State Head of Office

The State Head of Office (HOO) ensures the effective management of UNFPA activities across result areas within the respective State to accelerate achievement of the ICPD Programme of Action and Agenda 2030. The role involves leading programme and operations staff, coordinating with the Country Office, and managing partnerships and resource mobilization to advance UNFPA's mandate in the State of Rajasthan, India.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of the UNFPA country programme in the assigned State, anchored on rights-based, gender centric and results-based approaches.
• Oversee the management of the UNFPA programme in full compliance with Corporate policies and procedures.
• Oversee the achievement of programme results applying appropriate monitoring and oversight mechanisms.
• Scan the environment, anticipate, brief and advise UNFPA senior Management on socio-economic and political conditions in the State.
• Lead formulation of the State level annual work plans.
• Monitor and supervise day-to-day implementation of the annual workplans in consultation with partners and stakeholders.
• Guide and orient implementing partners on relevant UNFPA policies and procedures.
• Analyze progress and technical reports from State level implementing partners and recommend follow-up actions.
• Lead humanitarian preparedness and response interventions in the State.
• Conduct policy dialogue with Government counterparts, UN agencies and other development partners.
• Represent UNFPA and promote ICPD Programme of Action linkages to Agenda 2030 in high-level meetings.
• Contribute to development and implementation of integrated Country Office strategy.
• Ensure compliance of programme implementation with UNFPA corporate policies and guidelines.
• Provide technical guidance to ensure programmes are rights-based, gender-responsive and inclusive.
• Advocate for policies supportive of UNFPA transformative goals at State level.
• Establish and nurture partnerships with multi-lateral agencies, civil society and community-based organisations.
• Provide strategic inputs towards advocacy efforts and resource mobilization.
• Create and deliver effective advocacy messages to advance UNFPA programme goals.
• Advocate for increases in State budgetary allocations towards maternal health, family planning and gender-based violence.
• Build strong technical and programme multi-sectoral partnerships.
• Manage UNFPA office in the assigned State ensuring accountability and compliance with corporate policies.
• Role model a culture of accountability, integrity and respect.
• Supervise and guide State Office staff and promote high performance.
• Foster open communication, transparency and a motivated workforce.
• Identify technical knowledge gaps and propose training for State-based personnel.
• Identify talent and implement career development plans.
• Plan and implement capacity building for UNFPA State office personnel and counterparts.
• Carry out any other duties as required by UNFPA leadership.

Requirements

• Advanced degree in public policy, international development, public health, population studies, Law and human rights, or other related social science disciplines.
• Five years of progressively responsible professional experience in the field of development management, including programme design, appraisal, budget management, and human resources management.
• Demonstrated ability to design and implement development programme aligned to national/state priorities.
• Experience in networking, alliance building for advocacy, and coordination mechanisms.
• Strong track record of demonstrable development programme results.
• Understanding of and experience in mainstreaming human rights and gender equality dimensions into programme design and implementation.
• Proven experience in coordinating/managing and motivating a multi-disciplinary team of staff, experts and consultants.
• Political acumen; excellent interpersonal, negotiating, intercultural communication skills; ability to convey and motivate others towards a shared vision.
• Demonstrated expertise in advocacy and policy dialogue.
• Field experience is highly desirable; prior experience in multilateral agencies is an asset.
• Fluency in English is mandatory.
• Working knowledge of Hindi and/or other local language is desirable.

Skills

• Development Programme Design
• Programme Appraisal
• Budget Management
• Human Resources Management
• Development Programme Implementation
• Networking and Alliance Building
• Advocacy
• Coordination Mechanisms
• Human Rights Mainstreaming
• Gender Equality Mainstreaming
• Team Coordination
• Staff Motivation
• Policy Dialogue
• Political Acumen
• Inter-Cultural Communication
• Negotiation
• Resource Mobilization
• Interdisciplinary Team Management

Languages

English, Hindi