The Position:
The UNFPA Regional Office for East and Southern Africa established a Multi-Country Middle-Income Country Hub (MIC-Hub), based in Johannesburg, as part of its regional transformation agenda to optimize technical efficiency, strengthen programmatic impact and enhance tailored policy support to Country Offices operating in middle-income context, to strengthen the efficiency and effectiveness of its presence and programme support in the region. The MIC Hub provides unique technical expertise and programme advisory services to Country Offices based in a select group of middle income countries in Southern Africa, i.e. Botswana, Eswatini, Mauritius, Namibia, Seychelles and South Africa.
Many of these countries are undergoing a demographic transition characterized by a youthful population, highlighting the opportunity to realize a demographic dividend through sustained investments in education, health and employment. Persistent inequalities (spanning income, gender, geography and access to services) continue to limit inclusion and productivity gains. Addressing these disparities requires integrated socio-economic policies that connect demographic realities with equitable access to opportunities and decent work creation. In this context, a shift from fragmented, short-term funding to sustainable national and blended financing architectures is essential to translate demographic opportunity into durable development outcomes. The MIC-Hub catalyzes this shift by aligning policy advice, programme design and financing solutions that promote inclusion and sustainable development outcomes in MIC settings.
How you can make a difference:
UNFPA is the lead United Nations agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The UNFPA Strategic Plan for 2026-2029 articulates the organizationโs response to a complex global environment, providing a roadmap for resilience and renewal. It is designed to accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. This mandate is pursued through a focus on four interconnected outcomes: ending the unmet need for family planning; ending preventable maternal deaths; ending gender-based violence and harmful practices; and adapting to demographic change through evidence and rights-based policies.ย
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 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.
Job Purpose:
The position of Socio-Economic Policy Advisor in the East and Southern Africa region will lead the Middle Income Country Hub (MIC-Hub) composed of a multi-disciplinary Expert Team and will report to the Deputy Regional Director. S/He, as part of the team, will also provide tailored technical, policy, programme support and guidance to the selected middle-income countries in an integrated, responsive and coordinated manner. As the Head of the MIC-Hub, the incumbent will ensure coherence of UNFPAโs technical engagement, knowledge generation and policy support across the selected MICs, with a focus on advancing inclusive socio-economic policies, demographic dividend strategies and sustainable financing approaches.
Responsibilities:
Under the overall guidance of the ESARO Senior Management Team and in close collaboration with the Management teams of the abovementioned Country Offices located in selected MICs, the incumbent will lead socio-economic policy development and key relationships for the following responsibilities within the MIC-Hub.
1. Policy and Programme Developmentย
Ensure UNFPA supported programmes are strategically aligned with and contribute to the strengthening of (i) health financing and delivery systems; (ii) relevant social systems and (iii) broader public financial management system and reforms underway in MICs, and through this help to build strong links between the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Development Planning (and equivalents), and others where needed, for ICPD related policies, strategies and programmes; Serve as a key technical resource to the Country offices and to line Ministries through tailored evidence-based advocacy and policy arguments around the economics of health care, sustainable financing, investment cases for SRHR, and the demographic and economic returns of investing in youth and womenโs empowerment; Advise and collaborate in the development, implementation and evaluation of technical cooperation programmes in the areas of sustainable financingย in alignment with efficiency and equity goals and geared towards strengthening of relevant national systems required to advance the ICPD agenda, including, Universal Health Coverage, social protection expansion and policies that reduce inequality and enhance social inclusion;ย Assist the country and regional institutionsย with preparation, implementation and review of annual budgets, resource tracking and accountability, linking sectoral financing strategies to demographic and equity priorities; Provide evidence-based policy advice integrating population dynamics into fiscal and macroeconomic frameworks, to strengthen links between demographic change, economic growth and social investment.2. Tailored Capacity development & partnerships
Foster multisectoral partnerships and assist in policy dialogues for action within the region to further the advancement of the ICPD Programme of Action, including engagement with Ministries of Finance, Labour, Youth, and Social Development and Education to embed SRHR, gender equality and social inclusion within national financing dialogues; Advise and provide technical cooperation to Ministries of Health and other relevant line Ministries to strengthen countries' institutional capacity in the design, implementation and monitoring of health and related financing policies, to increase financial risk protection, reduce out-of-pocket expenditures and to ensure efficiency gains in the use of resources, purchasing arrangements and service delivery; Collaborate with the UNFPA country offices, other UN agencies, multilateral and bilateral agencies and international financial institutions in the development of programmes required to strengthen national capacity in the areas of health economics, sustainable financing for SRHR, economic evaluation and research, investment cases and costing of relevant strategies and plans, as well as monitoring cost-effectiveness of public policies that advance equity and resilience; Contribute to broader SRHR research and analytical work within and beyond the health sector, as requested by the Country office management, including demographic and socio-economic analysis relevant to inclusive development.3. Partnerships and Sustainable Financing
