Technical Advisor, Population & Development Full-Time

Background Information

Organizational Setting

The Technical Advisor will be based in Maputo, Mozambique. Under the overall guidance of the Representative and direct supervision of the Deputy Representative and in close and effective collaboration and coordination with P&D team, He/she will provide strategic support in achieving the Population and Development outputs of the Country Programme Plan. Although not directly responsible for the management of the P&D team, the Technical Advisor will liaise directly with the Country Office team of professionals providing technical expertise/guidance, quality assurance, policy application, effective and sound resources and programme monitoring and evaluation, and ensuring results-based management across both operations and substantive activities.

Job Purpose

• Build internal (CO) and external capacity on population based data collection (censuses, DD, SDG monitoring and reporting) and effective co-ordination, delivery and utilization of quality Census results, in depth and quality analysis and thematic studies produced.  This will be measured by the number and quality of analytical reports and policy briefs produced using census 2017 data;
• Build leadership and mobilize stakeholders around the Demographic Dividend agenda by ensuring that population dynamics and demographic dividend concepts are well understood by the Government and integrated into the National Development Strategy, and include the development of a revised Population Policy through inclusive consultations with all stakeholders.  This will be measured through the number of data sets and products used by the government to inform the national five-year plan;
• Ensure alignment to the United Nations development system in support to the 2030 Agenda; and position UNFPA as an agency of choice on core ICPD/SDGs issues as stipulated in the SP 2018-21 with a good understanding of the mandate and institutional strength of UNFPA;
• Monitor of Addis Ababa Declaration on Population and Development Beyond 2014 – Africa ICPD Review.

Main Tasks & Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the duties of the Population Advisor encompass the following:

A.   Strategic technical leadership, policy and partnerships

• Analyze and interpret the political, social and economic environment relevant to population and development in the context of reproductive health and rights; and identify opportunities for UNFPA assistance and intervention;
• Promote/Position Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights/ICPD Agenda through advocacy, policy dialogue and proactive outreach by ensuring greater investments, mean full and quality research and reports and comprehensive communication, advocacy, visibility and reputational risk strategy and action plan developed and implemented;
• Ensure the quality of IV Census data through technical advice, capacity development needs are met and technical assistance is delivered and managed effectively through appropriate modalities. Document good/best practice case studies, articles, reports related to programme delivery and aligned to corporate transformational results;
• Establish, expand and build effective partnerships with Government and other P&D stakeholders, to guide and ensure the successful integration of population issues, and census data into national development plans. The technical specialist will provide technical inputs to partners on P&D issues including census post enumeration, data use and dissemination. He/she is also expected to provide sound advice and inputs, related to population dynamics to planning by ensuring data quality and evidence, for effective decision making;
• In post census period, promote a framework in which improved data collection, analysis, availability, interpretation, and use continuously generate more demand for and sustained use of data; leading to improved accountability and improved decision making, particularly for SRH;
• Initiate, develop, strengthen, and monitor substantive and intellectual regional partnerships in population and development, health economics, including for South-South technical support for the implementation of the census project;
• Assist advocacy and resource mobilization efforts of the Country Office by analyzing and monitoring national population sector funding.

B.   Capacity Development

• Facilitate the development and operationalization of databases on demographic indicators, population and development indicators, population policy information and indicators or information on other population-related issues. Programs and oversees the development of appropriate software for the efficient use and management of data in databases, metadata, including on population policies;
• Ensure that best practices and UN guidelines are integrated in the preparation of the population estimates and projections. This task includes the application of demographic analysis techniques to estimate demographic indicators and to evaluate population data for completeness and accuracy so as to advise on adjustments to the data as needed;
• Support the design and implementation of technical studies on population trends, and their relations to social and economic factors; in urbanization; disability, gender; youth, migration, employment, among others. Explore the potential of GIS for supporting effective programming of resources, reaching at-risk populations, and enhancing use of data for decision making. Writes substantive reports and recommendations on the results of the studies carried out;
• Apply, adapt or develop methodologies for demographic analysis, including GIS and data management. Concentrates on both applied demographic and planning techniques which rely upon geographical aspects of population data, linking data from multiple sources. Describe methods used to assess the impact of population change and distribution on health, education and other services demand and forecasting. Geospatially enabled digital dissemination platform will make census results more accessible and easier to use;
• Design and provide technical support to cooperation projects in the area of population and development. Assists in the preparation of research proposals for external funding on population issues, and prepares briefing notes and/or press releases on population and development issues for use by senior staff, the United Nations, and the media;
• Build internal capacity 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.

C.   Programme Management

• Provide Advice to the P&D team in carrying out preparation of budgets, reporting on programme performance, preparation of input for results-based budgeting and reporting. Assist in providing supervision and guidance to more junior staff;
• Advise the PD team in organizing expert group meetings, seminars, etc. on data, population-related issues; coordination and reporting to census partners;
• Assist the PD team to build credibility among key local stakeholders as leaders in population dynamics and demography;
• Perform any other duties as required.

Qualifications and Experience

Education:

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent degree, or higher) in demography, geography, statistics or economics with an emphasis on demography, or related field, as well as a first-level university degree in any of same fields. Programming experience is necessary to perform this task, as is solid background in statistics or mathematics.

Knowledge and Experience:

• Seven years of progressively responsible experience in population analysis and research or related area is required. Experience in preparing substantive reports on population policies at the international level is desirable;
• Considerable experience in large scale demographic surveys in developing countries preferably in Sub-Saharan Africa;
• Strong results-based programme management experience, with particular focus on strategic planning and capacity building;
• Previous experience working with the UN and understanding of Human Rights dimensions of Population and Development, an asset;
• Experience in national and/or sectoral policy dialogue, especially in the context of UN Reform and Joint Programming, and the new aid environment, would be a distinct advantage;
• Proficiency in current office software applications and corporate IT systems;
• Computer skills (Microsoft Office applications);
• Statistics packages and GIS are desired assets.

Languages:

Fluency in English required. Good knowledge of Portuguese and/or Spanish is also required.

Required Competencies

Values:

• Exemplifying integrity;
• Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system;
• Embracing diversity in all its forms;
• 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;
• Demonstrates strategic thinking and analysis in the portfolio area;
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with program staff and partners;
• Able to work under pressure with a multisectoral and multicultural team.

Managerial Competencies:

• Providing strategic focus;
• Displays process, transparency and accountability;
• Engaging internal/external partners and stakeholders;
• Leads develops and empowers people/creating a culture of performance;
• Makes decisions and exercises judgment.

Functional Skill Set:

• Advocacy/ Advancing a policy-oriented agenda;
• Leveraging the resources of national governments and partners/ building strategic alliances and partnerships;
• Knowledge management: In-depth practical knowledge of inter-disciplinary development issues; Has good knowledge on UN programme and operational issues;
• Delivering results-based programme;
• Internal and external communication and advocacy for results mobilization.

UNFPA Work Environment

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, teamwork, Embracing diversity in all its forms, integrity and a healthy balance of work and life. We are committed to maintaining our balanced gender distribution and therefore encourage women to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities for all including persons with disabilities.

Compensation and Benefits

This position offers an attractive remuneration package commensurate with the level of the post. The package includes a competitive net salary plus cost of living adjustment, housing allowance, home leave, health insurance and other benefits.