IMPORTANT: This post is opened in the context of the Junior Professional Officer (JPO) scheme sponsored by the Government of the Netherlands and is addressed exclusively to nationals of the Netherlands. For more information about the JPO Programme, please see https://www.undp.org/jposc

For the minimum qualification requirements see the website of Nedworc Foundation. Please read the criteria and FAQ section carefully before considering applying: Junior Professional Officer Programme - Nedworc Foundation

UNFPA is the lead United Nations agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The UNFPA Strategic Plan for 2026-2029 articulates the organization’s response to a complex global environment, providing a roadmap for resilience and renewal. It is designed to accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. This mandate is pursued through a focus on four interconnected outcomes: ending the unmet need for family planning; ending preventable maternal deaths; ending gender-based violence and harmful practices; and adapting to demographic change through evidence and rights-based policies. 

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 who transform, inspire, and deliver high-impact and sustained results and ensure effective external relations, communications, and partnership-building and resource mobilization in a rapidly changing development and funding landscape. We need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them, and who commit to delivering excellence in programme results.

Training component: Learning elements and expectations

Upon completion of the assignment the JPO will have/ will be able to:

• Increased understanding of the UN system, especially the role of UNFPA among the other UN agencies; 
• Experience and skills in supporting CSE, including liaison with UNFPA partners;
• Ability to appraise and prepare projects addressing CSE, SRHR with young people and adolescents, including those further left behind; 
• Increased knowledge on the political, economic and social issues related to CSE, gender and sexual and reproductive health and rights; 
• Preparation of project design and budgets.

The JPO training programme includes the following learning elements:

• First year JPOs attend an orientation programme for one week at the UNFPA Headquarter in New York. During this week they receive a comprehensive overview of the work of the different offices of the organization. Additionally, JPOs have an opportunity to build their networks with their colleagues at HQ as well as fellow JPOs from UNFPA and other UN agencies in New York City. 
• JPOs in their final JPO year attend a five day Career Bootcamp workshop at the UNFPA HQ in New York, designed to support their career development and prepare them for the post-JPO transition. During this workshop, JPOs gain practical skills and training on career development competencies, learn from former JPOs, meet fellow JPOs (past and current) in the UN System, learn about Inter-Agency hiring practices and expand their professional networks. 
• The JPO position includes a Duty travel and training allowance (DTTA) of $4000 per year which may be used for learning activities related to the assignment and career development.

Content and methodology of supervision

As part of the UNFPA JPO programme overall framework, the JPO will benefit from the following supervision modalities:

• Structured guidance provided by the supervisor, especially in the beginning of the assignment, with the purpose of gradually increasing the responsibilities of the JPO.
• Establishment of a work plan, with clear key results.
• Effective supervision through knowledge sharing and performance/development feedback throughout the assignment.
• Easy access to the supervisor.
• Participation in Unit/Team/Office meetings to ensure integration and operational effectiveness. 
• Guidance and advice in relation to learning and training opportunities within the field of expertise.
• If more than one supervisor; clear agreement of the roles and responsibilities between the relevant parties.
• Annual performance appraisal and development with the supervisor (CPM).

Duties and responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the CSE Programme Coordinator and working in close collaboration with technical officers in the Gender, Human Rights and Inclusion Branch and other units of the Programme Division as well as with UNESCO, WHO and other relevant UN agencies and partners, the JPO will assist the CSE Team in undertaking the below activities.

• Assist in provision of relevant support to the implementation of the UNFPA strategic plan outputs/deliverables in the area of Comprehensive Sexuality Education.
• Support the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of programs related to CSE.
  Develop and maintain effective partnerships with relevant organizations, government agencies, and community-based organizations to promote CSE.
• Liaise with Regional Offices (RO), Country offices (CO) and implementing partners to assist in conducting formative research and documenting best practices on CSE implementation.
• Continue to disseminate the UNFPA Internal Strategy on Addressing CSE opposition, and liaise with ROs and COs regarding its dissemination and implementation.
• Support drafting donor proposals and technical reports.
• Provide communication support by drafting blog posts or developing social media content to promote the activities listed above.
• Provide assistance in organizing high level events, workshops, webinars, and teleconferences related to CSE.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
   

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education: 

• Master degree or equivalent in social sciences, medical sciences, public health, international development with specialized knowledge of CSE/SRHR/GBV, or related fields.
• In exceptional cases candidates with a Bachelor’s degree plus a minimum of 4 years relevant working experience can be considered.

Working experience: 

• Minimal 2 years (or 4 years with Bachelor’s degree) relevant working experience with human rights, gender, sexual and reproductive health and rights, GBV, and/or comprehensive sexuality education. Prior experience in developing countries is an asset.
• Work experience within the UN system should not exceed 1 year, including UNV, (paid) UN internship and UN consultancy.

All paid work experience since obtaining Bachelor’s degree will/can be considered.  
Internship and voluntary work experience (other than UNV experience) will not be considered.

Languages: 

• Fluency in English. 
• Knowledge of Arabic, French or Spanish is an asset.
• Ability to write clearly and concisely.

Age and Nationality of Applicant:

• The maximum age limit for candidates is 32 years as of 31 December of the year of application.
• This post is opened in the context of the Junior Professional Officer (JPO) scheme sponsored by the Government of the Netherlands and is addressed exclusively to nationals of the Netherlands. For more information about the JPO Programme, please see https://www.undp.org/jposc
• For the minimum qualification requirements see the website of Nedworc Foundation. Please read the criteria and FAQ section carefully before considering applying: Junior Professional Officer Programme - Nedworc Foundation

Key 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 Skill Set: Knowledge of international human rights frameworks, SRHR and comprehensive sexuality education.
• Initiative, sound judgment and demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with staff members from different national and cultural backgrounds.

Attachments needed:

• A brief motivation letter in English that explains why you are the perfect candidate for the position by using examples of your interests and achievements
• Copy of your passport
• Copy of your educational degrees

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.