Policy and Advocacy Specialist

at  unfpa

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.

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.

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.