Programme Specialist Population Dynamics & Policy

The Position

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.

How you can make a difference

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.

Job Purpose

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.

You would be responsible for:

A. Strategic Leadership and Policy Advisory Support

Lead policy dialogue with Government counterparts, UN and other development partners to facilitate the integration of population dynamics into national development plans, sectoral policies (health, education, youth, gender) and macroeconomic frameworks;

Utilize 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 strengthen accountability mechanisms to track national commitments and progress toward the ICPD Programme of Action and UNFPA Strategic Plan outcomes;

Provide advisory support on demographic dividend strategies, population projections and foresight and megatrends including urbanization, climate change, and migration. Anticipate and advise on the impact of population dynamics in public policies and investment;

Utilise population data, demographic trends and demographic intelligence to inform the development of white papers, briefing notes, policy briefs and infographics and other products as needed;

Review the political, social and economic environment relevant to population dynamics and pursue strategic opportunities for UNFPA support and intervention.

B. Evidence, Demographic Intelligence and Data Systems

Lead the generation, analysis, synthesis and dissemination of evidence on population trends and their implications for economic growth, and human capital development;

Provide technical leadership and oversight to strengthen census and survey systems, civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS); Health Management Information Systems (HMIS), Gender Based Violence Information Management (GBVIMIS), Common Operational datasets (CODP) and integrated data platforms;

Provide technical leadership on population projections (national and subnational); demographic modelling and scenario analysis, SDG monitoring and reporting;

Support the development and application of tools that enhance population intelligence for decision-making, including vulnerability mapping and subnational analysis.

Strengthen analytical capacity, use of high-quality population data and digital systems, including AI to advance data collection, analysis and dissemination;

On climate change and humanitarian crisis support the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania to use demographic and geospatial data to assess vulnerability, plan for mobility and integrate SRHR and gender equality into climate adaptation strategies;

C. Programme Management and Technical Oversight

Provide substantive leadership and inputs into the design, implementation and monitoring of population programs, ensuring alignment with national development priorities, UNFPA’s Strategic Plan and the UNSDCF;

Oversee budget planning and utilization, results-based management (RBM) systems, and quality assurance of deliverables within the population dynamics and data team;

Ensure that work plans, budgets and progress reports for the Unit and Implementing Partners are developed timeously;

Actively participate in the implementation and monitoring of UNSDCF with an emphasis on the population dynamics and data outcomes;

Lead the reporting on achievement of results in collaboration with implementing partners, and proactively oversee the effective utilization of financial and human resources in the portfolio;

Support capacity building of team members and population partners to generate, analyze, and utilize quality data for evidence-based decision making, policy formulation and programming;

D. Partnerships, Coordination and Resource Mobilization

Strengthen strategic partnerships with the Government, including the national statistical office, the Planning and Finance Ministries, academia, think tanks, and development partners;

Promote South-South cooperation and cross-country learning to advance the ICPD agenda in Tanzania;

Lead and provide technical inputs in support of resource mobilization efforts and proposal development in the population dynamics and data portfolio;

Actively engage in relevant technical working groups across the UN system, including the UN Data Working group and among external partners to ensure the integration of population dynamics into development planning;

Strengthen national capacities in demographic analysis and data use for decision-making and policy development ;

E. Supervision, performance management

Lead the Population Dynamics Team and ensure effective management of staff within the team;

Supervise, mentor and coach team members in order to strengthen or further develop capacity;

F. General Support

Stand-in for other team members on selected functions as may be required;

Carry out any other duties as may be required by UNFPA leadership.

Qualifications and

Experience

At least five years of

working in the areas of population dynamics demographic analysis, policy development, and data systems;

Proficiency in data interpretation, research methodology/design and policy analysis;

Strong track record of technical leadership and proven ability to produce demonstrable results;

Demonstrable ability to network with academic and research organizations, think tanks and ability to engage in high-level political dialogue;

Good understanding of human right-based approach and results-based management of development programmes/projects and M&E;

Proven

in developing and maintaining strategic partnerships with governments, civil society organizations, the private sector, and in mobilizing resources and partnerships;

Excellent drafting, communication and interpersonal skills

Field

and prior

with the UN system would be assets

Languages:

Fluency in English is required; Kiswahili knowledge of other official UN languages, is desirable.

Core Competencies:

Achieving results,

Being accountable,

Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,

Thinking analytically and strategically,

Working in teams/managing ourselves, our relationships, and others

Communicating for impact

Functional Skill Set:

Visioning and Planning

Advocacy/Advancing a policy-oriented agenda

Leveraging the resources of national governments and partners/ building strategic alliances and partnerships

Internal and external communication and advocacy for results mobilization

Delivering results-based programmes

Resource mobilization and donor relations

Technical Understanding of the areas of work

Project Management

People Management and Leadership

Proficiency in current office software applications

Managerial Competencies:

Providing strategic focus, direction and leadership,

Engaging internal/external partners and stakeholders,

Leading, developing and empowering people, creating a culture of performance

Making decisions and exercising judgment

Compensation and

in population dynamics and policy development

Proficiency in data interpretation and research methodology

Strong track record of technical leadership

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Fluency in English; Kiswahili and other UN languages desirable

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Show UNFPA - United Nations Population Fund that you are interested in them

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Connect with organization

National Post: Programme Specialist Population Dynamics & Policy, Dodoma, Tanzania, NOC

UNFPA - United Nations Population Fund

Dodoma

National

NO-C, National Professional Officer - Locally recruited position level

Speaks English

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Education

Advanced degree in Population Studies; Demography, Economics; Public Policy, Statistics; Development Studies or other related social science fields.

Knowledge and

grant, home leave, health insurance and other

Benefits

This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary plus cost of living adjustment, rental subsidy,

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.

Disclaimer:

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.

At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.

Before applying, please make sure that you have read the

Requirements

• for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.
• Summary by Impactpool
• The Programme Specialist for Population Dynamics and Policy at UNFPA plays a crucial role in managing population-related interventions in Tanzania. This position involves providing technical leadership, advancing rights-based policies, and strengthening national data systems. The specialist will engage with government and partners to integrate population dynamics into development planning and ensure evidence-based outcomes. The role also includes overseeing program management and fostering strategic partnerships to support the UNFPA's transformative goals.
• Candidate
• Advanced degree in Population Studies or related fields
• At least five years of