The Position:

Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Representative and the overall supervision of the Representative, the Programme Specialist for Niassa is responsible for all aspects of developing and managing UNFPA programmes but focusing on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Right (SRHR) and prevention and response to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the province in line with national priorities and according to UNFPA policies and procedures and ICPD priorities. S/he is responsible for building, maintaining, and strengthening strategic partnerships in the province to achieve the programme results and leads the “UNFPA project implementation and coordination platforms of UN agencies and Implementing Partners, maintaining a close linkage with the government coordination mechanisms for effective and efficient implementation of the programme/projects. Lead the field office staff and collaborate with the Country Office’s programme, operations and administrative support staff.

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.

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 Programme Specialist is expected to provide leadership on convening and coordination of partnerships among intergovernmental organizations, local government, CSOs, professional associations and international development agencies in the substantive and related programme areas. More specifically, the  Programme Specialist provides leadership and technical guidance for planning, implementation and monitoring of UNFPA programmes in Niassa province, especially on adolescents and youth such as child marriage and other forms of GBV, adolescent pregnancy, SRH services, comprehensive sexuality education, expanded economic opportunities, youth participation and leadership.

*Subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

The Programme Specialist is responsible for: 

Programme/Project Coordination and Management:

• Lead timely planning, monitoring and execution of joint UN programme/project interventions, in close coordination with UN agencies and implementing partners, and in accordance with the programme document and agreement, aligned to ICPD. Focus on maximizing programme impact, paying particular attention to the global commitment to Leave No One Behind.
• Develop and manage provincial level partnerships and collaborations with other UN agencies, in the area of expertise, including in the context of the UNSDCF, joint programmes and projects on prevention of child marriage and other forms of gender-based violence, protection of girls, promotion of adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights, and life skills among youth. Plan and arrange regular coordination meetings and serve as the technical secretary.
• Share key research, data and information related to SRHR and GBV issues, at the provincial multi-sectoral coordination forums to ensure improved access to population information and data to all key stakeholders.
• In close collaboration and coordination with Government counterparts, NGOs and other partners, contribute to the design, formulation and effective implementation of UNFPA´s Country Programme in the province. Prepare a detailed annual work-plan and associated budget in collaboration with the implementing partners, and ensure endorsement and approval. Oversee programme implementation to facilitate timely and efficient delivery of programme inputs. Ensure that the programme’s annual plans are harmonized and integrated within plans and provincial and district budgets. Monitor the programme’s progress and performance as approved deadlines, budgets and responsibilities of each agency, the provincial directorate (DP) and other implementing partners.
• Supervise the monitoring of programme implementation, against the established indicators detailed in the programme / project results frameworks. Conduct field visits as required to verify programme activities relative to stated targets. Ensure appropriate monitoring reports by Implementing Partners (technical narrative and financial) for submission to UNFPA according to timelines agreed.
• Liaise with implementing entities, to ensure the timely submission of monthly programme reports and that co-financing contributions are provided as agreed in the programme documents.
• Promote the use of existing programme reviews and evaluations, best practices, as well as innovative strategies, approaches and policies into the formulation of interventions.
• Prepare narratives and matrix annual reports in a timely fashion with renewed emphasis on capturing results at the output and outcome levels, supported by evidence, including submitting programmatic reports, and personal and duty travel plans, promote and support the development of operational researches on SRH/MNCH (Sexual and Reproductive Health / Maternal Newborn and Child Health).
• Regular analysis and report on programme/project achievements and results, measuring progress and the effective utilization of financial and human resources, using timely and appropriate monitoring and measuring mechanisms and tools, reflected in value for money.
• Promote inter-linkages between UN programme components (SRHR, gender and youth) to ensure synergies, complementarities and progress on ICPD agenda in the province.
• Lead intra-agency coordination efforts of UN agencies in the province Nampula for coordinated support to the implementation of joint programmes/projects, namely of “My decision, My future” and others.
• Address bottlenecks in implementation of policies relevant to the substantive areas and provides substantive technical and coordination inputs to provincial coordination mechanisms.
• Identify opportunities in the province for cost-sharing, leveraging and collaboration with civil society, government and other partners as well as through joint UN programmes.
• Monitor/ follow up the procurement of goods and services for the programme and ensure execution according to the rules and guidelines established by the UN (UNFPA) and the GoM (Government of Mozambique).
• Manage and supervise the day-to-day operations of the Field Office, supervising and guiding field office staff.
• Liaise with relevant UN/ UNFPA CO staff, as required to ensure efficient and effective implementation of the programme.

