The Position:

The Policy and Advocacy Specialist position is with UNFPA Berlin Representation Office (BRO) which is part of the HQ-based Division for External Relations (DER). The Berlin Representation Office will serve to liaise and advocate with key partners including governments / Ministries of Foreign Affairs (MFAs), Parliamentarians (MPs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), private sector, academia, media, and citizens in Germany, Austria, Lichtenstein and potentially the Central European Member States (Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland) for the purpose of continued and increased political and financial support to UNFPA and the UNFPA mandate.  The Chief is also responsible for supporting the relationship with Austria, Lichtenstein and potentially the Central European Member States (Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland).

The position of Policy and Advocacy Specialist, Berlin Representation Office will report to the Chief, Berlin Representation Office.

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 strategic plan (2022-2025), reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. These results capture our strategic commitments on accelerating progress towards realizing the ICPD and SDGs in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030. Our strategic plan calls upon UN Member States, organizations and individuals to “build forward better”, while addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women’s and girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, recover lost gains and realize our goals.

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:

Under the direct supervision of the Chief, Berlin Representation Office, the Policy and Advocacy Specialist is responsible for providing strategic guidance, oversight, and support to position, advocate, and fundraise for UNFPA in Germany and other countries of coverage. The Policy and Advocacy Specialist is responsible for proactively initiating policy, advocacy, and awareness raising outreach in Germany and other countries of coverage targeted at decision-makers and key partners; for expanding and deepening strategic partnerships; and for ensuring that UNFPA is an active, engaged, and responsive partner vis-à-vis both existing key partners and potential new partners.

You would be responsible for:

Advocacy for UNFPA mission and mandate

• Follow and identify opportunities to influence policy development in the Germany and other countries of coverage on SRHR and other issues under the UNFPA mission and mandate;
• Follow policy developments on priority topics in international development and advocate for linkages to SRHR;
• Lead, conceptualize, and organize UNFPA BRO advocacy and outreach events in Germany and other countries of coverage with key partners;
• Conceptualize, plan, and implement UNFPA BRO messaging and communication efforts including through social media channels;
• Provide analysis and updates to HQ on relevant developments in Germany and other countries of coverage including annual budgets, policy priorities, and outcomes of national elections / changes in government;
• Advise, plan and support UNFPA senior management, other leadership, and staff missions to Germany and other countries of coverage;
• Advise, plan and support field visits for German Ministers, MPs, government/MFA officials, and other key partners to UNFPA field operations or HQ.

Outreach and communication

• Advise, coordinate, and collaborate on effective messaging, positioning and strategy with other UN agencies present in Berlin and partner NGOs, to reach and involve MPs, government / MFAs, and civil society;
• Conceptualize and organize publicity events for annual launches of State of World Population Report in Germany and other countries of coverage with key partners;
• Respond urgently and thoroughly to all requests for information, data, or contacts, and to suggestions for joint activities from key partners;
• Develop and maintain contacts with government officials, NGOs, academia, and other key partners to identify opportunities and vehicles to communicate and advocate with these constituencies;
• Draft presentations, briefing notes and talking points for the Chief, BRO and provide strategic support to their substantive engagement;
• Represent UNFPA on behalf of the BRO Director in meetings, events, presentations;
• Design and keep updated Donor Profiles for Germany and other countries of coverage  including overview of co-financed projects;
• Liaise with Country or Regional Offices for outreach and communication.

Media collaboration

• Ensure media coverage of UNFPA results and mandate.
• Draft pieces for media in the name(s) of UNFPA leadership, ministers, MPs and / or NGO leadership; draft or translate PRs, work to place when finalized.
• Secure interview opportunities with UNFPA leadership when visiting Germany and other countries of coverage, secure media participation in media field visits.
• Develop background and information material for activities with media presence including field visits, launches of State of World Population report etc.

Coordination

• Liaise proactively and as necessary with DER colleagues across three branches and other HQ colleagues to ensure alignment on all the above;
• Support UNFPA BRO work on developing and implementing the Country Engagement Strategy work plans for countries of coverage;
• Participate as needed in recurrent conference calls with DER branches.

Qualifications and Experience: 

Education:  

Advanced university degree in one of the following fields: social sciences, public administration, public health, international relations or other related disciplines is required.

Knowledge and Experience: 

• A minimum of 5 years including international experience in the field of policy, advocacy and sexual and reproductive health and rights.
• Understanding of German ODA context, in particular as relates to sexual and reproductive health and rights.
• Skills in building strategic alliances and partnerships.
• Experience in conceptualizing, planning and leading advocacy events and activities with MPs, government ministries, civil society, academia and private sector partners.
• Strong analytical and writing skills for internal audiences, media and other stakeholders.
• Experience in representing an organization to a broad range of stakeholders, including strong presentation skills to diverse audiences.
• Technical and programme / field experience in sexual and reproductive health is preferred.
• Experience in resource mobilization and partnership coordination is a strong asset.
• Initiative, excellent interpersonal skills, sound judgment, and demonstrated ability to work harmoniously in teams with staff members from different national and cultural backgrounds.
• Excellent organizational skills and experience in office management, including planning, budgeting, and monitoring is preferred.
• Ability to self-manage, work under pressure, prioritize and plan, coordinate own work plan, use time efficiently to observe deadlines and achieve set goals.
• Familiarity with the UN system.
• Proven ability to apply creativity and innovation.

Languages: 

Fluency in English and German (both oral and written) is required.

Required 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 Competencies:

• Advocacy/advancing a policy-oriented agenda,
• Leveraging support of donor governments and partners / building strategic alliances and partnerships,
• Delivering results,
• Internal and external communication and advocacy for results.

Compensation and Benefits:

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

UNFPA Work Environment:

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA’s workforce – click here to learn more.

Disclaimer:

Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements.

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.

Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.