
• Provide support to the management of (national) databases and data systems to ensure accessibility, reliability and regular updates. 
• Implement data quality control processes to ensure accuracy and consistency. 
• Provide support to the design and conduct research studies to generate insights that inform programme development and policy-making. 
• Analyze complex data sets to extract meaningful trends, and develop knowledge products like reports and policy briefs. 
• Ensure the creation and documentation of research and evidence about current and emerging population and development trends, including SRHR and gender issues.
• Prepare regular reports and updates on data and research activities, highlighting progress, challenges and recommendations for programme improvement.
• Help create and document knowledge about current and emerging trends and issues, by analyzing programmes, projects, strategies, approaches and ongoing experience for lessons learned, best practices, and shares with management for use in knowledge sharing and planning future strategies.

B. Documentation and Knowledge Management for Policy development & Advocacy:

• Guide documentation (collection, review and analysis) of good/best practices and lessons learned in accordance with UNFPA guidelines to demonstrate impact towards achieving the transformative results and fostering learning to guide realigning of interventions, scale up innovation and programme implementation.
• Undertake analysis of substantive reports on population and development issues, specifically around the Transformative results, Demographic Dividend, Gender, adolescent & youth, global trends on SRHR. In addition, support the formulation of follow-up actions from the analysis required to inform policies, programmes and corporate business processes as may be applicable.
• Help create and document knowledge about current and emerging trends and issues, by analyzing CO programmes, projects, strategies, approaches and ongoing experience for lessons learned, best practices, and shares with management for use in knowledge sharing and planning future strategies. 
• Facilitate the documentation and dissemination of best practices, lessons learned, and research findings within the organization and with external partners.
• Prepare materials for publication such as new knowledge, best practices and practical lessons learnt and dissemination through internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintain linkages with UN-wide knowledge management platforms, ensuring that UNFPA’s data and research contributions are integrated into broader regional and global knowledge hubs.

C. Innovation, Adaptation, Advocacy, and Resource Mobilization: 

• Assist advocacy and resource mobilization efforts of Country Office by preparing relevant documentation (i.e. project analyses, research papers, donor profiles, and participating in donor meetings and public information events). 
• Support the development and implementation of innovative strategies and adaptive solutions to enhance programme effectiveness and responsiveness to emerging needs. 
• Provide support to training sessions and workshops to enhance the capacity of partners and UNFPA staff in utilizing data and research for programmatic and policy decision-making.
• Contribute to strong technical and programme multi-sectoral partnerships for advocacy for ICPD agenda through national institutions, networks, alliances and coalitions. Monitor and keep updates on existing and potential partnerships. 

D. General Support 

• Stand-in for other team members on selected functions as may be required. 
• Carry out any other duties as may be required by UNFPA leadership. 

Language

Fluency in oral and written English. Working knowledge of another UN Official language is an asset.

Qualifications and Experience

Education:

• Advanced University Degree in Demography, Population & Development Studies, Statistics, Social Sciences, Data Science, Economics or other field directly related to the substantive areas of this position.

Knowledge and Experience:

• 0-2 years of experience in data collection, analysis, visualization, dissemination, database management and research within an academic or development institution;
• Prior professional experience in the field of research and data management, preferably covering sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender equality with an emphasis on adolescents and youth would be desirable;
• Strong knowledge of statistical methodologies, including strong competencies in the use of statistical packages such as STATA or SPSS; 
• Mastery of methods and techniques for data quality assessment, processing and analysis using a variety of health and population sources (DHS, HMIS and population census); 
• Ability to provide advice and guidance on the analysis, interpretation and application of data from project information;
• Experience with achieving demonstrable results in the majority of the following areas: innovative use of technology for development, mobile based data collection, training and capacity building and human centered design experience; and 
• A thorough understanding of the UN system in general, and especially UNFPA mandate, its policies and operations and current development topics and political issues in Zambia will be an added advantage.

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,
• Communicating for impact

Functional Competencies

• Conceptual innovation in the provision of technical expertise;
• Leveraging the resources of national governments and partners;
• Building strategic alliances and partnerships;
• Adaptation/application of knowledge in different contexts;
• Job knowledge/technical expertise; and
• Integration in a multidisciplinary environment.

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.