Job description
The Position:
The incumbent will work, under the overall guidance of the Chief of the Programme Division Directorate, on the management of the UNFPA regulatory framework to ensure consistency with the evolving needs of the organization, UN initiatives and regional perspectives. The incumbent will also facilitate and provide policy and partnership support to UNFPA personnel around the world.
How you can make a difference:
UNFPA is the lead United Nations agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The UNFPA Strategic Plan for 2026-2029 articulates the organization’s response to a complex global environment, providing a roadmap for resilience and renewal. It is designed to accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. This mandate is pursued through a focus on four interconnected outcomes: ending the unmet need for family planning; ending preventable maternal deaths; ending gender-based violence and harmful practices; and adapting to demographic change through evidence and rights-based policies.
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 who transform, inspire, and deliver high-impact and sustained results and ensure effective external relations, communications, and partnership-building and resource mobilization in a rapidly changing development and funding landscape. We need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them, and who commit to delivering excellence in programme results.
Job Purpose
The Programme Specialist, PPM, will work under the overall guidance and supervision of the Chief of the Programme Division Directorate, on the management of the UNFPA regulatory framework, the development of programming standards as well as the maintenance and updating of the full range of policies and procedures contained in the PPM. They ensure the PPM adheres to standard requirements, is easily accessible to all staff, and responds to the evolving needs of the organization. The incumbent ensures consistency with the UN initiatives and regional perspectives and that the UNFPA policies, procedures and guidance facilitate accountability, effectiveness, efficiency and adaptability of UNFPA work in the continuously changing context.
You would be responsible for:
A. PPM Update, Maintenance and Quality Assurance
- Manage the preparation of the policies and procedures manual (PPM) in UNFPA in a systematic and effective manner, introducing modern tools and technologies to ensure user-friendliness;
- Oversee the end-to-end promulgation process of all UNFPA policies and procedures, setting drafting standards and providing quality assurance for policy owners initiating or revising content;
- Lead formulation and update of the Policy for Development, Approval and Issuance of UNFPA Policies and Procedures by identifying simplification opportunities through risk and efficiency analyses;
- Liaise with and advise senior management on PPM related issues, evolving organizational needs and emerging policy issues;
- Undertake other special and ad hoc assignments related to PPM update and maintenance.
B. Policy Promotion, Guidance and System Management
- Provide authoritative guidance to staff on interpreting and applying policies in specific operational contexts, triaging or delegating requests as appropriate;
- Promote the PPM across practice networks and internal forums, deliver briefings and training to ensure UNFPA personnel effectively utilize policy resources;
- Conduct final reviews of all policy versions before approval to ensure consistency and linkage to other policies; finalize and issue policies following OED policy promulgation;
- Support and assist senior leadership in responding to audit findings and implementing recommendations related to PPM.
C. Partnership Management:
- Identify and analyze programme data, policy gaps and bottlenecks to ensure that the comprehensive needs for partnership policies required for effective programme delivery are addressed;
- Lead the development, periodic review and update of UNFPA partnership policies and related guidance formulation to ensure they meet the needs in complex and varying programming contexts by bringing substantive policy expertise, advocacy and knowledge to the process. Ensure that user feedback as well as recommendations and findings arising from audits, evaluations and reviews are taken into account;
- Contribute to and provide feedback on donor reviews, assessments and agreements;
- Liaise with other business units within UNFPA on partner related matters. Coordinate with all business units the annual publication of Implementing Partner (IP) data;
- Participate in UN interagency network on implementing partner related issues in order to foster a harmonized approach to how the UN system manages partnerships;
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief of the Programme Division Directorate.
D. Support to UN Partner Portal:
- Represent UNFPA on the UN Partner Portal (UNPP) Change Advisory Board;
- Oversee the use of UNPP at UNFPA, including cross-referencing data and entries in Quantum/QuantumPlus;
- Liaise with Regional Offices to ensure required support to Country Offices.
Education:
Masters degree in public administration, management, international relations, international development or other related fields.
Knowledge and Experience:
- At least 7 years progressively responsible professional experience in policy formulation, management, and development assistance programmes, of which at least five years at the international level;
- Proven experience in developing new policies and supporting implementation;
- Strong analytical skills, maturity in judgement and critical thinking;
- Experience with automated management systems;
- Strong verbal and written communications skills.
- Experience and knowledge in policy, programme management and field implementation is key.
Languages:
Proficiency in English is required. Knowledge of additional UN official language is an asset.
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:
- Job Knowledge - In depth knowledge of the development and implementation of programming policy and procedures manuals
- Results-based programme development and management - Achieving results through basic programme and project management
- Building strategic alliances and partnerships - Identify and build partnerships
- Innovation and marketing of new approaches
- Analytical skills -- Ability to conceptualize and design programmes
- Team Work -- Ability to lead virtual teams using diplomacy and other inter-personal skills. Client-orientation - Ability to identify evolving requirements and assimilate different perspectives
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. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. 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.