The Position:
The position is located in the Representation Office to the European Union (ROEU) in Brussels, Division for External Relations of UNFPA. The ROEU manages UNFPAโs relations with the European Union (EU) institutions, several EU member States, with a focus on partnerships, advocacy and the mobilisation of support for UNFPA's humanitarian and development programming, and engages with a broad range of stakeholders.ย
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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 organizationโs 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.ย
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.
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Job Purpose:
Under the supervision of the Senior Policy and Strategic Partnership Advisor, the Programme Coordination and Liaison Specialist acts as a main focal point for European Commission contribution agreements, programme management and reporting.ย The incumbent will help UNFPA achieve increased accountability and credibility vis-ร -vis the European Commission and will also support UNFPA resource leveraging efforts through communication, advocacy and networking.
You would be responsible for:
Programme development, management and reporting supportย
Identify potential areas of programme collaboration, including special initiatives and visibility events, with the EU institutions, the countries covered by the Representation Office, the ACP Group of States and other relevant entities;ย Guide and assist Country Offices, Regional Offices and Headquarters units in programme/project proposal processes and funding requests to the EU;ย Provide one to one assistance and guidance and group training to Country Offices, Regional Offices and Headquarters units on different EU/EC contracting and reporting procedures;ย Monitor status of pending and on-going proposals and reporting and when required take follow up action such as liaison with UNFPA Headquarters unit, Regional Office, relevant UNFPA representatives, representatives of other executing agencies and partners;ย Act as the EU/ECโs focal point at UNFPA for issues related to on-going contribution agreements; Ensure UNFPA compliance with EC-UN Financial and Administrative Framework Agreement (FAFA) contractual requirements, including visibility requirements;ย Assist in conceptualizing and preparing meetings, workshops and round tables on key policy issues related to aid and cooperation partnerships between UNFPA and EU/EC;ย Assist in regular reporting on the evolution of policy dialogues initiated with the EC and suggest next steps to maintain necessary momentum;ย Draft briefing notes and policy papers which will help orient UNFPA policy thinking in its dealings with relevant entities.Environmental scanning and Advocacyย
Ensure regular monitoring and analysis of European media, and identify points of entry for issues related to UNFPA mission and ICPD agenda; Provide input to briefings for concerned groups and members at the European Parliament on UNFPAโs initiatives and activities; Maintain contacts with and provide information on population and development issues to the various stakeholders to increase European public awareness of and support to UNFPA, its mandate and activities; Assist in monitoring and reporting on relevant developments at the European Parliament, European Commission and European Council; and in the countries covered by the Representation Office Assist in preparations for public meetings/seminars/lectures/workshops and serve as focal point for coordination with European NGOs and other actors; Assist in the organization of and participate in UNFPA/DER advocacy, information and publicity activities (World Population Day, State of World Population Report, campaigns, etc.) and other UN media events (International Days etc) Conduct outreach to EU policy makers, think tanks, NGOs, academic institutions to establish a wide ranging relevant network. In collaboration with the Programme Division, prepare input for consultation processes on relevant EU legislation and policiesย Support and contribute to UN Brussels Team Working Groups; Assist in building and/or strengthening parliamentarian groups on population and development, sexual and reproductive health and gender in the European Parliament and the national parliaments of the countries covered by the ROEU; Assist in ensuring that the ROEU maintains and conduct outreach to develop a relevant network of contacts with EU policy makers, think tanks, NGOs, academic institutions and private sector and that UNFPA is invited to key discussion fora;ยResource mobilization
Assist in establishing and/or strengthening partnerships with the EU institutions, donor countries, agencies and foundations so as to develop joint initiatives and programmes; Assist in planning and developing donor studies (donor policies, sectoral and geographic preferences, profiles, etc.) and other activities with a view to identifying and recommending funding sources;ย Assist in developing, evaluating and recommending specific fund-raising strategies and approaches with a view to selecting and developing suitable projects for funding; Maintain close relations with donor countries and institutions and civil society, in close cooperation with the Public Funding and Financing Branch, supporting UNFPAโs corporate outreach; Assist in the organization of, participating in, and following up on donor consultations.Other responsibilities
Perform any other tasks as needed and directed by the supervisor.Qualifications and Experience:ย
Education:ย ย
Advanced university degree in public health, social science, gender, economics, international relations, international development, public administration, management or other related field.
Knowledge and Experience:ย
A minimum of five (5) years of increasingly responsible professional experience; field experience strongly preferred; Experience with programme development, management and reporting required and knowledge of UNFPAโs mandate and programme priorities an asset; Advanced knowledge of EU institutions, policies, procedures and financing in the field of development and humanitarian aid an asset; Excellent interpersonal, communication, negotiation, networking and advocacy skills.Languages:ย
Oral and written fluency in English required; working knowledge of French highly desirable; knowledge of an additional UN language an asset.
Required Competencies:ย
Values:
Exemplifying integrity Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system Embracing diversity in all its forms Embracing changeCore Competencies:ย
Achieving Resultsย Being Accountable Developing and Applying Professional Expertise/Business Acumen Thinking analytically and Strategically Working in Teams/Managing Ourselves and our Relationships Communicating for ImpactFunctional Competencies:
Advocacy/advancing a policy-oriented agenda Leveraging resources/ building strategic alliances and partnerships Delivering results based programmes External and internal relations and advocacy for resource mobilization Creating visibility for the organization.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 - clickย hereย to learn more.
Disclaimer:
Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements.ย
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.ย
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.