Promote and develop collaborative actions with national governments, the UN system, multilateral and bilateral partners, professional and academic organizations to promote the development, implementation, monitoring and reporting of integrated responsive and tailored programme models to further advance the ICPD agenda; Provide support to the UNFPA Representative and/or Heads of Offices in partnership efforts required to mobilize sustainable and innovative financing, including domestic resource mobilization, blended instruments and private-sector engagement to achieve the desired results in respective countries, ensuring that such mechanisms strengthen national ownership and equitable outcomes.4. Leadership and Effective management
Supervise and mentor professional staff within the MIC-Hub, promoting accountability, collaboration and a results-oriented culture and ensure that all staff under her/his supervision have a clear understanding of their individual responsibilities and accountability to the team in accordance with UNFPA's established Policies and Procedures;ย Provide leadership to the preparation of the MIC Technical Expert Teamโs Annual Work Plan, budget requirements, monitoring and annual reports, ensuring coherence with regional priorities on demographic change, equity and sustainable financing; Promote the mobilization of domestic and external resources in support of the Country Officesโ programmes and MIC Expert teamโs targeted programmes as applicable; and Provide oversight to the effective coordination of the planning and delivery of integrated policy, programme and technical support and advice to Country Offices within the region including transitioning MICs.Undertake any other relevant actions as may be requested by the Deputy Regional Director, Country Representatives and/or Heads of Offices in support of country programme development and implementation.
Qualifications and Experience:ย
Education:ย ย
Masterโs Degree in public health, medicine, demography, economics, international development, public administration, management or other related fields.Knowledge and Experience:ย
10 years of increasingly responsible professional experience in managing and leading development programmes and inclusive policy actions relevant to addressing the socio-economic dimensions of SRHR, including health economics, health financing, social policy and financing, social protection, and related areas. Substantive knowledge and practical application of UNFPA's mandate, particularly in sexual and reproductive health, rights-based family planning, gender-based violence, and population dynamics. Proven ability to think strategically, conceptualize and integrate knowledge with broader policy and operational objectives, and analyze complex policy arguments to provide reasoned, evidence-based advice. Demonstrated ability to build strategic partnerships and engage effectively with national governments, regional bodies, academia, and development partners, supported by strong negotiating skills and established engagement within relevant global and regional professional networks. Strong track record of producing demonstrable results, including the ability to produce high-quality advisory reports and knowledge products and to communicate complex information effectively to diverse audiences. Experience in promoting a culture of knowledge management and continuous learning, with the ability to work collaboratively and effectively in inter-disciplinary and multicultural teams. Field experience in managing complex programmes or policy engagement in middle income or transitioning contexts across multiple countries is strongly desirable.Languages:ย
Fluency in English is required; working knowledge of another UN language, particularly French and/ or Portuguese, is an asset.
Required Competencies:
Values:
Exemplifying integrity,ย Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system,ย Embracing cultural diversity,ย Embracing changeCore Competencies:ย
Achieving results, Being accountable, Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,ย Thinking analytically and strategically, Working in teams/managing ourselves, our relationships, and others Communicating for impactยFunctional Skill Set:
Policy and economic analysis integrating demographic, social and financing perspectives Advocacy/ Advancing a policy-oriented agenda Leveraging the resources of national governments and partners/ building strategic alliances and partnerships Delivering results-based programme Internal and external communication and advocacy for results mobilizationManagerial Competencies:
Managing a team Providing strategic focus Engaging internal/ external partners and stakeholders Leading, developing and empowering people/ creating a culture of performance Making decisions and exercising judgmentCompensation and Benefits:
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This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary, health insurance and other benefits as applicable.
UNFPA 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. 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. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce - click here to learn more: https://www.unfpa.org/diversity-equity-inclusion
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.
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.