National Position: Population and Data Specialist, Abuja, NOD - Fixed Term Appointment (FTA)

The Programme Management Specialist, Population and Data leads the Policy, Population and Data Unit of the Country Office in coordination with all programmatic thematic units and staff to advance UNFPA’s upstream work on demographic change, population dynamics, sustainable financing, and evidence-based development planning. S/he reports to the UNFPA Deputy Representative and acts on her/his behalf in her/his absence. 

S/he contributes directly to the operationalization of the UNFPA Strategic Plan 2026–2029, particularly Outcome 4: adaptation to demographic change through evidence-based and rights based policies. 

S/he establishes and maintains collaborative relationships with counterparts in government, parliamentarians, multilateral and bilateral donor agencies, UN agencies, civil society, local authorities, academia and the private sector to ensure that population dynamics inform national development planning, demographic intelligence guides policy development and implementation, and sustainable financing supports population and SRHR investments 

UNFPA Nigeria Country Office (CO) requires the services of a Programme Management Specialist in Population and Data based in Abuja, Nigeria. 

Under the guidance of the Representative and direct supervision of the Deputy Representative, the Programme Management Specialist, Population and Data will support the UNFPA Representative in overall accountability for the management and work in Population and Data within the Country Office. She/he will provide strategic support in achieving the Population and Data-related outputs of the Country Programme and provide technical expertise/guidance, quality assurance, policy application. More specifically she/he will advise the Deputy Representative on the national development policies in the relevant sector and ensure UNFPA’s priorities are well taken care of during sector policy discussions with the Government and the development partners. The incumbent ensures strategic advocacy and policy advice at the highest levels for the assigned areas. She/he will facilitate UNFPA’s interactions with the Government at all levels and support the management of all implementing partners. She/he will act as an analyst/advisor, proactively providing the Deputy Representative and the Representative with information on achievement of results in the implementation of the UNFPA programme. 

1. Strategic policy leadership  

• Lead UNFPA engagement to integrate population dynamics into national development planning.
• Lead high level policy dialogue with Government counterparts, UN and other development partners to facilitate the incorporation of UNFPA’s programme priorities and ICPD agenda into national policies, strategies and plans, UN systems initiatives and development and humanitarian frameworks (CCA, UNSDCF, HNA, HRP). 
• Participate in formulation, implementation, and review of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and contribute to the UN system wide policy coherence through participation in policy dialogues, thematic groups, and joint programmes. 
• Leads the translation of global and regional frameworks and strategies using population data, trends and demographic intelligence to inform country specific strategies, creates and delivers effective evidence-based advocacy messages to promote UNFPA’s programme goals taking into account political and social sensitivities. 
• Provides support to programme teams in tracking Nigeria’s commitments to global, regional and national frameworks related to UNFPA’s agenda. 
• Utilizes population data, demographic trends and demographic intelligence to inform policy dialogue, strategic planning and evidence-based advocacy on population dynamics and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and strengthens accountability mechanisms to track national commitments and progress toward the ICPD Programme of Action and UNFPA Strategic Plan outcomes. 
• Utilises population data, demographic trends and demographic intelligence to advocate for evidence informed policies and strategies engaging government ministries, parliamentarians, multilateral and bilateral donor agencies, UN agencies, civil society, religious leaders, local authorities, the private sector and media to advocate for the advancement of universal access to comprehensive SRHR, GBV prevention and response, and population dynamics. 
• Utilises population data, demographic trends and demographic intelligence to inform the development of white papers, briefing notes, policy briefs and infographics and other products, by considering the targeted audience. 
• Utilises population data, demographic trends and demographic intelligence to provide innovative technical knowledge and deliver substantive technical advice on current and emerging approaches in population change and data and policies to CO, government, intergovernmental bodies, and the UN. 
• Develop and implement a political engagement strategy and broker policy and political engagements with key stakeholders including the Ministries of Finance, the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Youth Development, the Ministry of Women Affairs, International Finance Institutions, academic & research institutions, development partners, key civil society actors, religious and cultural leaders on the four transformative results of UNFPA. 
• Strengthen media and stakeholder engagement by cultivating relationships with local and regional media outlets, journalists, and communication networks to raise awareness and generate public interest in UNFPA’s mandate and key thematic areas, including SRHR, GBV, and youth empowerment. Support organization of media briefings, visibility events, and field visits for partners and donors. 
• Represents UNFPA in strategic forums, coordination mechanisms, policy dialogues, and advocacy platforms to position the ICPD agenda and the four strategic outcomes under the UNFPA mandate. 
• Support UNFPA’s integration and participation in the Delivering as One modality in Nigeria. 
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Master’s degree in Demography, Population Studies, Statistics, Geography, Economics, Public Health, Sociology, Development Studies, with an emphasis on demography, or related field, as well as a first-level university degree in any of the same fields. Programming experience is necessary to perform this task. 

• At least 7 years of progressively responsible professional experience in the field of Population and Data, with good knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods. 
• Strong results-based programme management experience, with particular focus on strategic planning and capacity building. 
• Previous experience working with the UN and understanding of Human Rights dimensions of Population and Data, an asset. 
• Experience in national and/or sectoral policy dialogue, especially in the context of UN Reform and Joint Programming, and the new aid environment, would be a distinct advantage. 
• Proficiency in current office software applications and corporate IT systems. 
• Demonstrated ability to produce quality policy analysis, papers, and briefs. 
• Excellent writing skills and ability to make compelling oral presentations. 
• Understanding of development planning and policy processes. 
• Experience in large scale national surveys and censuses. 

• Highly motivated, proactive and ability to work both independently and in teams. 

   

Fluency in English is required - strong capability to communicate clearly and concisely in both oral and written English. 

• Exemplifying integrity,   
• Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system,   
• Embracing cultural diversity,   
• Embracing change 

• Conceptual Innovation in the provision of technical expertise, and Innovation and marketing of new approaches 
• Leveraging the resources of national governments and partners/Building strategic alliances and partnerships 
• Job knowledge/Technical expertise: Good knowledge of population data and research – population dynamics and interrelationships. 
• Advocacy/advancing a policy-oriented agenda. 
• Delivering results-based programmes   
• Facilitating quality programme results   
• Internal and external communication and advocacy for results mobilisation 

• Integrity/Commitment to our mandate/Valuing Diversity 
• Performance Management. 
• Thinking analytically and strategically, 
• Developing People/Coaching and Mentoring and Fostering Innovation and Empowerment; 

Working in Teams/managing ourselves and our relationships. 

• Self-Management/Emotional 

Intelligence. 

• Analytical and Strategic Thinking and Results Orientation/Commitment to Excellence. 
• Knowledge Sharing/Continuous Learning 
• Achieving results, 

• Providing strategic focus 
• Engaging in internal/external partners and stakeholders 
• Leading, developing, and empowering people, creating a culture of performance 

• Making decisions and exercising judgment 

• Being accountable, 
• Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,   
• Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships, 
• Communicating for impact 

• Norm-based – grounded in UN norms and standards. 
• Principled – defends norms and standards without discrimination, fear, or favour. 
• Inclusive of all personnel and stakeholders 
• Accountable 
• Multi-dimensional 
• Transformational 
• Collaborative 
• Self-applied – modelled in our own behaviour 

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