Log In
Sign Up
Job Description
The Programme Specialist is responsible for the update and implementation of effective partnership and resource mobilization strategies aimed at increasing the visibility and awareness of UNFPA’s work in Ethiopia. The incumbent aims to maximize the availability of donor funding for the Country Office (CO) and provides strategic programming and policy support to ensure the CO’s external relations are firmly aligned with the ICPD Programme of Action and the SDGs.
He/she reports directly to the Resource Mobilisation and Partnership Specialist.
How you can make a difference:
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.
Job Purpose:
As a Programme Specialist within the Resource Mobilisation and Partnership (RMP) Unit, she/he will serve as the strategic engine driving UNFPA Ethiopia’s ability to turn global mandates into local impact. Acting as a technical catalyst and reporting directly to the RMP Specialist, she/he will support the design and execution of sophisticated partnership strategies that elevate UNFPA’s visibility and influence within the Ethiopian development landscape.
She/he will play a critical role in delivering the Country Programme by ensuring all resource mobilization efforts are seamlessly integrated with the ICPD Programme of Action, the UNFPA Strategic Plan, and Ethiopia’s national development frameworks.
Additionally, she/he will support the effective management of UNFPA activities in the areas of population change and data, sexual and reproductive health, gender and social norms, adolescents and youth and humanitarian response.
You would be responsible for:
A. Strategic Partnerships, Policy, and Advocacy
- Identify, initiate, and maintain national, regional, and global strategic partnerships, including high-level UNFPA champions and influential stakeholders, to position the ICPD agenda and UNFPA mandates, in all settings.
- Support the analysis of the national context (political, social, and economic trends) and its implications for UNFPA’s work in Ethiopia.
B. Resource Mobilization
- Support the implementation and regular update of the Country Office Resource Mobilization Strategy.
- Actively pursue funding opportunities, grants, and donations from various sources to support program implementation and project activities.
- Undertake continuous mapping of potential strategic partners and identify opportunities for co-financing and blended finance.
- Conceptualize and develop modern, creative fundraising tools and ideas.
- Coordinate the development of budgeted quality concept notes and proposals.
- Support the quality assurance and timely delivery of strategic donor reporting, while conducting necessary due diligence processes required to forge high-value, compliant partnerships.
- Prepare and share information about global funding trends.
B. Resource Management
- Propose fund allocation for Programme, Human Resources, and Office Management costs to ensure compliance with donor commitments.
- Coordinate the preparation and timely revisions of the Results and Resources Plan (RRP).
- Coordinate and follow up the implementation of the Results and Resources Plan (RRP) with Output managers, Fund managers, and IP managers.
- Coordinate with Programme and M&E units and conduct quality assurance of IP Workplans and related reports.
- Allocate effectively and monitor the implementation of funded projects to ensure optimal utilization, compliance with requirements, and impact.
- Coordinate with Programme Units and Operations Unit and prepare the required documentation and system update for the onboarding of Implementing Partners including PSEA requirements.
- Follow up on donor reporting and ensure that Quantum-CRM is timely updated.
- Ensure compliance of donor reports with the funding agreements.
D. Innovation and Knowledge Management
- Foster an environment of innovation for the exchange of cutting-edge programmatic ideas.
- Maintain a repository of knowledge products and document lessons learned/best practices.
- Ensure that the latest global technical knowledge is available to improve the effectiveness of UNFPA Ethiopia’s programmes.
Qualifications and Experience
Education:
- Advanced degree (Master’s) in health, population, demography, economics, business administration and/or other related social science discipline.
Knowledge and Experience:
- Minimum of 5 to 7 years of professional experience in programming, advocacy, and resource mobilisation.
- Proven ability to develop and implement effective resource mobilisation strategies and campaigns.
- Strong knowledge of UN funding mechanisms and national development frameworks.
- Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and communication skills.
- Experience using web-based management systems and office software.
Languages:
- Fluency in English and Amharic;
- Knowledge of another official UN language is an asset.
Required Competencies:
Values:
- Exemplifying integrity,
- Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system,
- Embracing cultural diversity,
- Embracing change
Functional Competencies:
- 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 mobilisation
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