Under the supervision of the Senior Policy and Strategic Partnership Advisor, the Programme Coordination and Liaison Specialist acts as a main focal point for European Commission contribution agreements, programme management and reporting. The incumbent will help UNFPA achieve increased accountability and credibility vis-à-vis the European Commission and will also support UNFPA resource leveraging efforts through communication, advocacy and networking.
Responsibilities:
Identify potential areas of programme collaboration, including special initiatives and visibility events, with the EU institutions, the countries covered by the Representation Office, the ACP Group of States and other relevant entities;
Guide and assist Country Offices, Regional Offices and Headquarters units in programme/project proposal processes and funding requests to the EU;
Provide one to one assistance and guidance and group training to Country Offices, Regional Offices and Headquarters units on different EU/EC contracting and reporting procedures;
Monitor status of pending and on-going proposals and reporting and when required take follow up action such as liaison with UNFPA Headquarters unit, Regional Office, relevant UNFPA representatives, representatives of other executing agencies and partners;
Act as the EU/EC’s focal point at UNFPA for issues related to on-going contribution agreements;
Ensure UNFPA compliance with EC-UN Financial and Administrative Framework Agreement (FAFA) contractual requirements, including visibility requirements;
Assist in conceptualizing and preparing meetings, workshops and round tables on key policy issues related to aid and cooperation partnerships between UNFPA and EU/EC;
Assist in regular reporting on the evolution of policy dialogues initiated with the EC and suggest next steps to maintain necessary momentum;
Draft briefing notes and policy papers which will help orient UNFPA policy thinking in its dealings with relevant entities.
Ensure regular monitoring and analysis of European media, and identify points of entry for issues related to UNFPA mission and ICPD agenda;
Provide input to briefings for concerned groups and members at the European Parliament on UNFPA’s initiatives and activities;
Maintain contacts with and provide information on population and development issues to the various stakeholders to increase European public awareness of and support to UNFPA, its mandate and activities;
Assist in monitoring and reporting on relevant developments at the European Parliament, European Commission and European Council; and in the countries covered by the Representation Office
Assist in preparations for public meetings/seminars/lectures/workshops and serve as focal point for coordination with European NGOs and other actors;
Assist in the organization of and participate in UNFPA/DER advocacy, information and publicity activities (World Population Day, State of World Population Report, campaigns, etc.) and other UN media events (International Days etc)
Conduct outreach to EU policy makers, think tanks, NGOs, academic institutions to establish a wide ranging relevant network.
Education:
Advanced university degree in public health, social science, gender, economics, international relations, international development, public administration, management or other related field.
Work Experience:
A minimum of five (5) years of increasingly responsible professional experience; field experience strongly preferred.
Experience with programme development, management and reporting required and knowledge of UNFPA’s mandate and programme priorities an asset.
Advanced knowledge of EU institutions, policies, procedures and financing in the field of development and humanitarian aid an asset.
Excellent interpersonal, communication, negotiation, networking and advocacy skills.
