IMPORTANT: This post is opened in the context of the Junior Professional Officer (JPO) scheme sponsored by the Government of Norway and is addressed exclusively to nationals of Norway. For more information about the JPO Programme, please see https://www.undp.org/jposc

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.

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.

Content and methodology of supervision:

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.
• Effective supervision through knowledge sharing and performance/development feedback throughout the assignment.
• Easy access to the supervisor.
• Participation in Unit/Team/Office meetings to ensure integration and operational effectiveness.
• Guidance and advice in relation to learning and training opportunities within the field of expertise.
  Annual performance appraisal and development with the supervisor.

Learning Elements

Upon completion of the assignment, the JPO will have:

• Increased understanding of the UN system, especially the role of UNFPA among the other UN agencies;
• Experience and skills in supporting CSE, including liaison with UNFPA partners;
• Ability to appraise and prepare projects addressing CSE, SRHR with young people and adolescents, including those further left behind;
• Increased knowledge on the political, economic and social issues related to CSE, gender and sexual and reproductive health and rights;
• Improved understanding of how programme data should be used for planning, reporting and communication.
• Experience in the provision of advice to UNFPA regional and country offices;
• Experience of working as a team member in a multicultural setting.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the CSE Global Programme Coordinator and working in close collaboration with technical officers in the CSE and Child Marriage teams of UNFPA’s Gender, Human Rights and Inclusion Branch as well as with UNESCO, WHO and other relevant UN agencies and partners, the JPO will support UNFPA’s global CSE programmes with the following activities:

• Assist in provision of relevant support to the implementation of the UNFPA strategic plan outputs/deliverables in the area of Comprehensive Sexuality Education.
• Support the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of programs related to CSE.
• Support the extraction, synthesis and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data from CO reports, partner documentation, and relevant literature to develop actionable recommendations for informing the planning, implementation, and strategic decision-making of UNFPA’s global CSE programmes.
• Support the visualization and presentation of programme data and results using UNFPA corporate tools (e.g. Quantum, Power BI) and other data visualization software to produce clear, accessible, and visually engaging products for internal and external audiences.
• Liaise with Regional Offices (RO), Country offices (CO) and implementing partners to assist in formative research and documenting best practices on CSE implementation.
• Support data analysis and visualization for UNFPA’s broader adolescent and youth portfolio.
  Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications and Experience

• Masters Degree or equivalent in social sciences, medical sciences, public health, international development or related fields.
• At least 2 years of relevant and paid experience in human rights, gender, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and/or comprehensive sexuality education. 
• Prior experience in developing countries is an asset.
• Demonstrated experience in the analysis and visual presentation of programme data, including the preparation of high quality data visualizations and dashboards using tools such as Microsoft PowerBI, Tableau, DevResults or similar platforms.
• Fluency in English. 
• Knowledge of Arabic, French or Spanish is an asset.
• Ability to write clearly and concisely.
• Initiative, sound judgment and demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with staff members from different national and cultural backgrounds.

Nationality of Applicant

This post is opened in the context of the Junior Professional Officer (JPO) scheme sponsored by the Government of Norway and is addressed exclusively to nationals of Norway. For more information about the JPO Programme, please see https://www.undp.org/jposc

Values and 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, Communicating for impact

Functional Skill Set: Knowledge of international human rights frameworks, SRHR and data analysis.

Attachments (can be combined and uploaded together in Pdf)

•     A brief motivation letter in English that explains why you are the perfect candidate for the position by using examples of your interests and achievements
•     Copy of your passport
•     Copy of your educational degrees
 

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.