The Position:

The post of Programme Specialist is located in Tonga as part of the UNFPA Pacific Sub-Regional Office (PSRO) in Fiji. Under the supervision of the Multi-Country Programme Coordinator in PSRO, and the guidance by the PSRO Senior Management Team, this position is responsible for the design, development, and management of an innovative and responsive country programme in Tonga, in order to deliver on UNFPA’s 7th Pacific Multi-Country Programme (2023-2027). You will lead the UNFPA team in Tonga in devising tangible solutions and results, in line with national, sub-regional and global UNFPA targets, to contribute to the country’s national development goals.

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:

The Programme Specialist will support the implementation of UNFPA’s interventions at the national and sub-national levels and to ensure that the agreed strategic interventions are implemented in the context of the 2030 Agenda; the ICPD Programme of Action; the UNFPA

Strategic Plan at the global level; the Pacific UN system-wide Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework; as well as UNFPA’s 7th Pacific Multi-Country Programme (2023-2027) for 14 Pacific Island Countries and Territories including Tonga. All of these shall be aligned with the national development priorities of Tonga.

The position is expected to support close engagement with the Government line ministries (particularly the Ministry of Health), academic and research institutions, relevant civil society organizations and non-governmental organizations, the bilateral partners resident in country, UN agencies and other international development agencies and financial institutions, to ensure effective programme implementation as per the agreed strategic direction and work plan results framework and timeframe.

S/he would also contribute towards the analysis of political, social and economic trends, the formulation, management and evaluation of programme activities at a national level and the provision of integrated programme and operational support.

You would be responsible for:

• Supporting PSRO in coordinating the results-based implementation of the 7th Multi- Country Programme 2023-2027 in Tonga, including through coordination with the Government and other Implementing Partners, capacity development support, and advocacy.
• Contribute to UNFPA’s inputs to One UN by coordinating with relevant UN Agencies operating in Tonga.
• Representing UNFPA in Tonga for programme and operations matters, as requested by PSRO.
• Supporting the co-ordination and delivery of country level programme results, particularly Universal access to SRH information and services and a measurable reduction in unmet need for family planning;
• Assisting in advocacy and positioning of universal access to SRH in national and sub- national policy dialogue;
• Supporting the planning, monitoring, reporting, review and evaluation of the national SRH programme at country level.
• Supporting the active engagement of all relevant partners in a robust national SRH/RMNCAH coordination mechanism under the leadership of the Ministry of Health;
• Supporting overall Policy and Programme Development in line with international best practices;
• Providing day-to day support of overall work plan coordination and implementation with all relevant stakeholders;
• Providing support for capacity development of the health sector workforce to deliver 5 modern methods of family planning and selected SRH services
• Providing systematic monitoring and reporting of the central pharmacy / medical stores and service delivery points at all levels, to ensure zero stock outs of RH commodities.
• Supporting evidence generation, analysis and utilization of data for planning, monitoring, review and evaluation of the national SRH programme;
• Ensuring that relevant line ministries, civil society partners and bilateral community are kept abreast of all related Multicountry Programme related investments.
• Ensure effective budget monitoring, financial reporting and accountability procedures of UNFPA are met, on time and with high quality reports.

Qualifications and Experience: 

Education:  

Bachelor’s degree in management, International Development, Sociology, Economics, Demography, International Relations, Public Administration, Public Health, Medicine or other related field is required.

Knowledge and Experience: 

Minimum of seven (7) years professional experience preferably in programme/ project management in the public or private sector especially in International Development

• Substantive knowledge and practical experience in population, reproductive and sexual health programming.
• Sound knowledge of the social and cultural realities of the region.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Field experience is an asset.
• Familiarity with UN procedures and working methods, particularly with UNFPA’s agenda, policies and procedures, is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in MS Office Packages, database management and the Internet.

Languages: 

Fluency in English is required. Fluency in the local language is an advantage.

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:

• Promoting accountability and results- based management,
• Innovation and marketing development and management,
• Impact and influence, Organizational awareness,
• Promoting organizational learning and knowledge sharing,
• Advocacy/Advancing a policy-oriented agenda,
• Leveraging the resources of national governments and partners/building strategic alliances and partnerships,
• Delivering results-based programmes;
• Internal and external communication and advocacy for results mobilization.

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.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements