JOB OPPORTUNITY: UNFPA PROGRAMME SPECIALITIST (ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA)

Organisation: United Nations Populated Funds (UNFPA)
Programme: Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Programme (SIARP)
Position: Programme Specialist
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Job Type: Full Time
Contract Duration: One-year
Grade: P-3
Education :Master’s Degree
Work Experience: 5 year(s) experience
Application Deadline: July 14, 2026

JOB OVERVIEW

The Programme Specialist provides high-level technical expertise and strategic coordination to the African Union Commission (AUC), ensuring the seamless alignment of regional policies with international standards to accelerate the elimination of violence against women and girls (VAWG), the eradication of harmful practices, and the advancement of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) across the continent under the SIARP 2.0 framework

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, UNFPA needs 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.

BENEFITS

This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary plus health insurance and other benefits as applicable.
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.
Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process.
UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity.

JOB PURPOSE

Strengthened Coordination and Strategic Alignment: Contribute to a unified strategic direction established among the four implementing agencies (UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, UN Women), the African Union Commission, Regional Economic Communities, and Civil Society Organizations, ensuring quality planning, implementation, monitoring, and achievement of programme objectives and results.
Enhanced Technical support: SIARP 2.0 UNFPA engagements are effectively managed and reported in a coherent manner, fostering collaboration with key stakeholders. 3. Improved Advocacy, Knowledge Management, and Communication: Coordinated efforts from the AUC and CSRRG enhance visibility, strengthen knowledge-sharing, and promote strategic advocacy for the programme’s impact and sustainability.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Programme Coordination & Technical Guidance

Oversee the coherent implementation of UNFPA SIARP 2.0 components, identify potential challenges, and contribute to actionable solutions.
Provide substantial guidance to regional partners on establishing clear performance indicators and monitoring the achievement of results.
Identify capacity-building needs and support partners through technical assistance, mentoring, targeted training, and workshops.

2. Partnerships & Field Accountability

Reinforce multi-sectoral partnerships with key stakeholders, including youth groups, religious groups, traditional leaders, and civil society across the region.
Oversee program liaison with the Civil Society Regional Reference Group (CSRRG) to ensure recommendations are reflected in program implementation.
Coordinate the operationalization of women- and youth-led accountability frameworks so local communities can independently monitor regional commitments on EVAWG and SRHR.
Embed initiatives directly into regional policies through the combined efforts of UN agencies, the AUC, and Regional Economic Communities (RECs) to ensure long-term sustainability.

3. Advocacy, Communication, & Knowledge Management

Support the design of accurate monitoring tools, communication strategies, reporting systems, and terms of reference for evaluations (baseline, mid-term, and end-of-program).
Review background documents, briefs, and presentations related to the elimination of VAWG produced by SIA to co-create unified communication materials.
Use of digital innovation and smart advocacy strategies to amplify SIARP 2.0 results in close collaboration with the AUC and the Project Coordination Unit (PCU) communication team.
Coordinate program updates across official communication channels, including websites, social media channels, networks, and email newsletters.
Provide specialized technical oversight for implementing countries regarding strategic advocacy, data analytics, and policy landscape analysis.

QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

Education: A Master’s Degree in Public Health, Gender Studies, International Development, or a related social science field.
Experience: Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience designing and managing complex, multi-stakeholder programs.
Core Skills: Proven track record in policy research and advocacy for the elimination of violence against women and girls (ideally within Africa).
Management: Experience coordinating joint UN programs or working directly with the African Union Commission is a strong asset.
Communication: Exceptional oral and written reporting skills, with experience managing communication product development.

APPLICATION

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

Eligible candidates Click Here to Apply on the Official UNFPA Careers Portal (Search using Job ID: 35062)

For more information visit the UNFPA official website