Programme Coordinator, Cross River Decentralized Office at United Nations Population Fund - UNFPA

****ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE:****
Under the guidance of the Representative, the Programme Coordinator of Cross River Decentralized Office (DO) has a dual role. S/he is the primary implementer of the Country Programme at the Cross River DO, as well as overseeing the Reproductive Health component in the DO. The Programme Coordinator of Cross River DO substantively contributes to the management of UNFPA activities in the DO. Acting as an analyst/advisor, the Programme Coordinator of Cross River DO proactively provides the Representative with information on achievement of results in the implementation of UNFPA programmes in the states under the DO.

During the Country programme cycle, the Programme Coordinator of Cross River DO facilitates and coordinates programme officers and promotes partnership, synergy and strategic alliances with counterparts in government, multilateral and bilateral agencies as well as civil society organizations. The Programme Coordinator of Cross River DO leads the programme team, inspiring it to translate the country programme goals into specific solutions and results.

S/he must effectively influence counterparts from diverse backgrounds to jointly contribute to advance the ICPD policy agenda.

****DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:****

•     Creates substantive knowledge of population and development, Reproductive Health and Gender Equality issues in the DO, assesses technical assistance needs in these areas and advises on the suitability of programmes and projects to meet these needs. Addresses policy issues and provides substantive inputs to facilitate policy dialogue and the incorporation of these policies into national plans and strategies, UN systems initiatives and development frameworks (CCA, UNDAP, PRSPs, SWAPs, CAPs MDG).
•     Provides substantive leadership and inputs into the design and formulation of programmes and projects translating UNFPA’s mandate and strategies priorities into local interventions, and responding to Government plans and priorities. Introduces into the project formulation process the results of programme and project reviews and evaluations, best practices, as well as innovative strategies, approaches and policies
•     Advises and reports on achievement of programme and project results, proactively measuring substantive progress and the effective utilization of financial and human project resources using appropriate monitoring and measuring mechanisms and tools. Leads programme and project implementation, guiding and orienting executing agencies and project personnel introducing effective modalities and practices of implementation.
•     Creates and documents knowledge by evaluating programmes, projects and ongoing experience for lessons learned, best practices and replicable strategies and approaches and actively shares and applies this knowledge. Creates mechanisms to collect and share knowledge.
•     Analyzes population and development, Reproductive Health and Gender equality issues within the states in the DO to provide substantive inputs to institutional responses and advocacy strategies taking into account political and social sensitivities. Takes opportunities to advocate and advance UNFPA’s policy agenda by participating in public information events.
•     Contributes to the resource mobilization strategy by analyzing information on potential donors, preparing substantive briefs and project proposals in line with donor priorities, creating feedback mechanisms and providing information on progress of donor funded projects. Identifies opportunities for cost sharing.
•     Provides substantive technical support and coordination for the effective management of all programme outputs including development and implementation of result based work plans, project financial monitoring and budget management in ATLAS.
•     In collaboration with Government counterparts, NGOs and other partners contributes substantively to implement an integrated UNFPA programme, monitoring and evaluation.
•     Helps create and document knowledge about current and emerging programmatic issues, by analyzing programmes, projects, strategies, approaches and ongoing experience for lessons learned, best practices, and shares with the Field Office team for use in knowledge sharing and planning future strategies.
•     Represents UNFPA in the geographic area, which covers 8 states with a population of 30 million, and in various fora as requested by the Representative on programmatic and technical issues.
•     Facilitate the effective running of the DO, including efficient management and supervision of staff, finance and administrative matters in accordance with relevant UNFPA rules and procedures.
•     Have oversight responsibility and is accountable for the appropriate use and management of DO resources and those provided for the programmes in the geographic area.
•     In collaboration with the Representative, provides a harmonized coordination support to UN Agencies, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and state’s national authorities through the establishment of a wider/appropriate consultation process to enhance coordination between state counterparts, development partners, thus strengthening the links between states counterparts and UN Agencies.
•     Undertake any other assignments as may be required by the Representative in close connection with the main office

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES
Core Values: Exemplifying Integrity; Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA mandate & the UN System; Embracing cultural diversity; Embracing change.

Core Competencies

•     Achieving results
•     Being accountable
•     Developing & applying professional expertise/business acumen
•     Thinking analytically and strategically
•     Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships
•     Communicating for Impact.

Managerial Competencies

•     Engaging internal/external partners and stakeholders
•     Leading, developing & empowering people/creating a culture of performance
•     Making Decisions and exercising judgment

****Functional Skills****

•     Advocacy/Advancing a policy oriented agenda
•     Leveraging the resources of national governments & Partners / building strategic alliances and partnerships
•     Internal & external communication & Advocacy; Resource Mobilization
•     Results-based programme development management
•     Innovation and marketing of new approaches

****QUALIFICATIONS:****

•     Advanced degree in health, population, demography and/or other related social science field. PhD is an advantage.
•     7 years of professional experience, preferably in programme/project management in the public or private sector.
•     Knowledge of the UN System will be an advantage
•     Fluency in oral and written English