Strategic Info. Specialist

The Position:

The Strategic Information Specialist position is located in the UNFPA Botswana country office and reports directly to the Head of Office. The Strategic Information Specialist is responsible for  delivering high-level strategic technical expertise that delivers on the approved UNFPA and Botswana Government 6th Country Programme with focus on high-level technical expertise in the areas of Monitoring and Evaluation, Data for Development and Population dynamics. The position holder is the technical lead in  monitoring implementation and provision of technical advice, policy advocacy, capacity development and knowledge management within the framework of the integrated SRH/HIV/GBV and Youth Outputs for the Country Programme and in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and using the One UN Delivering as one Approach (DaO). 

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled.  UNFPA’s new strategic plan (2022-2025), focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices.

The transformational journey mapped out in the Strategic Plan leads to 2030 and the achievement of universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights. Emerging trends inform the plan, new and expanded priorities add to longstanding commitments, and “how we work” is changing.

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 that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.

 

Job Purpose:

The Strategic Information Specialist leads the UNFPA data for development agenda, programme monitoring and evaluation, and population dynamics. He/She plays a pivotal role in providing the evidence UNFPA needs to fulfill its strategic role in the country through analysis and sythensis of evidence on  the status and trends of  Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), Maternal Health, adolescent and youth, gender dynamics and populations dynamics to inform programme planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. S/he provides technical, policy, programme support and guidance to Government and CSO partners in an integrated and coordinated manner. The incumbent plays a pivotal role in providing the evidence needed by the Country Office  to fulfill its strategic role as a data agency in the country

You would be responsible for:

In A. Results based programme management and Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Analyze the political, social and economic environment relevant to population and development; sexual and reproductive health and rights; and gender equality. Pursue opportunities for UNFPA intervention in a structured manner.
• Assess the  implications of new policy developments and strategies and provide advice on SDG targets in line with the ICPD agenda.
• Lead establishment of quality standards for project development and delivery in consultation with the Strategic Information Specialist at the MIC Technical Hub and M&E Regional Technical Advisor.
• Provide quality assurance, advisory and technical support to Country Office programme development, implementation and evaluation processes.
• Lead the development of the Country Programme and Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Plan in collaboration with Government counterparts, NGOs and other partners
• Provide expert advice to the articulation of new or updated policies, frameworks, guidance and tools to further the advancement of the ICPD Programme of Action.
• Contribute to the implementation of evidence-based advocacy by consolidating and providing research data and disseminating results  through learning and knowledge platforms, training, consultations, and relevant meetings and conferences.
• Compile and analyse data on project indicators and indicator databases and inform the management and present to staff on a regular basis. 
• Provide technical guidance for undertaking programme baseline and end line studies.
• Provide substantive and analytical support to reports and documents produced by the Country Office.
• Support the monitoring and evaluation of the Country Programme and advise country level processes such as the Work Planning, Country Office Annual Reporting, SIS as may be directed by the Head of Office.
• Lead on effective coordination programming in the country by being actively involved in key coordination meetings and platforms. 
• Support Country Programme evaluations and ensure compliance to office management audit and its recommendations.  Participate in conducting systematic, timely and comprehensive spot checks.

B. Technical and policy support in data, evidence generation and population dynamics:

• Provide support in developing a prioritised national research agenda.
• Ensure the creation and documentation of knowledge about current and emerging population and development trends.
• Conduct or provide quality assurance to secondary data analyses for national advocacy and policy dialogue interventions.
• Provide technical support, programme implementation, and management advice in population dynamics and sustainable development ensuring consistency and coherence in addressing priorities for UNFPA
• Provide analytical and evidence-based advice on UNFPA's comparative substantive role and specific contribution in the changing development agenda, and participate in policy dialogue.
• Work closely with the programme unit to identify areas for research in development of evidence based strategies, leading the analysis, including design, quality assurance, and synthesis of substantive trends, emerging needs and research findings to produce innovative and cutting edge knowledge products for programme implementation.
• Identify and analyse trends, threats and risks in the thematic area of work that may affect the ICPD agenda and SDGs and UNFPA's work;
• 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.   
• Provide leadership 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.
• Participate and contribute to discussions and events on emerging population issues, programme results, research findings, and new scientific knowledge.
• Prepare materials for publication and dissemination for South-South Cooperation such as best practices and practical lessons learnt.
• Provide sound evidence based information, data and best practice to enhance team-wide reporting, communications, innovation and knowledge management.
• Provide technical leadership in design, planning, implementation, and monitoring of research and surveys, data analysis, data visualization, dashboard and report preparation.
• Collaborate on substantive issues with UN agencies, academia, research and training institutions, think tanks, centers of excellence, professional societies in the region; and Act as focal point for inter-agency working groups organisational reporting in the substantive area

C. Partnership building and resource mobilization

• 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.
• Contribute to the development of project proposals and share information about UNFPA tools for co-financing and funding.
• Build strong technical and programme multi-sectoral partnerships for advocacy for ICPD agenda through national institutions, networks, alliances and coalitions.  Monitor and keep updates on existing and potential partnerships. Follow through and ensure that recommendations and action points agreed to are addressed.
• Support increased financing and expanded partnerships, including South-South Learning towards achieving universal SRHR through substantive contributions to advocacy and resource mobilization efforts of the Country Office.
• Provide capacity building in terms of M&E, results-based planning and management, and knowledge management to UNFPA staff, government and implementing partners

D. Carry out any other duties as may be required by UNFPA leadership.

Qualifications and Experience: 

Education:  

Master’s Degree in Demography, Statistics, Population studies, Health Economics, or other field directly related to the substantive areas of this position. 
Knowledge and Experience: 

FivMinimum five years of program experience, advocacy work and capacity development.

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, negotiation, and managerial skills required. Self-starter, proactive, passion for the issues.
• Proven ability to develop and implement effective resource mobilization strategies and campaigns.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and  data analytical capabilities
• A thorough understanding of the UN system.

Languages: 

Fluency in English; knowledge of other official UN languages is an additional advantage

Required Competencies: 

Compensation and Benefits:


 

This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary plus cost of living adjustment, rental subsidy, education grant, home leave, 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. 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.