About UNFPA
UNFPA is the lead UN agency dedicated to achieving a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization's strategic plan (2026–2029) focuses on three transformative results: ending preventable maternal deaths, addressing unmet need for family planning, and eradicating gender-based violence and harmful practices. UNFPA is committed to building forward better, addressing the negative impacts of global challenges, and realizing the ICPD and SDGs.
The Position
The UNFPA Representative in Malawi (P-5) leads the country office team in designing and implementing comprehensive population and development, and sexual and reproductive health country programmes within humanitarian-development-peace and security nexus contexts. This role involves building strategic alliances with governments, UN and bilateral agencies, development partners, civil society, academia, and the private sector to advance the 2030 Agenda and improve the lives of millions, particularly the most vulnerable.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Lead the strategic positioning of UNFPA on issues related to the ICPD Agenda, fostering strong institutional relationships with government, civil society, and other partners.
- Promote UNFPA’s role within national development agendas and establish country office priorities aligned with national, regional, and global corporate objectives.
- Ensure the integration of policies, programming tools, and sound business practices into programme delivery, including leading humanitarian and preparedness actions.
- Manage international and national staff, providing strategic direction, fostering learning, ensuring effective performance management, and facilitating talent attraction and retention.
- Drive comprehensive resource mobilization and partnership strategies, ensuring efficient use of funds and compliance with financial and monitoring processes.
- Provide senior management with relevant advice for country programming within the broader UN system and lead policy dialogue and technical assistance efforts.
- Engage national counterparts through advocacy on UNFPA's agenda, representing the organization within UN Country Teams and humanitarian teams.
- Ensure the application of results-based management and quality assurance frameworks for country office operations, upholding compliance with UNFPA policies.
Qualifications
- Education: Master's Degree in a relevant field.
- Experience: A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience.
- Languages: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language is an advantage.
- Competencies: Candidates should demonstrate integrity, commitment to UNFPA and the UN system, cultural diversity, and adaptability to change. Core competencies include achieving results, accountability, professional expertise, analytical and strategic thinking, teamwork, and effective communication. Managerial competencies include providing strategic focus, engaging partners, leading/developing/empowering people, and decision-making. Adherence to UN Leadership Characteristics is essential.
Compensation and Work Environment
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other benefits. UNFPA is committed to a work environment that reflects gender equality, diversity, integrity, and work-life balance, encouraging applications from women, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, and persons with disabilities.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply through the UNFPA careers portal. UNFPA does not charge any application or recruitment fees.