Programme Assistant

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

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 (2018-2021), focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning, and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. The global Agenda 2030 including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted in September 2015 by all UN Member States, call for a life of dignity for all, through development pathways that integrate the economic, social and environmental aspects of human lives. The UN Member States including Bangladesh also re-affirmed that the Programme of Action from the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) is an "unfinished agenda" that is still relevant to all countries, and UN Member States expressed their full commitment to carrying forward the ICPD PoA.

The collection, analysis and effective utilization of population data are increasingly important, especially in realizing the imperative of Agenda 2030 to "reach those furthest behind first" and "leave no one behind." A people-centered and gender-responsive approach to sustainable development demands systematic analysis of population dynamics and its implications for more sustainable development and growth that is more equitable.

The Population Planning and Research component of the 10th Country Programme aims to generate and analyze data in censuses, key surveys to understand, manage and leverage demographic changes in Bangladesh links closely to the UNSDCF strategic priority 1, which envisions inclusive and sustainable economic development, green and equitable economic development, thus harnessing the demographic dividend. The component also supports in-depth analysis, research and exchange of good practices to build knowledge related to population dynamics in order to promote sustainable development and inclusive growth.

• Assist PPR Unit in identifying emerging issues, research needs, and policy niche for UNFPA, including on the impact of population dynamics in public policies and investments. • Act as a communication focal person of PPR and support the Chief-PPR with preparing papers and briefings, including position papers and policy briefs. • Assist in the advocacy efforts to realize the ICPD25 commitments in Bangladesh, working with a broad range of stakeholders. • Assist in the provision of quality analysis and substantive inputs to strategic documents, including CPD and project documents, especially in the area of population and development. • Support Chief-PPR to ensure the periodic documentation and dissemination of re-search findings and recommendations, lessons learned and best practices from the Data for Development (D4D) projects supported by UNFPA. • Assist in the organization of population-related policy dialogues, workshops, seminars, conferences, training, meetings and visits; and provide necessary administrative support to the PPR team. • Liaise with UNFPA’s partner academic institutions and think tanks, as and when needed by the unit, in the generation of knowledge and data on UNFPA mandated issues. • Support the identification and dissemination of latest (international, regional, and national) research and publications on population and development issues. • Complete mandatory courses at UNFPA (e.g., Ethics, PESA, BSAFE, etc.) and courses having a direct impact on day-to-day work (e.g., IPSAS). Encourage taking other courses for continuing professional development. • Perform activities that may be assigned from time to time to ensure the success of the working team. • Any other activities/responsibilities as assigned by UNFPA Management.

Expected Outputs:

• Emerging population issues, research needs, and policy niche for UNFPA including on the impact of population dynamics in public policies and investments identified. • Position papers, policy briefs and factsheet on emerging population and development issues prepared. • Increased visibility of UNFPA’s CO and programme activities • Mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed • Policy dialogues, workshops, seminars, conferences, training, meetings, and visits organized • Dissemination of research findings, recommendations, lessons learned, and best practices documented.

• Integrity Accountability • Adaptability and Flexibility • Commitment and Motivation • Commitment to Continuous Learning • Working with teams • Communication • Integrity • Judgement and Decision-making • Planning and Organizing • Professionalism • Respect for Diversity

international organisations and/or P&D pogramme will be particularly valued. Understanding of Agenda 2030 (SDGs 3 and 5). Analysis and creation of messages and strategies and identifying and building partnerships. Experience in preparing quality policy papers, factsheets, position papers, briefing notes. Promoting organisational learning and knowledge sharing. Being conversant of national plans, policies and Eight Five Year Plan (2021 – 2025) would be an added advantage.

• Female candidates will be given priority due to the nature of the job. • Organized and efficient in preparing and managing project documents • Accomplished writing skills, with experience in writing professional scripts and speeches, stories, feature articles and content for the online media • Excellent communication and presentation skills including graphics design skills • Proficient in computer applications (MS Word, MS PowerPoint and Acrobat/Photoshop)

Dhaka is the centre of political, cultural and economic life in Bangladesh. Although its urban infrastructure is the most developed in the country, Dhaka suffers from urban problems such as pollution, lack of public transport and overpopulation. In recent decades, Dhaka has seen modernization of services, communications and public works. The city is attracting large foreign investments and greater volumes of commerce and trade. It is also experiencing an increasing influx of people from across the nation; this has reportedly made Dhaka one of the fastest growing cities in the world.

Historically, Bangladesh has been a safe country for internationals, but a series of security incidents since autumn 2015 have led to increased security measures for UN international staff and volunteers. While Dhaka is not categorized as a hardship station and a cessation of incidents is expected to lead to relaxation of security measures, the volunteer should be prepared for limitations in freedom of movement on foot, by public transport, and to certain locations.