Young Professional Officer (YPO), Karachi - United Nations Pakistan

The Young Professional Officer Programme is a unique opportunity for young people with a passion for international development, who have the potential to become future leaders of our institution by providing them capacity building and professional training. It is designed for highly qualified and motivated young people skilled in areas relevant to UNFPA practice areas such as Population, Reproductive Health, Adolescent and Sexual Reproductive Health and Gender. The programme will be for a two year period with a full time on the job training assignment with access to mentoring and practical experience in UNFPA.

The Professionals are expected to make significant contributions to the work in the units they have been assigned to.

Under the direct supervision of National Programme and Technical Specialist, and with overall guidance of the .the programme team, the YPO delivers quality research, and information to support policy development and advocacy on core UNFPA priorities. S/he will work primarily for internal clients, will master all relevant rules, guidelines, policies and procedures, and be results focused in service of the UNFPA country programme.

S/He also applies established systems and procedures and assists in the creation of substantive knowledge by compiling, synthesizing and analyzing information relevant to population and development, reproductive health and gender issue.

– Compilation of research facts and key statistics to support policy development and advocacy

– Background research on key policies giving options and supporting arguments

– Background research on relevant individuals, organizations and policies to support partnerships

– Drafting of policy briefs on specific topics to support advocacy

– Support to the design and organisation of policy and advocacy events

– Research into relevant international experience in specific fields to support knowledge sharing and policy and programme development.

– Drafting text to support communications particularly via social media including the UNFPA website, facebook, twitter as well as articles for publication.
Work Relations

The YPO maintains collaborative relationships with all programme and project staff at the Country Office. Internal contacts include the Programme Specialist, the Programme Analyst, the CO’s programme/ technical team, and the CO’s administrative management team. If you are selected for this programme, your assignment will be enriched through on-the-job learning and specialized training whenever possible. It is an opportunity to experience development and gain exposure to UNFPA operations and mandate.

Job Requirements:

Education and Experience: In order to be competitive for this highly selective Programme the candidate must have demonstrated a commitment to development, supported by academic success, and potential for leadership. We value diversity in our work place, and encourage qualified men and women, with diverse professional, academic, and cultural backgrounds, to apply to the Young Professional Officer Programme.

The following are the minimum qualifications that need to be considered for the Young Professional Programme, although candidates selected tend to exceed these requirements. Please note that no exceptions can be made for these requirements:

– Be a Pakistan national

– Upto one year work experience in areas of Population, Reproductive Health, Adolescent and Sexual Reproductive Health and Gender

– Be 30 years of age or younger when entering the YPO programme.

– Have obtained a Master’s degree in finance, public health, population, economics, demography and /or other related social sciences field with up to 1 year of demonstrated professional work experience- Be fluent in English.

Required Competencies:

Core Competencies:

Values/Guiding Principles:

• Commitment to the Organization and its mandate


• Integrity & Cultural sensitivity


• Valuing Diversity


• Developing People


• Coaching and mentoring


• Performance management


• Fostering innovation


• Building relationships


• Working in teams


• Communicating Information and ideas


• Self-management Conflict management


• Personal leadership and effectiveness


• Analytical thinking


• Result orientation


• Appropriate and transparent decision making


• Knowledge sharing & Continuous learning

Functional Competencies:

• Results-based programme development and management – Contributes to achievement of results through primary research and analysis and effective monitoring of programme/ project implementation. Uses analytical skills to identify opportunities for project development and participates in formulation of proposals ensuring substantive rigour in the design and application of proven successful approaches.
• Innovation and marketing of new approaches – enhances existing processes and products. Documents and analyzes innovative strategies, best practices and new approaches. Adapts quickly to change.
• Leveraging the resources of partners/ Building strategic alliances and partnerships – Establishes, maintains and utilizes a broad network of contacts to keep abreast of developments and to share information. Analyzes selected materials for strengthening strategic alliances with partners and stakeholders.
Duration of the Programme: The maximum duration of the programme is 2 years. At the completion of a year each YPO is evaluated and recommended for the continuation of the second year.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required.

Please Note:

– HEC Attested degrees are a pre-requisite for employment at UNDP. During the recruitment process candidates may be required to present HEC attested degrees.

– Foreign Qualified Candidates: Foreign-degree holders shall be required to (i) Present a verification/certification letter from the university verifying the degree & student enrollment, or (ii) Foreign degree Equivalence Letter from HEC.

UNDP provides the Equal Opportunity for all equally qualified male & female including the physically challenged candidates, female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply’’ (local and internal VA)

“United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) does not charge fee at any stage of the recruitment process including application, interviews, selection or induction etc. Moreover, UNDP does not concern itself with any information on the applicants’ bank accounts.”