Technical Support and Capacity Development:

• Ensure the implementation, compliance and proper application of UNFPA policies, strategies, guidelines and tools during programme and project implementation, ensuring consistency and coherence in addressing priorities for UNFPA, including Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.
• Ensure the analysis and synthesis of substantive trends, emerging needs and research findings in the province in order to produce new, cutting edge technical knowledge.
• Assess technical assistance needs in the substantive areas and coordinate with the CO planning of interventions to meet these needs.
• Contribute to provincial capacity development activities, including the development of training materials, manuals and tools and promote their use for capacity development.
• Facilitate troubleshooting options with the relevant entities to remove any bottlenecks that might arise during project implementation. Identify gaps in implementing the programme quality and propose solutions to address them. Provide technical and policy support to the counterparts and technicians of the Implementing Partners (IPs).

Advocacy and Policy Dialogue:

• Represent UNFPA on technical issues in the province and elaborate perspectives on SRHR and GBV issues.
• Explore existing information, analyze and interpret the political, social and economic environment influences on SRHR and human rights in Nampula, and ensure that issues are appropriately addressed at the provincial level.
• Identify and analyze trends, threats and risks that may affect the accomplishment of the UN/ UNFPA’s programme in the province. Keep abreast with new relevant policy developments and strategies, analyzing policy papers, strategy documents, national plans and development frameworks, and management of data and information, to inform policies and programmes on SRHR and GBV.
• Identify opportunities to advocate and advance UNFPA’s agenda by participating in public information events.
• Support advocacy efforts of the Country Office by analyzing the relevant provincial data and provide recommendations to CO on institutional responses and advocacy strategies, taking into account local political and social context.
• Contribute to the resource mobilization efforts by providing information on the local context and key stakeholders, preparing substantive briefs and providing information on progress of donor funded initiatives.
• Engage for strong technical and programme multi-sectoral partnerships for advocacy for ICPD agenda and the attainment of SDG targets and indicators at the national level through national institutions, networks, alliances and coalitions.

Other:

When appropriate, undertake other managerial and/or programme implementation duties assigned by the Deputy Representative, Assistant Representative, and/or Representative.

Qualifications and Experience:

Education:  

• Master´s degree in health, gender studies, demography, social sciences, or other related disciplines.

Knowledge and experience:

• Minimum of five years of increasingly responsible professional experience in the substantive area, preferably in public, NGO and/or international institutions.
• Field experience in SRHR, gender, child marriage and/or life skills education is required.
• Good knowledge of the programme development mechanism of the United Nations country programmes and familiarity with UNFPA programmes and policies.
• Experience in coordination of multi-sectoral project working groups or coordination committees in Mozambique, is an asset.
• Familiarity with UNFPA/UN country operations and procedures is an asset.

Language Requirements: 

• Excellent oral and written communication in English and Portuguese.

Computer Skills: 

• Proficiency in the latest office software applications.
• IT ability to familiarize with ERP (Atlas, Quantum), PeopleSoft, SAP, or other web-based integrated system.

Core Competencies:

• Integrity/Commitment to mandate, knowledge sharing/continuous learning, valuing diversity.
• Managing Relationships: Working in teams, communicating information and ideas, conflict and self-management.
• Working with people: Empowerment/Developing people/performance management.
• Personal Leadership and Effectiveness: Strategic and analytical thinking, results orientation/commitment to excellence, appropriate and transparent decision making.
• Good financial management skills.

Values: 

• Exemplifying integrity
• Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system
• Embracing cultural diversity
• Promoting innovation and positive change

Managerial Competencies: 

• Providing strategic focus,
• Engaging in internal/external partners and stakeholders,
• Leading, developing and empowering people, creating a culture of performance
• Making decisions and exercising judgment

Functional competencies:

• Advocacy/Advancing a policy-oriented agenda.
• Results-based programme development and management.
• Innovation and marketing of new approaches.
• Leveraging the resources of national governments and partners/Building strategic alliances and partners.
• Demonstrated willingness to work as part of a team;
• Excellent interpersonal, communications skills and negotiation skills;
• Resource mobilization.
• Training and facilitation skills.
• Ability to conduct operational/interventional research.

Compensation and Benefits 

This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary plus health insurance, pension and other benefits as applicable.

Disclaimer 

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Fraudulent notices, letters or offers may be submitted to the UNFPA fraud hotline http://www.unfpa.org/help/hotline.cfm

In accordance with the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations, persons applying to posts in the international Professional category, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements