The Position:
Under the direct supervision of the Programme Liaison Branch Chief and with strong coordination with the Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Branch Chief, the incumbent coordinates Global SRHR Policy, Financing, and Advocacy in the Programme Liaison Branch from New York.
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:
This position contributes directly to the implementation of UNFPA’s Strategic Plan 2026–2029 by advancing global policy influence, advocacy, and sustainable financing for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). The incumbent will support accelerated progress toward the Three Outcomes—ending the unmet need for family planning, ending preventable maternal deaths, and ending gender-based violence and harmful practices—by translating evidence and programme results into high-impact advocacy, strengthening global partnerships, and mobilizing political and financial commitment in line with UNFPA’s normative mandate, including
You would be responsible for:
Accordingly, the incumbent will be responsible for the following activities in the Programme Liaison Branch:
- A. Global Policy, Financing and Advocacy for SRHR.
- B. Facilitate key events and support global partnerships - including innovative financing for SRHR and domestic resource mobilization.
- C. Documenting, writing, and publication
A. Global Advocacy, Policy and Communications
- Ensure that global SRHR policy, advocacy, and financing work is grounded in UNFPA’s normative mandate, including the ICPD Programme of Action, human rights-based approaches, and relevant intergovernmental commitments.
- Translate global norms, standards, and programme evidence into targeted policy, advocacy, and financing messages that influence international dialogue, resource allocation, and accountability for progress toward UNFPA’s Strategic Plan and the Three Transformative Results.
- Provide technical leadership on domestic resource mobilization for SRHR by supporting policy advocacy, financing analyses, and strategic partnerships that promote increased and sustained public financing for family planning, maternal and newborn health, and broader SRHR priorities, including through engagement with national health financing processes and global financing platforms.
- Lead evidence-based advocacy and strategic communications to increase the visibility and impact of UNFPA’s SRHR work, including through clear presentation of trends, results, and best practices.
- Communicate Thematic Fund results in accessible formats for diverse audiences, ensuring timely and accurate content across UNFPA digital platforms in line with corporate communication guidelines.
- Serve as the technical policy specialist for the UNFPA Supplies Partnership, providing inputs on strategy, governance, sustainable and innovative financing, advocacy, and external communications.
B. Facilitate key events and support global partnerships
- Actively participate in the content and shaping of high-level events and initiatives for SRHR, including family planning, maternal health supplies, and other work related to the Thematic Funds.
- Collaborate with global partners based in the US, including the RH Supplies Coalition (RHSC), FP2030, IBP, Gates Foundation, Global Financing Facility (GFF), and other multilateral and bilateral organizations, technical agencies, and foundations to support policy, advocacy, and accountability efforts. Develop joint SRHR initiatives and approaches to establish UNFPA's global leadership in SRHR.
- Support key events and meetings as a rapporteur, prepare related materials and provide necessary materials.
- Facilitate uptake and implementation of family planning and maternal and newborn health and well-being strategies through developing and delivering technical products and collaboration activities among internal and external stakeholders including e-learning, workshops, webinars, communities of practice, and other online platforms.
C. Documenting, writing, and publication
- Collaborate with colleagues to document, write, and edit flagship publications for the SRHR Branch and Thematic Funds, including dedicated support for the UNFPA Supplies Partnership and the Maternal and Newborn Health Fund.
- Coordinate publication and production of SRHR knowledge products such as guidelines, manuals, training materials, and policy briefs, in collaboration; develop and implement an annual documentation and publications plan aligned with UNFPA's communication goals, tracking project progress and deliverables.
- Draft and/or coordinate the development statements, speeches, talking points, and briefing notes for the Division Director in support of OED and Deputy Executive Director Programmes.
- Provide ongoing editorial services, including reports, presentations, briefing notes, infographics, and video scripts.
- Contribute to Division-wide knowledge management activities that engage internal and external audiences.
Qualifications and Experience:
Education:
- Advanced University Degree or equivalent in public health, medicine, sociology, demography, economics, international development, or related field.
Knowledge and Experience:
- A minimum of 7 years of increasingly responsible professional experience and technical expertise in evidence-based advocacy, policy, financing for development, strategic communication, knowledge management, writing, editing, and publication of annual reports, especially relating to family planning, maternal health, reproductive health
- Substantive experience and knowledge of reproductive health commodity security, family planning and maternal health, including experience working with key global health partners and donors.
- Strong track record of documentation and publications work and proven ability to produce on deadline.
- Experience in external relations within UNFPA or the UN System.
- Basic graphic design skills and familiarity with design software are desirable.
- Familiarity with digital technologies and innovative approaches for knowledge sharing and learning would be an asset.
- Strong analytical, report-writing and communication skills are required
Languages:
- Fluency in English and knowledge of other official UN languages, preferably French and/or Spanish, are highly desirable for this role as an interface with bilateral and multilateral partners.
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,
Functional Competencies:
- Advocacy / advancing a policy-oriented agenda,
- Results-based programme development and management,
- Leveraging the resources of national governments and partners / building strategic alliances and partnerships,
- Innovation and marketing of new approaches,
- Managing the organisation`s financial resources
- Job knowledge / technical expertise
Managerial Competencies (if applicable):
- Providing strategic focus,
- Engaging internal and external partners and stakeholders,
- Leading, developing, and empowering people/creating a culture of performance,
- Making decisions and exercising judgment.
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.