Hiring Office
UNFPA Odisha โ Bhubaneswar
Purpose of Consultancy
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency working to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young personโs potential is fulfilled. UNFPA's India Country Office collaborates closely with the Government of India and various partners to advance the goals outlined in the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action, Agenda 2030, and the UNFPA Strategic Plan 2026โ2029.
In Odisha, UNFPA partners with multiple state government departments to advance its mandate on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), gender equality, adolescent and youth empowerment, and population dynamics. This includes the Department of Health & Family Welfare, NHM, Women & Child Development (WCD), Mission Shakti, Social Security & Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD), Scheduled Tribes & Scheduled Castes Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare, Planning & Convergence, and the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA). These partnerships have been built and nurtured through effective technical support, policy advocacy, and strategic engagement.
In addition, UNFPA Odisha is strengthening and expanding its engagement with government departments to support planning and adaptation in response to Odishaโs ongoing demographic transition, including changing fertility patterns, migration, urbanisation, ageing, and increasing exposure to social, economic, and climate-related shocks. This work is aligned with UNFPAโs Strategic Plan 2026โ2029, particularly Outcome 4 on building demographic resilience, which focuses on strengthening institutional capacity to anticipate, plan for, and respond to demographic change using population-informed, cross-sectoral approaches.
Effective convergence, coordination, and strategic alignment across departments and UNFPA-supported consultants is critical to ensuring coherent, efficient, and resilient responses to demographic transitions. This consultancy will provide strategic, technical, and coordination support to strengthen multi-departmental convergence and strategic partnerships, advance the use of demographic intelligence in policy and planning, and support the implementation of UNFPAโs Strategic Plan 2026โ2029 in Odisha.
Scope of Work
(Description of services, activities, or outputs)
- Strengthening Partnerships & Advancing Convergence
- Lead and advance UNFPAโs mandate on convergence across all existing government departments partners, identifying synergies and opportunities for cross-departmental collaboration to respond to demographic transitions and emerging population trends.
ย New Partnerships and Resource Mobilisation Strengthen existing partnerships with all government departments by fostering strong relationships and identifying areas for deeper collaboration to advance demographic resilience and adaptive governance. Explore opportunities for new collaborations with additional government departments, state institutions, research organisations, academia, development partners, and private sector actors in line with UNFPAโs mandate and the new strategic plan Support resource mobilisation by scanning for potential sources, preparing concept notes, and contributing to proposals aligned with emerging state priorities. Advance UNFPAโs agenda in neighbouring and other states using demographic intelligence aligned with the new strategic plan outcome 4 to forge new partnerships and resource mobilisation Carry out any other related duties as may be requested by UNFPA
Duration and Working Schedule
Till 31 December 2026 (Full Time)Place of Assignment
UNFPA State Office, Bhubaneswar, Odisha with travel as requiredReporting and Deliverables
Submission of periodic progress reports as per UNFPA requirementsMonitoring and Supervision
Supervised by the Head of Office, UNFPA OdishaExpected Travel
Extensive travel within Odisha based on programme needsRequired expertise, qualifications and competencies, including language requirements:
Qualifications and Experience
Education:
Masterโs degree in any discipline.
Knowledge & Experience:
โข Minimum 3-5 years of work experience, preferably in multi-stakeholder coordination, building partnerships & policy advocacy
โข Experience working with state government departments
โข Multi-stakeholder coordination experience
โข Partnership building and resource mobilisation experience
โข Experience in data analysis and application of demographic and/or economic analysis/modelling to inform policy, planning, or programme design
โข Familiarity with Odisha context preferred
Languages:
Fluency in English and Hindi is essential; Odia desirable
Required Competencies
Values:
Exemplifying integrity, Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system, Embracing cultural diversity, Embracing changeFunctional Competencies:
Strong technical understanding of contraceptive technologies and SRHR Effective trainer and facilitator with strong communication and coordination skills Ability to conduct field-based supervision and problem-solving Ability to work directly or remotely with varied teams. Excellent communication and networking skills. Delivering results-based programmes Internal and external communicationยCore 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 ยInputs / services to be provided by UNFPA or implementing partner (e.g support services, office space, equipment), if applicable:
Working space will be provided at the UNFPA Odisha state office
ยUNFPA Work Environment:
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. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce - clickย hereย to learn more.
Disclaimer:
Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements.ย
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.