Job description

The Position:

Under the overall guidance of the Representative and direct supervision of the Deputy Representative, the Strategic Data Information Analyst supports the Country Office with high quality, integrated technical, programme, and operational support within a data systems strengthening approach and analysis of ICPD SDGs trends, challenges and opportunities. S/He drives the “big data” agenda and provides substantive advice on policies to accelerate achievement of ICPD SDGs.

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 will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates who transform, inspire, and deliver high-impact sustained results, ensuring effective external relations, communications, 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 primary purpose of this role is to strengthen data systems, enhance results-based monitoring and evaluation (M&E), and manage the population and development portfolio in alignment with the current Country Programme and UNFPA Strategic Plan. The role centers on driving the "Data for Development" agenda by leveraging demographic research and support evidence-gathering to inform national budgets and legislation

You would be responsible for: 

  • A. Policy Analysis and Strategic Positioning
  • Analyze the political, social and economic environment relevant to population and development; sexual and reproductive health and rights; and gender equality, and pursue opportunities for UNFPA intervention in a structured manner.
  • Assesses implications of new policy developments and strategies and provides advice in respect to SDG targets in line with the ICPD beyond 2014 commitments.
  • Contribute  in establishing quality standards for project development and delivery in consultation with the ESARO M&E Regional Technical Advisor.
  • Provide    technical support and data-driven insights to the articulation of new or updated policies, frameworks, guidance and tools to further the advancement of the ICPD Programme of Action.
  • Through the use of predictive statistical models, alert senior management of issues impacting on the ICPD agenda and SDGs at policy level.
  • B. Research, Knowledge Management, and Data Utilization
  • Assist national statistical offices in developing research agendas, optimizing census execution, and processing Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS).
  • Conduct high-level secondary data analysis on population dynamics, looking specifically at trends like the demographic dividend, to fuel national policy dialogues.
  • Provide support in developing a prioritized national research agenda.
  • Support the creation and documentation of knowledge about current and emerging population development trends, including SRHR and gender issues
  • Conduct or provide quality assurance to secondary data analyses for national advocacy and policy dialogue interventions.
  • Work closely with programme and operations units to identify areas for research in development of evidence backed strategies, leading the analysis, including design, quality assurance, and synthesis of substantive trends, emerging needs and research findings in order to produce innovative and cutting-edge knowledge products for programme implementation.
  • Ensure increased availability and use of technical information to improve data collection, analysis, and use; with special attention to recent developments in analysis of data from censuses, surveys, statistics, etc.
  • Assist in the analysis of substantive reports on population and development issues, specifically around the demographic dividend, support the formulation of follow-up actions in review of policies, programmes and processes.
  • Prepare materials for publication and dissemination for South-South Cooperation such as best practices and practical lessons learnt.
  • C. Strategic Information and Capacity Development
  • Provides technical assistance to the Bureau of Statistics, the Ministries of Finance, Health, Gender and Youth on enhancing the quality of and building capacity in Strategic Information, including monitoring and evaluation, including the  surveillance and health information systems (HIS) with a focus on building sustainable systems.
  • Improves data visualization, analytics, and advocates for data use for decision making.
  • Supports implementation of interactive data platform with indicators on UNFPA transformative results, SDGs and National Development Strategy.
  • Together with the RO advisor and specialist, build internal capacity on environmental scanning, policy analysis; in the use of data collection and analysis techniques to enable Programme staff to develop, support, monitor and evaluate Country Programme outputs in their respective areas.
  • Drive a culture of data use in the day-to-day functioning of the CO.
  • D. Advocacy, Resource Mobilization, and Partnerships
  • Support thetranslation of complex statistical indicators into high-impact data visualizations, dashboards, and policy briefs to support the  advocacy ICPD agenda.
  • Contribute to the implementation of evidence-based advocacy, influence policy and programme approaches by consolidating and providing research data and programme results and through learning and knowledge platforms, report writing and dissemination, training, consultations, and relevant meetings and conferences.
  • Ensure that data obtained from varying sources including census, civil registry, health systems, HMIS, GBVMIS and field information are translated into relevant and meaningful information to guide policy and advocacy work.
  • Support advocacy and resource mobilization efforts by making relevant data and information available; including around innovative financing/blended financing models.
  • Contribute to advocacy and resource mobilisation efforts of Country Office by preparing relevant documentation (i.e. project summaries, conference papers, speeches, donor profiles, and participating in donor meetings and public information events).
  • Develop factsheets, briefing materials, infographics, and presentations for public information, advocacy and resource mobilisation purposes.
  •   Collaborate with technical and programme partners for advocacy for ICPD agenda through national institutions, academia, UN partners and CSO.
  • Prepare project proposals and share information about UNFPA tools for co-financing and funding.
  • E. Funds Management & General Support
  • Prepare and manage relevant budgets.
  • Monitor expenditures to ensure delivery is in line with approved budgets and to realize targeted delivery levels.
  • Ensure the timely and accurate reporting of financial information.
  • Stand-in for other Programme team members on selected functions as may be required.
  • Carry out any other duties as may be required by UNFPA leadership.

Qualifications and Experience: 

Education:  

  • Master’s Degree in demography, statistics, population studies, economics, social science or other field directly related to the substantive areas of this position.

Knowledge and Experience: 

  • Minimum of 2 years of programme experience, strategic Information management and systems, population and data & development, capacity development.
  • Proven quantitative and qualitative data analysis, visualization, and interpretation skills. 
  • Knowledge of M&E and statistical analysis.
  • Demonstrated experience to manage high volume work flow and ability to maintain productive working relationships with a wide network of partners and stakeholders.
  • Proven evidence to produce analytical briefs and programme/policy papers.
  • Excellent knowledge of quantitative software, communication, negotiation, and managerial skills.
  • Advanced skills on statistical software application, MS Excel and data visualization skills.
  • Experience in programme/ project management including experience in large multi-sector programmes.

Languages: 

  • Fluency in oral and written English is required.
  • Working knowledge of another UN Official Language, an asset. 
  • Knowledge of Sesotho is highly desirable in the local context.

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 



 

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.

At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.