Programme Specialist Job Vacancy at UNFPA – February 2025

Job Posting

Organization: UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund)
Position: Programme Specialist – Sexual and Reproductive Health
Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Job Level: NOC
Contract Type: Fixed Term Appointment
Application Deadline: 14 March 2025 (11:59 PM, New York Time)
Reporting To: Deputy Representative

Job Summary

The Programme Specialist – Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) will lead and coordinate comprehensive SRHR programmes in Tanzania. This includes maternal health, family planning, and HIV prevention while integrating human rights and disability inclusion into UNFPA’s country strategy. The role focuses on supporting policy development, programme management, and advocacy to achieve universal access to sexual and reproductive health services in line with ICPD commitments and SDG targets.

The Programme Specialist will work under the overall guidance of the UNFPA Representative and will report directly to the Deputy Representative. This role requires a strategic thinker and technical expert in sexual and reproductive health, capable of managing teams, mobilizing resources, and engaging with stakeholders at all levels.

Key Responsibilities

1. Policy Dialogue & Thought Leadership

Represent UNFPA in policy discussions at national and regional levels to advocate for SRHR.
Engage in health sector reforms, UN coordination efforts, and development partner meetings.
Provide technical expertise in the development of policies and strategies to promote reproductive health rights.

2. National Capacity Development

Support national and sectoral capacity assessments to improve strategic planning and programme execution.
Organize capacity-building sessions for implementing partners (IPs) to enhance compliance with UNFPA policies.
Guide partners and programme staff on effective programme implementation and financial reporting.

3. Programme Management & Coordination

Lead the design, implementation, and monitoring of SRHR projects in Tanzania.
Ensure integration of human rights, disability inclusion, and marginalized groups into programme strategies.
Work closely with UNFPA’s operations team to ensure budget and resource allocation align with programme priorities.
Monitor programme impact, results, and effectiveness using results-based management (RBM) tools.

4. Advocacy, Partnerships & Resource Mobilization

Develop and implement resource mobilization strategies by identifying funding opportunities and preparing proposals.
Represent UNFPA in national and international forums related to reproductive health and rights.
Strengthen partnerships with government agencies, civil society, donors, and private sector actors to advance SRHR goals.

5. Supervision & Performance Management

Lead and mentor a team of SRHR specialists, programme officers, and consultants.
Ensure compliance with UNFPA policies and guidelines within the team.
Foster a culture of performance excellence, teamwork, and accountability.

6. Knowledge Management & Strategic Learning

Document and share best practices, innovations, and lessons learned in sexual and reproductive health programmes.
Support the generation of evidence-based data to inform policy decisions and advocacy efforts.
Engage in research and contribute to global knowledge exchange on maternal health, family planning, and HIV prevention.

Qualifications & Experience

Education:

Master’s degree in Public Health, Social/Health Policy, Health Systems, Development Studies, or related fields.

Experience:

Minimum 5 years of experience in programme management within the reproductive health sector.
Demonstrated expertise in maternal health, emergency obstetric care, family planning, and HIV prevention.
Experience in managing large-scale donor-funded projects and mobilizing resources.
Strong skills in strategic planning, monitoring & evaluation, and policy advocacy.
Experience working with government institutions, UN agencies, and international organizations.

Technical & Soft Skills:

Strong understanding of health sector reforms, SWAPs (Sector-Wide Approaches), and results-based management (RBM).
Proven ability to build partnerships and engage in high-level policy discussions.
Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.
Strong analytical skills and ability to work under pressure in complex environments.

Languages:

Fluency in English and Kiswahili (both written and spoken) is required.

Core Competencies & Values

UNFPA Core Values:

✔ Exemplifying Integrity
✔ Commitment to UNFPA’s Mission
✔ Embracing Cultural Diversity
✔ Commitment to Gender Equality

Core Competencies:

✔ Achieving Results
✔ Accountability
✔ Strategic Thinking
✔ Effective Communication
✔ Teamwork & Collaboration

Functional Competencies:

✔ Advocacy & Policy Development
✔ Building Strategic Partnerships
✔ Programme Design & Implementation
✔ Data-Driven Decision Making

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive salary package (aligned with UN salary scales)
Comprehensive health insurance and retirement benefits
Access to global training & professional development programs
Opportunity to contribute to high-impact programmes in Tanzania

Work Environment at UNFPA

UNFPA promotes a diverse, inclusive, and gender-equal workplace. We encourage applications from women, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other underrepresented groups.

💡 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) is at the heart of our workforce—learn more about our commitment to fostering a safe and empowering environment.