The Position:

Rwanda has made remarkable progress in socio-economic transformation guided by Vision 2050 and the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2). Population dynamics—including fertility, mortality, migration, urbanization, and demographic transition—remain at the heart of sustainable development.

The Government of Rwanda, led by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN), in collaboration with stakeholders including NISR, MINISANTE, MIGEPROF, MINEDUC, MOYA, and MINALOC, is embarking on the development of the National Population Policy (NPP). The new policy will align with national priorities and global commitments such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), AU Agenda 2063, and the ICPD25 Programme of Action.

The Government of Rwanda recognizes the crucial interplay between population dynamics and sustainable development. To effectively address current and future demographic trends and ensure alignment with national development goals, the government is committed to developing a comprehensive National Population Policy. This policy will serve as a guiding framework for interventions aimed at improving the quality of life of all Rwandans, promoting socio-economic progress, and ensuring environmental sustainability.

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 strategic plan (2022-2025), reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. These results capture our strategic commitments on accelerating progress towards realizing the ICPD and SDGs in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030. Our strategic plan calls upon UN Member States, organizations and individuals to “build forward better”, while addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women’s and girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, recover lost gains and realize our goals.

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:

Facilitate the development of the first ever Rwanda National population policy to achieve a sustainable and balanced population dynamic that enhances the overall well-being, quality of life, and human rights of all individuals, while supporting long-term economic prosperity and environmental sustainability and aligning population needs with national priorities.

You would be responsible for:

The international consultant will spearhead a team of two national consultants, overseeing all project activities and upholding the highest standards of quality across all deliverables. This individual will also act as the main point of contact, ensuring seamless communication and coordination among MINECOFIN, UNFPA, and the project team.

He will do the following-in collaboration with the local consultants

• Elaborate the NPP development process in close collaboration with MINECOFIN and stakeholders 
• Conduct comparison of the Rwanda population dynamics against international best practices, with lessons from countries undergoing similar demographic transitions.
• Compile and analyse national demographic, health, education, and socio-economic data.
• Conduct mapping existing sectoral policies and strategies relevant to population dynamics.
• Document good practices, challenges, and gaps in population-related programming.
• Conduct stakeholder consultations and key informant interviews at national and local levels in collaboration with local consultants.
• In collaboration with local consultants integrate inputs from sector experts (health, education, SRHR, migration) into the policy draft.
• Lead drafting of the NPP, its Implementation Roadmap, M&E plan, and advocacy materials.

Lead local consultants in organization and facilitation of workshops, technical meetings, and validation sessions in collaboration with MINECOFIN personnel.

Qualifications and Experience: 

Education:  

• Advanced degree (Master’s or higher) in Demography, Population Studies, Economics, or Social Policy

Knowledge and Experience: 

• Minimum 10–15 years of relevant experience in population policy development and analysis at international level.
• Strong understanding of African demographic trends and global frameworks (SDGs, Agenda 2063, ICPD25).
• Proven experience in aligning population policy with socio-economic development agendas.
• Excellent analytical, facilitation, and report writing skills.

Languages: 

Fluent in English

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,

Compensation and Benefits:

This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net honorarium 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.