The Position
S/he contributes to the planning and implementation of thematic and other evaluation activities, providing enhanced integrated support framework to COs. S/he coordinates WCARO’s responsiveness, monitors programme performance, and oversees the integrity of the annual audits processes, ensuring continuous follow-up and timely implementation of the audit recommendations in close coordination with concerned units and COsactions
How you can make a difference
UNFPA is the lead United Nations agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The UNFPA Strategic Plan for 2026-2029 articulates the organization’s response to a complex global environment, providing a roadmap for resilience and renewal. It is designed to accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. This mandate is pursued through a focus on four interconnected outcomes: ending the unmet need for family planning; ending preventable maternal deaths; ending gender-based violence and harmful practices; and adapting to demographic change through evidence and rights-based policies.
In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff who embody these international norms and standards and will defend them courageously and with full conviction.
UNFPA is seeking candidates who transform, inspire, and deliver high-impact sustained results, ensuring effective external relations, communications, partnership-building and resource mobilization in a rapidly changing development and funding landscape. We need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them, and who commit to delivering excellence in programme results
Job Purpose
The Programme Management and Oversight Specialist provides quality assurance to programmes and CO performance under the purview of WCARO; produces management information analysis to guide new policies, programmatic interventions, and/or any remedial actions required. S/he ensures that COos are provided with rapid and effective Quantum and Quantum+ support services in the programming process to ensure that country programmes are aligned with the national development plan, UNFPA Strategic Plan, ICPD PoA, UNSDCF, UN80 to ensure efficiency and effectiveness and the implementation of the CPD are aligned implemented in the context of the ICPD Programme of Action and UNFPA Strategic Plan, national development processes, and the process of UN80 reform and in line with UNFPA policies and procedures.
Main Tasks & Responsibilities
The Programme Management and Oversight Specialist works in collaboration within the Regional Office units and reports directly to the Deputy Regional Director as the Head of Programmes of the Regional Office.
Key Results Expected of the Specialist
- Enhanced programme performance resilience through effective monitoring, foresight, driven oversight and accountability frameworks
- Timely and strategic preparation of WCARO AWPs and OMPs ensuring they take into account emerging regional trends
Strengthened CO capacity through timely Quantum/Quantum+ support, providing leadership and technical guidance to formulate innovative, future-ready programme strategies and projects
Proactive monitoring and evaluation impact with mid-term and final programme evaluation and audit plans and stress test programme strategies against potential future disruptions and systemic risks.
Primary Activities of the Specialist
- Proactive monitoring of resources, programme performance and results, and external dynamics affecting COs and Regional Programmes, identifying early warning signs, systemic risks, and strategic opportunities to trigger timely adaptive responses.
- Strategic programme development and management support to WCARO, with a core focus on embedding futures thinking, horizon scanning, and resilience-building methodologies into programme design and implementation.
- Provision of technical inputs to the planning, coordination, monitoring of annual evaluation exercise and audits in WCARO region, ensuring that all assessment frameworks integrate foresight-driven analysis to stress-test programme strategies against potential future disruptions and systemic risks.
You would be responsible for
Support M&E to the smooth and timely preparation of the annual evaluation plans, and sound advice to WCARO Management on the programme of work, including the inclusion of foresight dimensions in annual evaluation plans, ensuring that evaluations assess not only past performance but also the robustness of programmes against potential future disruptions or shocks Setting of minimum monitoring and evaluation requirements for all Country Programme and projects.
- Guidance on UNFPA evaluation policies, procedures and practices to programme managers, CO staff concerned with evaluation, consultants and/or members of evaluation teams.
4. Support to Annual Audits Exercise in WCARO Region
Education
Advanced university degree in public health, medicine, sociology, demography, gender, economics, international relations, international development, public administration, management or other related fields.
Knowledge and Experience
- Cultural sensitivity, inter-personal skills and ability to work smoothly under pressure.
Languages
Fluency in English and French is required to enable effective communication with English speaking and French speaking country coordination groups and local organisations (West and Central Africa region).
Values
Exemplifying integrity,
- Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system,
Embracing cultural diversity,
- Embracing change
Core Competencies
- Achieving results,
- Being accountable,
- Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,
- Thinking analytically and strategically,
- Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships,
Functional Competencies
- AdvocacyAdvancing a policy-oriented Agenda.
- Leveraging the resources of national governments and partners/ building strategic alliances and partnerships.
- Delivering results-based programme;
- Internal and external communication and advocacy for results mobilization.
- Strengthening the program capacity of Country offices
- Strategically Positioning UNFPA Programmes.
Compensation and Benefits
This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary plus health insurance and other benefits as applicable.
UNFPA Work Environment
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.