Liaison Specialist, NOC, FTA, Paramaribo, Suriname

The Position:

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Director of UNFPA’s Sub-Regional Office of the Caribbean (SRO) and programmatic guidance of the Deputy Director of SRO, the Liaison Officer plays the leading role in the delivery of the UNFPA country policy advocacy and dialogue as they design, develop, and manage an innovative and responsive programme for Suriname. The incumbent will lead the implementation of UNFPA’s 2022-2026 and 2027-2031 Sub-Regional Programmes in support of national priorities, ensuring that it translates into tangible results, including by mainstreaming strategic partnerships, resilience, and disaster prevention and preparedness. The Liaison Officer is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Liaison Office and will be assigned responsibility  as a sub-regional thematic focal point for cross-cutting developmental areas such as youth engagement, to strengthen joint action and integrated programming in the Caribbean.

The Liaison Officer effectively communicates with national counterparts, demonstrating empathy with national perspectives, projecting the program of the organization, and promoting at the national level the goals of the program to enhance the effectiveness of UNFPA’s advocacy efforts.  S/He pursues new program initiatives from design to implementation  with a strong emphasis on the identification and expansion of strategic partnerships and resource mobilization opportunities,  including through the role of thematic focal point.The impact of this position on UNFPA’s overall programme is significant, as it ensures the organization’s role/capacity as a reliable partner with a qualitative edge. 

Within UNFPA, the Liaison Officer will work closely with programmatic and operational units in the Sub-Regional Office of the Caribbean, as well as the Latin America and the Caribbean Regional Office. Externally, the Liaison Officer plays a key role in engaging with Government partners, Civil Society Organizations, international partners such as other UN Organizations and NGOs, international financial institutions, and the private sector. 
 

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 who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates who transform, inspire, and deliver high-impact and sustained results and ensure effective external relations, communications, and 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 UNFPA Liaison Officer plays a leading role in strengthening the Country’s capacity to implement the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Program of Action within the context of its national development efforts for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, thus ensuring national ownership. The Liaison Officer substantively contributes to advancing a policy-oriented agenda, leveraging the resources of national governments, building strategic alliances and innovative partnerships with counterparts in government, multilateral and bilateral agencies, civil society, academia and the private sector, while developing internal and external communication. 

The Liaison Officer proactively supports resource mobilization strategies at country and sub-regional level, and informs the SROC Director on progress towards the implementation of UNFPA’s support towards the ICPD Agenda in Suriname and the alignment with broader efforts to advance ICPD issues in the English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean. 

The Liaison Officer carries responsibilities both at the national level and at the regional level as a thematic focal point in one of the cross-cutting areas such as youth engagement. At the national level, s/he is primarily responsible for promoting the strategic goals of UNFPA and ensuring that in working towards them, UNFPA effectively mainstreams and incorporates the youth lens into issues in population and development, sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender, and the broader humanitarian and preparedness agenda. This role extends country specific responsibilities up to the sub-regional level through cross-country engagement in technical and strategic areas relevant to the sub-region to strengthen joint action and integrated programming.

You would be responsible for:

• Policy Advocacy and Programme Development,
• Capacity Building
• Partnerships & Resource Mobilization
• Management & Coordination

A. Policy Advocacy and Programme Development

• Advances the ICPD policy agenda in a politically sensitive environment, responding to changing substantive priorities of Governments. Responds creatively to complex challenges and frequently changing demands in terms of a fluctuating resource base, multiple funding arrangements and donor contacts; Facilitates and coordinates the advocacy for public policies with counterparts in government, multilateral and bi-lateral agencies, civil society organizations as well as the private sector, with special attention towards raising funding and making the case for domestic financing for the three transformative goals of UNFPA. He/she contributes to UN systems coordination through participation in policy dialogue and provision of inputs into joint UN system initiatives;
• Facilitates the achievement of programme results by identifying, providing and coordinating technical inputs into work plans, ensuring substantive management, monitoring, and oversight, while coordinating and evaluating the inputs of consultants and technical experts;
• Assesses and addresses implications of national trends on UNFPA work in the country and in the sub-region through evidence-based analysis on megatrends such as climate change, demographic change and digitalization;
• Consults with Government, civil society, academia, private sector, youth and other relevant stakeholders on national priorities and policy frameworks, including population policies;
• Based on the above assessments and consultations, recommends areas of assistance that complement the ongoing formulation, implementation and monitoring of UNFPA supported sub-regional interventions in the country;
• Serves as a sub-regional thematic focal point in cross-cutting areas of developmental importance to the ICPD agenda, such youth engagement, in the Caribbean sub-region. For this purpose, coordinates technical assistance at the national and sub-regional levels; designs and promotes joint action and integrated programming that integrates data analytics, innovations and strategic partnerships;
• Provides inputs to the development of the Sub-Regional Programme. Manages assigned components of the Sub-Regional Programme and coordinates programme implementation in line with the strategic plan, including strategic initiatives in , liaising with sub-regional and technical teams;
• Coordinates technical assistance to partners and stakeholders to address national and sub-regional policy priorities and UNFPA work programmes;
• Ensures quality implementation. Implements UNFPA guidelines, policies, standards, tools and systems; Manages continuous feedback to the Regional Office/SRO on program, technical and operational policy, regulations, procedures etc. as well as lessons learned; prepares program and financial progress reports and feedback to donors; leads knowledge sharing with partners and Sub-Regional office with focus on gender and human rights.

