UNFPA JPO - Digital and Emerging Innovative Technology Analyst

IMPORTANT: This position is funded by the Government of Canada and is open only to nationals of Canada. The candidate should be max 32 years of age on 31 Dec 2025. For detailed information on the JPO Programme and recruitment positions and criteria, including nationality and age of candidates, please visit https://www.undp.org/jposc/current-vacancies

The UNFPA Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Programme is intended to provide on-the-job training for young professionals who wish to obtain practical experience in development assistance. It gives them an opportunity to acquire professional knowledge in population projects in a developing country. 

A. 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 Strategic Plan (2022-2025), 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. To find out more, click here.

B. Information for Donor Consideration

1. How could the work experience in your particular work unit and the proposed ToR benefit the JPO’s possible retention and career advancement in the UN System or UNFPA?

The work experience in the Innovation and Transformation Branch ensures the immersion of JPO to a holistic understanding of UNFPA operations and strategic priorities, leading to the attainment of valuable skills and knowledge. The proposed ToR includes specific objectives and tasks that are aimed at enhancing the JPO's professional competencies essential for career advancement in the UN System.  The ToR also encourages the JPO to engage with other UNFPA Business Units, providing an opportunity to build a robust professional network and gain insights into various aspects of UNFPA and broader UN System work. 

Furthermore, the Chief of the Innovation and Transformation Branch is committed to providing mentorship and continuous learning opportunities to the JPO. This includes regular individual and team feedback sessions, access to training and professional development opportunities, and participation in initiatives and events relevant to UNFPA's mandate, including encouraging participation in Tangerines - the network of young professionals at UNFPA. Additionally, the team, in large part consisting of young professionals, provides a supportive environment rooted in collaboration and peer exchange. 

The experience and skills gained through the proposed ToR are designed to be directly applicable to various roles within UNFPA and the UN System, building an excellent foundation and enhancing the JPO competitiveness for future opportunities and career advancement. The nature of the innovation portfolio, and this specific ToR, features extensive networking opportunities, both within and outside of UNFPA.

2. Does the supervisor have experience managing and coaching a young professional, and for how many years?

Yes. The supervisor possesses significant experience in directly managing and coaching young professionals. Prior to the experience in the Innovation and Transformation Branch, the supervisor was coaching young professionals for 5 years in the Executive Office and the Regional Office, including the leading role in designing and launching the first ever JPO programme for young professionals from Africa and of African descent. Over the past four years, the supervisor has been leading the Innovation and Transformation Branch, largely consisting of young professionals. This has included two JPOs, two international professionals at the P2 and P3 levels, and four young professionals under Individual Consultant contracts, whose professional development is evident from their successful project outcomes, and progressive career advancements within the Organization.

Beyond managing the Branch's personnel, the supervisor has demonstrated a strong commitment to the professional growth of young professionals. This is evident through the implementation of various projects aimed at supporting and uplifting young people. Most notably the Young Innovator Fellows Programme in 2022 and two Innovation Challenges aimed at supporting young social entrepreneurs, including young people with disabilities.

In addition, as part of the UNFPA JPO programme overall framework, the JPO will benefit from the following supervision modalities: