The Position:
The Political and Intergovernmental Technical Adviser post is located at the UNFPA West Africa Regional Office (WCARO) and works under the overall direction and supervision of the Regional Director and direct supervision of the Deputy Regional Director. The Adviser will focus on facilitating and guiding UNFPA’s regional engagement in positioning sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights within relevant political and intergovernmental mechanisms across the development, humanitarian and peace contexts in the region. The Adviser will also strengthen relevant systems for keeping abreast of the political environment through guidance and tools as may be required in collaboration with other UNFPA Regional Offices and Addis Representational Office covering the continent of Africa as well as other members of the WCARO technical team and Country Offices.
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 Regional Political and Intergovernmental Advisor will play a critical role in supporting the region in delivering its mandate by providing leadership in political environmental scanning, analysis of the impact of the political environment on the achievement of the ICPD Programme of Action, in the context of the 2030 Agenda and Africa Agenda 2063. Additionally, s/he will serve as the principal advisor on political and inter-governmental partnerships required for the achievement of transformative results outlined in the Strategic Plan. The position will support the region to strengthen positioning and integration of SRH/RR in outcomes of intergovernmental fora. Guided by the prevailing and evolving landscape for sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights in the region, the Adviser will ensure UNFPA leverages opportunities and mitigates risks in a timely manner, while also learning from the socio-economic impact of COVID-19 on constrained policy and resource environments. Through the Adviser, UNFPA WCA region seeks to further consolidate and accelerate continental and regional political, policy and intergovernmental engagements through collaborations across UNFPA ESA and Arab States regions. UNFPA WCA Regional Office is keenly engaged in the UN Regional reform aimed at strengthening the value proposition of the UN to member states and regional institutions, including the African Union Commission and its organs, and Regional Economic Commissions.
Qualifications and Experience:
Education:
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Advanced university degree in Social Sciences, Political Science, International Relations; Political Economy or other relevant fields.
Knowledge and Experience:
- At least 10 years of relevant and increasingly responsible professional experience in development and multilateral affairs, of which 4 years at the international level;
- Experience in implementation of political scanning and analysis of complex socio-economic and human rights issues is an asset;
- Experience with advocacy within intergovernmental processes and strong negotiation skills.
- Strong knowledge of the ICPD Programme of Action;
- Experience working with engaging civil society including faith and religious organizations as it relates to ICPD Programme of Action and the SDGs is desirable;
- Knowledge of international development policies and institutions, ICPD Programme of Action, 2030 Agenda and understanding of human rights approaches;
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills as well as proven experience in environmental scanning, analysis and reporting;
- Innovative and sound judgment;
- Field experience is desirable;
Languages:
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Fluency in English is required and French is desirable to enable effective communication with English speaking and French speaking country coordination groups and local organizations (West and Central Africa region).
Compensation and Benefits:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary plus health insurance and other benefits as applicable.
Disclaimer:
UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Fraudulent notices, letters or offers may be submitted to the UNFPA fraud hotline http://www.unfpa.org/help/hotline.cfm
In accordance with the Staff Regulations and 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, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.
We are no longer accepting applications for this position.
