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Background Information

The Programme Analyst provides professional support to ensure that the Fund’s country programmes are firmly placed in the context of: the ICPD Programme of Action beyond 2014; national development processes; the global sustainable development agenda; the Post-2015 agenda; and the process of UN reform.

The primary roles of the Programme Analyst are:

  • Programme Development and Implementation
  • Knowledge and Partnership Management

The responsibilities of the Programme Analyst include assisting in the provision of Country Offices’ support needs; mainly by ensuring the implementation of programme strategies and providing programming support. These include preparing programming documents such as CCA/UNDAFs, progress implementation reports, and work plans; ensuring quality and compliance with procedures and requirements; participating in in-house reviews and debriefings; and providing day-to-day support to the Country Offices and Regional Office management needs, as required. In addition, the Programme Analyst contributes to building strategic partnerships.

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Organizational Setting

The Programme Analyst post is located in the East and Southern Africa Regional Office, based in Johannesburg, South Africa, and reports to the Programme Specialist of the Programme Coordination and Quality Assurance Unit. S/He is part of the regional team providing integrated programme support within UNFPA systems strengthening approach and a broader UN system effort to enhance coherence and effectiveness.

The Programme Analyst supports the integrated regional team through analysis of political, social, demographic and economic trends; formulates, manages and evaluates programme activities within his/her portfolio; and provides programming advice. S/he coordinates up to two programme support staff.

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Main Tasks & Responsibilities

A.     Programme Development and Implementation

 

·       Assist the RO in backstopping selected countries, provide assistance and support in operations and programme to the Country Offices; monitor and follow-up on all activities within the area of geographical/thematic responsibility in close consultations with the Programme Specialist. Finalize queries and questionnaires, and summarize reports related to the Country Offices in the area of geographical responsibility;

·       Prepare background papers/briefing documents at the request of the Regional Director and Deputy Regional Director; conduct research on organizational thematic areas, areas of technical expertise, and other issues as requested;

·       Analyze and appraise incoming documents; draft statements, talking points, correspondence, and briefing notes on the programme and operational issues. Review documents to ensure quality and relevance of subject and themes; coordinate preparation of inputs to the annual and other reports;

·       Provide support to overall office and staff management, attend meetings and monitor the implementation of tasks assigned to the Country Offices within the area of geographical responsibility;

·       Liaise between his/her desk and other offices of UNFPA and UN sister agencies to obtain relevant information and provide feedback and advice to the Regional Director or Deputy Regional Director;

·       Assist in the preparation of regional events within the area of geographical and thematic responsibility;

·       Monitor the financial and substantive aspects of projects, identify operational and financial problems, and develop solutions;

·       Provide clarifications to the Country Offices on application of operational guidelines, particularly related to UN system-wide programming including Standard Operating Procedures for Delivering as One; and

·       Draft proposals and project reports, contribute to their review, collate and provide feedback.

 

B.     Knowledge and Partnership Management

 

·       Serve as Focal Point for particular thematic areas and work closely with the Innovation and Knowledge Management Programme Specialist to share knowledge and information;

·       Liaise with Country Offices to assist in the development of programme interventions in the thematic area;

·       Assist in coordination and maintain close communication with all organizational units on issues and activities related to the particular thematic area, including organization of trainings;

·       Working with the Regional Resource Mobilization and Partnership Adviser, support partnership development with the UN Agencies, bilateral and multilateral donors, private sector and civil society based on strategic goals of UNFPA, country needs and donors’ priorities;

·       Analyze and research information on donors, prepare substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation, identify opportunities for initiation of new projects, actively contribute to the overall office effort in strategic partnerships; and

·       Collate, synthesize and prepare analytical regional socio-political and environmental briefs based on an environmental scanning strategy.

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Qualifications and Experience

Education: 

Post-graduate University Degree or equivalent in public health, medicine, sociology, demography, economics, international relations, international development, public administration, management or other related field.

Knowledge and Experience:

  • Two years of increasingly responsible professional experience in work related to international development.
  • Substantive knowledge and practical experience in population, reproductive and sexual health programming.
  • Have a sound knowledge of the social and cultural realities of the region.
  • Have strong research, analytical and report writing skills.
  • Field experience is an asset.
  • Familiarity with UN procedures and working methods, particularly with the UN Reform process, policies and procedures, is highly desirable.

 

Languages:

Fluency in English is required. Working knowledge of French and/or Portuguese is an asset.

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Required Competencies

Required Competencies:

Values: Exemplifying integrity, Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system, Embracing cultural diversity, Embracing change

ii) 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

iii) Required Skillset:

·        Results based programme development and management - achieving results through programme design and innovative resourcing strategies;

·        Building strategic alliances - leveraging the resources of national governments and partners / building strategic alliances and partnerships;

·        Analytical and strategic thinking;

·        Job knowledge / technical expertise;

·        Business acumen;

        ·        Organizational awareness.

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UNFPA Work Environment

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, teamwork, respect for diversity, integrity and a healthy balance of work and life.  We are committed to maintaining our balanced gender distribution and therefore encourage women to apply.
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Compensation and Benefits

This position offers an attractive remuneration package commensurate with the level of the post.   The package includes a competitive net salary plus cost of living adjustment, housing allowance, home leave, health insurance and other benefits.
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Closing Statement

Notice: There is no application, processing or other fee at any stage of the application process. UNFPA does not solicit or screen for information in respect of HIV or AIDS and does not discriminate on the basis of HIV/AIDS status.

This is a project funded post.
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Disclaimer

WARNING TO APPLICANTS: UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you have received a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web. Should you feel that you have received a fraudulent notice, letter or offer that makes use of the name or logo of UNFPA, you may submit a report through the UNFPA fraud hotline http://www.unfpa.org/help/hotline.cfm

Notice to applicants: In accordance with the 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, are required to renounce such status upon their appointment.  Exceptions to this rule are very limited and can be made only for: (a) stateless persons; (b) newly appointed staff members who have applied for citizenship by naturalization, when such citizenship will be granted imminently; (c) acting staff members in the General Service and related categories with permanent residency status, on promotion to the Professional category; (d) staff members appointed under a temporary appointment. Please understand that UNFPA is not in a position to provide advice on or assistance in applying for any citizenship.
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