IMPORTANT: This position is funded by the Government of Canada and is open only to nationals of Canada. The candidate should be max 32 years of age on 31 Dec 2025. For detailed information on the JPO Programme and recruitment positions and criteria, including nationality and age of candidates, please visit https://www.undp.org/jposc/current-vacancies

The UNFPA Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Programme is intended to provide on-the-job training for young professionals who wish to obtain practical experience in development assistance. It gives them an opportunity to acquire professional knowledge in population projects in a developing country. 

A. 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), focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. 

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. To find out more, click here.

B. Information for Donor Consideration

1. How could the work experience in your particular work unit and the proposed ToR benefit the JPO’s possible retention and career advancement in the UN System or UNFPA?

The work experience in the Innovation and Transformation Branch ensures the immersion of JPO to a holistic understanding of UNFPA operations and strategic priorities, leading to the attainment of valuable skills and knowledge. The proposed ToR includes specific objectives and tasks that are aimed at enhancing the JPO's professional competencies essential for career advancement in the UN System.  The ToR also encourages the JPO to engage with other UNFPA Business Units, providing an opportunity to build a robust professional network and gain insights into various aspects of UNFPA and broader UN System work. 

Furthermore, the Chief of the Innovation and Transformation Branch is committed to providing mentorship and continuous learning opportunities to the JPO. This includes regular individual and team feedback sessions, access to training and professional development opportunities, and participation in initiatives and events relevant to UNFPA's mandate, including encouraging participation in Tangerines - the network of young professionals at UNFPA. Additionally, the team, in large part consisting of young professionals, provides a supportive environment rooted in collaboration and peer exchange. 

The experience and skills gained through the proposed ToR are designed to be directly applicable to various roles within UNFPA and the UN System, building an excellent foundation and enhancing the JPO competitiveness for future opportunities and career advancement. The nature of the innovation portfolio, and this specific ToR, features extensive networking opportunities, both within and outside of UNFPA.

2. Does the supervisor have experience managing and coaching a young professional, and for how many years?

Yes. The supervisor possesses significant experience in directly managing and coaching young professionals. Prior to the experience in the Innovation and Transformation Branch, the supervisor was coaching young professionals for 5 years in the Executive Office and the Regional Office, including the leading role in designing and launching the first ever JPO programme for young professionals from Africa and of African descent. Over the past four years, the supervisor has been leading the Innovation and Transformation Branch, largely consisting of young professionals. This has included two JPOs, two international professionals at the P2 and P3 levels, and four young professionals under Individual Consultant contracts, whose professional development is evident from their successful project outcomes, and progressive career advancements within the Organization.

Beyond managing the Branch's personnel, the supervisor has demonstrated a strong commitment to the professional growth of young professionals. This is evident through the implementation of various projects aimed at supporting and uplifting young people. Most notably the Young Innovator Fellows Programme in 2022 and two Innovation Challenges aimed at supporting young social entrepreneurs, including young people with disabilities.

In addition, as part of the UNFPA JPO programme overall framework, the JPO will benefit from the following supervision modalities:

• Structured guidance provided by the supervisor, especially in the beginning of the assignment, with the purpose of gradually increasing the responsibilities of the JPO
• Establishment of a work plan, with clear key results and performance indicators
• Effective supervision through knowledge sharing and performance/development feedback throughout the assignment
• Easy access to the supervisor
• Participation in Branch/Team/Office meetings to ensure integration and operational effectiveness
• Guidance and advice in relation to learning and training opportunities within the field of expertise
• If more than one supervisor; clear agreement of the roles and responsibilities between the relevant parties
• Annual performance appraisal and development with the supervisor 

In addition, the following specific supervision arrangements will apply:

The JPO will work under the direct supervision of the Chief of the Innovation and Transformation Branch at the Office of the UNFPA Executive Director, while working closely with the Innovation team and other business units, in particular the Resource Mobilization Branch and Strategic Partnerships Branch.

Duties and Responsibilities

The JPO will carry out actions to develop and enhance the Innovation Team’s efforts on how UNFPA can leverage the opportunities of innovative technologies and ensure women-centric innovation leaving no one behind. The JPO will be responsible for the following duties:

Technical and Operational Support for Inclusive Technology Solutions:

D.         Qualifications and Experience

Education: 

• Postgraduate degree in social sciences, innovation, technology, business or other relevant field.

Work experience: 

• At least 2 years of paid and relevant work experience in the fields of international digital health, technologies, and social innovation; 
• Prior experience in developing countries is an asset.

Language proficiency:

• Fluency in English. 
• Knowledge of other working languages of the UN is an asset.
• Ability to write clearly and concisely

Nationality:

This position is funded by the Government of Canada and is open only to nationals of Canada. The candidate should be max 32 years of age on 31 Dec 2025. For detailed information on the JPO Programme and recruitment positions and criteria, including nationality and age of candidates, please visit https://www.undp.org/jposc/current-vacancies

Age Requirement: Maximum 32 years of age on 31 DEC 2025

Attachments

• Copy of your passport
• Copy of your Masters Degree
• A brief motivation letter

E. Learning Elements   

Upon completion of the two-year assignment, the JPO will be able to demonstrate: 

 

F.         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

Initiative, sound judgment and demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with staff members from different national and cultural backgrounds

G.        Background Information Information on the receiving office: 

The Innovation and Transformation Branch is located at the Office of the UNFPA Executive Director to help shape and execute strategic initiatives through cultivating innovation and organizational change and ensure UNFPA is future-fit through fostering a dynamic environment where innovation and transformative ideas thrive. The Branch supports key initiatives that drive institutional transformation in line with UN 2.0 and will:

• Lead, develop and drive UNFPA's innovation strategy aligned with organizational goals and insights from foresight activities.
• Foster an enabling environment to build capacity, facilitate knowledge sharing in areas under its domain, and develop and curate knowledge to support innovation and improve corporate performance.
• Provide thought leadership and advocate for and promote UNFPA's innovation and corporate performance efforts within UN inter-agency groups, Member States, and the broader development community, leveraging insights from foresight activities. 
• Provide technical leadership to institutionalize innovative practices. 
• Develop, roll out, oversee and scale up initiatives that aim to close the gap in women’s health solutions for gender equity in science, technology, and finance. 
• Lead shift in culture and foster forward thinking.
• Drive and help implement institutional transformation and change initiatives in order to enhance corporate performance and efficiencies. 
• Forge partnerships, advocate for UNFPA, and leverage innovative financing to amplify impact and secure resources.
• Support and advise UNFPA Business Units to design and mobilize innovative solutions, and guide and oversee their implementation, ensuring coherence with organizational priorities, Strategic Plans, UN Reform and 2.0, and emerging trends.

The Innovation team is led by a Chief of the Innovation and Transformation Branch, who reports to the UNFPA Chief of Staff, and works in close consultation with the Deputy Executive Director for Management and the Deputy Executive Director for Programmes.  The Innovation and Transformation Branch consists of the Chief of the Innovation and Transformation Branch, three Innovation Specialists in Risk and Opportunities, a Strategic Coordinator for UN2.0, and a Programme and Technical Specialist in SRH. The WomenX Collective team comprises a Global Coordinator, WomenX Collective (Berlin), the Nairobi Hub Management and Invest Portfolio Specialist, and an SRH Innovation Specialist. One Institutional Transformation Specialist for Change Management and an Institutional Analyst in Organizational Culture are also part of the Branch as well as two Administrative Assistants. 

The Innovation and Transformation Branch (ITB) plays a pivotal role in guiding UNFPA towards a future of heightened efficiency, impact, and relevance, by shaping and executing strategic initiatives through cultivating innovation. Through the Equalizer, UNFPA Accelerator Fund, UNFPA’s Innovation and Transformation Branch leverages innovation, research, and technology to deliver at the scale and pace needed to achieve its transformative results by 2030.

Transforming our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

On 25 September, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted Resolution 70/1, Transforming our World: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This historic document lays out the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to mobilize global efforts to end poverty, foster peace, safeguard the rights and dignity of all people, and protect the planet.   

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.