B. Capacity Building

• Support national counterparts in strengthening their capacity to implement the ICPD agenda;
• Supports national and sub-regional counterparts in strengthening activities and initiatives in support of the ICPD agenda.

C. Partnerships & Resource Mobilization

• Cultivates and maintains strong partnerships with government, UN agencies, civil society, and other stakeholders. Pursues innovative ways to maintain and create new partnerships and to raise financing for the three transformative results of UNFPA. Maintains a continuous flow of information with government and donors;
• Contributes to the development and implementation of a resource mobilization strategy for the country, and mobilizes additional financial resources for the  SRO;
• Advocates for the ICPD agenda with national institutions and other UN agencies represented at the national level. Promotes South-South cooperation for the achievement of ICPD goals;
• Advocates for organizational goals in population and development, sexual and reproductive health, and gender as part of coordinated development activities, demonstrating empathy with national perspectives and the capacity to align organizational goals with national priorities.

D. Management & Coordination

• Supports the UNFPA Sub-regional Director in overall accountability for the management and work of the Liaison Office working in close coordination with the Deputy Director, the International Operations Manager and the relevant SROC staff.
• Supports the Sub-regional Director in achieving staff accountability, learning and career management within the office;
• Participates in the formulation of the annual work plans and monitor their day-to-day implementation through consultations, correspondence and field visits; 
• Develops and guides an integrated and systems approach to the work of the Liaison Office;
• Communicates standards of performance, and assigns responsibilities for achieving results according to the requirements of UNFPA corporate systems.
• Establishes and maintains a harmonious working environment; seeks to strengthen team-building by encouraging active participation and interaction with the Programme Assistant foster staff motivation, development and empowerment; and lead by example.
• Supports the establishment of a Liaison Office security strategy and plan in line with UN procedures and requirements; and
• Ensures ethical and accountable management of human and financial resources.

Performs other job-related duties as assigned by the Supervisor. Carry out any other duties as may be required by UNFPA leadership. 

Qualifications and Experience: 

Education:  

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Public Health, Medicine, Sociology, Demography, Gender, International Relations, International Development, Economics, Public Administration, Management or other related field.
 

Knowledge and Experience: 

• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in the field of developmental or social impact activities, preferably policy development, advocacy, resources mobilization, appraisal and management. 
• Knowledge of the United Nations System and the public sector in Suriname is an asset.
• Proven ability to manage teams to achieve demonstrable results. 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills to foster engaged partnerships at a high level of representation and to maintain political partnerships.
• Familiarity and good knowledge of social, political and economic conditions in the country;
• Experience in conducting, participating in and reporting on meetings;
• Computer literacy 

Languages: 

Fluency in English and Dutch is required. Other official UN languages, preferably Spanish, are desirable. 
 

Required Competencies: 

Values:

• Exemplifying integrity, 
• Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system, 
• Embracing cultural diversity, 
• Embracing change

Core Competencies: 

• Achieving results including the use of innovative approaches to achieve same,
• Demonstrating accountability in all areas of work, 
• Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,
• Demonstration of analytical and strategic thinking including using out-of-the-box approaches to achieve results,
• Ability to demonstrate emotional intelligence while working under pressure in a team in a multicultural environment,
• Communicating for impact
   

Functional Competencies:

• Organizational Leadership and direction;
• Strategically position UNFPA programs in the country; 
• Providing conceptual innovation to support program effectiveness;
• Strengthening the program and technical capacity of country offices;
• Facilitating quality programmatic results

Managerial Competencies (if applicable):

• Providing strategic focus;
• Engaging in internal/external partners and stakeholders;
• Leading, developing and empowering people, creating a culture of performance;
• Making decisions and exercising judgment.
   

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:

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.