Under overall supervision of the UNFPA Representative and direct supervision of the Deputy Representative, the Programme Specialist, Population Dynamics and Policy is part of the UNFPA country office senior staff and plays a leadership role in coordinating and managing population dynamics and demographic intelligence related interventions in the UNFPA supported program. The position serves as a strategic bridge between data, policy, and programming, ensuring that population dynamics and foresight are effectively translated into actionable and evidence-based development outcomes in mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. It positions UNFPA as a thought leader and strategic partner to the Government in addressing demographic change as a driver of inclusive and sustainable development.
UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA’s new strategic plan (2026-2029), focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices.
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 that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them; and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.
The Programme Specialist analyses the trends in population dynamics and their linkages to the social and policy related environment in mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. The role provides technical leadership and advisory support to advance rights-based population and development policies at national and sectoral levels; strengthens national population data systems and demographic intelligence, and supports the integration of population dynamics, including foresight into development planning, budgeting, and decision-making. The role also provides leadership to advance the research agenda on population change/demographic intelligence, contributing to the achievement of the three UNFPA transformative results.
He/she ensures coherence with agreed national and international planning frameworks, including the National Development Plan, Vision 2050; UNFPA Strategic Plan, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. The Programme Specialist establishes and maintains collaborative relationships with counterparts in government, Parliamentary coordination mechanisms, multi-lateral and bi-lateral agencies, academia, think tanks, and civil society organizations to address emerging issues and to facilitate programme delivery.
He/she must effectively influence counterparts and work with networks, including research institutions, and civil society, to advance the ICPD agenda, through partnerships and national capacity strengthening, as well as other approaches such as south-south cooperation.
Advanced degree in Population Studies; Demography, Economics; Public Policy, Statistics; Development Studies or other related social science fields.
Fluency in English is required; Kiswahili knowledge of other official UN languages, is desirable.
This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary plus cost of living adjustment, rental subsidy, education grant, home leave, 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. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce - click here to learn more.
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.
The United Nations Development Programme works in nearly 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty, and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities and build resilience in order to sustain development results.
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