Technical Adviser

UNFPA is charged with supporting the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), a touchstone in the paradigm shift of development that mandated the protection and fulfillment of human rights, including sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights (SRHR) for all, especially women and adolescents. While considerable progress has been made since 1994 in reducing maternal mortality and improving gender equality in some aspects, many issues remain to be addressed, particularly in light of enormous economic, social and demographic changes. The 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda calls for a life of dignity for all, through development pathways that integrate the economic, social and environmental aspects of life. The collection, analysis and use of population data are fundamental for this endeavor, especially in realizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) imperative to “leave no one behind.” In this context, the influence of changing population dynamics on the achievement of the SDGs must be taken into account, and UNFPA needs to enhance its activities in this area. This is particularly true in the Asia-Pacific region and the Eastern Europe and Central Asia Region, where low fertility and population ageing are emerging as key policy areas for countries and governments. The Technical Adviser on Population Dynamics will help further define the strategic direction and priorities of UNFPA in the Asia and the Pacific Region with regards to population ageing, low fertility and the demographic dividend, collaborating closely with UNFPA Headquarters, other Regional Offices (ROs) and Country Offices (COs). 

Strategic technical development, monitoring and oversight.

• Provide technical and related programme leadership, management advice and strategic support and guidance to regions in closer collaboration with Technical Division, in relation to population ageing and low fertility and the demographic dividend.
• Support the identification of UNFPA’s comparative advantage and specific contribution on population ageing and low fertility related issues in the changing development agenda of the region.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of an integrated strategy for the delivery of high-quality technical assistance and programme support on population ageing, low fertility and the demographic dividend.
• Analyze trends and identify threats and risks in relation to population ageing, low fertility and the demographic dividend, which may affect the ICPD and SDGs agendas and UNFPA’s work.
• Contribute to Regional Initiatives in the area of expertise.
• Participate in the UNFPA technical network on population and development, particularly as far as the UNFPA value proposition on population ageing, low fertility and the demographic dividend is concerned, and maintain communication and feedback loops on all substantive work.
• Initiate and support the development of inter-regional UNFPA initiatives and partnerships on population ageing, low fertility and the demographic dividend.
• Coach and supervise junior professional staff, associates and consultants as necessary, and facilitate working groups and task teams.

 Quality control of technical support and capacity development:

• Advise Country Offices on the implementation and proper application of policy development and dialogue, strategies, guidelines and tools in relation to population ageing, low fertility and the demographic dividend ensuring consistency and coherence in addressing priorities for UNFPA.
• Ensure that state-of-the-art thinking and research is integrated within the work of UNFPA and partnership networks.
• Review products of technical support at key stages of UNFPA, UN, and national development planning exercises, as far as population ageing, low fertility and the demographic dividend are concerned.
• Organize or contribute to regional and inter-country training activities in the area of expertise, for capacity development of COs and regional/national counterparts.
• Support the development of (sub-)regional institutional capacities for delivering high-quality technical support on population ageing, low fertility and the demographic dividend and related issues.
• Initiate, develop, strengthen and monitor substantive regional partnerships, including for South-South technical support to countries and for the implementation of the UNFPA Regional Programme.

Evidence and knowledge development and dissemination:

• Lead the systematic analysis of population ageing, low fertility and the demographic dividend and their developmental implications at regional and sub-regional levels; and synthesize substantive trends in policy development and public investments, emerging needs and research findings in the region in order to produce new, cutting-edge technical knowledge.
• Prepare briefings and materials for evidence-based policy dialogues at regional level, and provide similar support at the request of Country Offices.
• Disseminate and promote the use of state-of-the-art technical knowledge, evidence, lessons learned and success stories and ensure their use to improve the effectiveness of UNFPA operations around population ageing, low fertility and the demographic dividend.
• Collect, analyze and synthetize information/data and experience on programme priorities for further use in regional and global advocacy and for resource mobilization.
• Contribute to advocacy efforts to advance the ICPD agenda and the attainment of relevant SDG targets at the regional level.

Technical representation:

• Represent UNFPA in meetings and events focused on population ageing, low fertility, the demographic dividend and related issues.
• Participate in policy dialogue on population ageing and low fertility and its implications, and advocate for the inclusion of substantive and relevant issues in international, inter-governmental, UN and other policy and technical meetings and fora.
• Collaborate on substantive issues with UN agencies, academia, research and training institutions, think tanks, centers of excellence and professional societies.

Qualifications and Experience: 

Education: 

• Advanced university degree in Economics and/or Demography, or other fields directly relevant to the interrelations between demographic changes and sustainable development.

Knowledge and Experience: 

• Minimum of 10 years of increasingly responsible professional experience – including practical experience in policy formulation and application – on population issues and their policy implications, with emphasis on the linkages between population, economic and social policies and environmental sustainability.
• Demonstrated expertise and programme experience in population ageing, low fertility and demographic dividend.
• Strong track record of intellectual and technical leadership, and proven ability to produce demonstrable results.
• Strong conceptual and analytical skills with the ability to articulate a holistic and interdisciplinary vision of population ageing, low fertility, the demographic dividend and solutions to issues.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills, especially for transfer of knowledge.
• Demonstrated ability to network with the academia and development community.
• Familiarity with management and monitoring tools is desirable.
• Field experience and experience of working in the Asia-Pacific region are strongly desirable.

Languages: 

• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of other official UN languages is desirable.

Required Competencies:

• Exemplifying integrity
• Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system
• Embracing diversity in all its forms
• Embracing change
• 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

Source:  https://www.unfpa.org/jobs/technical-adviser-population-dynamics-asia-and-pacific-regional-office-bangkok-thailand-p-5