UNFPA Programme Specialist (P-3) Job in Ethiopia 2026: Apply for the Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Programme 2.0 Before 14 July

<p data-start="1732" data-end="1996">Professionals passionate about gender equality, women&#8217;s rights, policy development, and international development now have an outstanding opportunity to contribute to one of Africa&#8217;s most significant regional programmes addressing violence against women and girls.</p> <p data-start="1998" data-end="2230">The <strong data-start="2002" data-end="2044">United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)</strong> is inviting applications for the position of <strong data-start="2090" data-end="2120">Programme Specialist (P-3)</strong> under the <strong data-start="2131" data-end="2193">Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Programme (SIARP) 2.0</strong>, based in <strong data-start="2204" data-end="2229">Addis Ababa, Ethiopia</strong>.</p> <p data-start="2232" data-end="2701">This international professional position offers experienced development practitioners the opportunity to work closely with the <strong data-start="2359" data-end="2393">African Union Commission (AUC)</strong>, United Nations agencies, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), civil society organizations, and development partners to strengthen regional efforts aimed at eliminating violence against women and girls, ending harmful practices, and advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) across Africa.</p> <h2 data-section-id="4qnxhx" data-start="2703" data-end="2726">Application Deadline</h2> <p data-start="2728" data-end="2754"><strong data-start="2728" data-end="2754">Deadline: 14 July 2026</strong></p> <p data-start="2756" data-end="2860">Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications well before the closing date.</p> <h2 data-section-id="186t35" data-start="2862" data-end="2877">Job Overview</h2> <ul data-start="2879" data-end="3263"> <li data-section-id="ol9xvc" data-start="2879" data-end="2915"><strong data-start="2881" data-end="2894">Position:</strong> Programme Specialist</li> <li data-section-id="1qb1rbr" data-start="2916" data-end="2991"><strong data-start="2918" data-end="2932">Programme:</strong> Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Programme (SIARP) 2.0</li> <li data-section-id="1ulvf1t" data-start="2992" data-end="3050"><strong data-start="2994" data-end="3011">Organization:</strong> United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)</li> <li data-section-id="zu9ike" data-start="3051" data-end="3088"><strong data-start="3053" data-end="3066">Location:</strong> Addis Ababa, Ethiopia</li> <li data-section-id="1fr6e21" data-start="3089" data-end="3105"><strong data-start="3091" data-end="3101">Grade:</strong> P-3</li> <li data-section-id="1vteid4" data-start="3106" data-end="3132"><strong data-start="3108" data-end="3121">Job Type:</strong> Fixed-Term</li> <li data-section-id="fyzicn" data-start="3133" data-end="3201"><strong data-start="3135" data-end="3157">Contract Duration:</strong> One year, with the possibility of extension</li> <li data-section-id="ahov99" data-start="3202" data-end="3232"><strong data-start="3204" data-end="3222">Work Schedule:</strong> Full-time</li> <li data-section-id="1q8rdgd" data-start="3233" data-end="3263"><strong data-start="3235" data-end="3259">Rotational Position:</strong> Yes</li> </ul> <h2 data-section-id="ynr3rk" data-start="3265" data-end="3328">About the Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Programme 2.0</h2> <p data-start="3330" data-end="3458">The Spotlight Initiative is one of the world&#8217;s largest global partnerships dedicated to ending violence against women and girls.</p> <p data-start="3460" data-end="3697">Funded by the European Union and implemented in partnership with United Nations agencies, the initiative works to eliminate gender-based violence while promoting gender equality and protecting the rights of women and girls across Africa.</p> <p data-start="3699" data-end="3833">Building on the achievements of SIARP 1.0, the second phase focuses on strengthening regional collaboration through partnerships with:</p> <ul data-start="3835" data-end="4038"> <li data-section-id="1pv2t8w" data-start="3835" data-end="3867">African Union Commission (AUC)</li> <li data-section-id="cgq9jy" data-start="3868" data-end="3893">United Nations agencies</li> <li data-section-id="1bcs0kh" data-start="3894" data-end="3932">Regional Economic Communities (RECs)</li> <li data-section-id="h4wuw7" data-start="3933" data-end="3962">Civil Society Organizations</li> <li data-section-id="167v9d3" data-start="3963" data-end="3984">Youth-led movements</li> <li data-section-id="xi37dl" data-start="3985" data-end="4015">Women&#8217;s rights organizations</li> <li data-section-id="1ten52" data-start="4016" data-end="4038">Development partners</li> </ul> <p data-start="4040" data-end="4202">The programme adopts a comprehensive, rights-based, survivor-centred approach that addresses both the causes and consequences of violence against women and girls.</p> <h2 data-section-id="1wct3r9" data-start="4204" data-end="4221">About the Role</h2> <p data-start="4223" data-end="4433">The Programme Specialist will provide strategic leadership and technical support to the African Union Commission while ensuring regional programmes align with international standards and continental priorities.</p> <p data-start="4435" data-end="4653">The successful candidate will play a central role in coordinating stakeholders, strengthening partnerships, promoting policy reforms, supporting advocacy initiatives, and ensuring effective implementation of SIARP 2.0.</p> <p data-start="4655" data-end="4793">This position is designed for professionals capable of managing large-scale regional programmes involving multiple partners across Africa.</p> <h2 data-section-id="18w7bso" data-start="4795" data-end="4818">Key Responsibilities</h2> <p data-start="4820" data-end="4914">The selected Programme Specialist will contribute to several strategic areas of the programme.</p> <h3 data-section-id="ndwch6" data-start="4916" data-end="4945">1. Programme Coordination</h3> <p data-start="4947" data-end="4972">Responsibilities include:</p> <ul data-start="4974" data-end="5217"> <li data-section-id="1jt8g8a" data-start="4974" data-end="5033">Coordinating implementation across partner organizations.</li> <li data-section-id="x4gk8s" data-start="5034" data-end="5066">Supporting strategic planning.</li> <li data-section-id="1s0hm6m" data-start="5067" data-end="5102">Monitoring programme performance.</li> <li data-section-id="umr98" data-start="5103" data-end="5159">Providing technical guidance to implementing partners.</li> <li data-section-id="24s1ej" data-start="5160" data-end="5217">Identifying programme risks and recommending solutions.</li> </ul> <h3 data-section-id="1g0hsy5" data-start="5219" data-end="5248">2. Strategic Partnerships</h3> <p data-start="5250" data-end="5280">The successful candidate will:</p> <ul data-start="5282" data-end="5614"> <li data-section-id="lsmnrl" data-start="5282" data-end="5330">Collaborate with the African Union Commission.</li> <li data-section-id="1swtjlh" data-start="5331" data-end="5385">Work closely with UNDP, UNICEF, UN Women, and UNFPA.</li> <li data-section-id="2rtkmy" data-start="5386" data-end="5447">Strengthen partnerships with Regional Economic Communities.</li> <li data-section-id="1h6nj2e" data-start="5448" data-end="5485">Engage civil society organizations.</li> <li data-section-id="18s2vyn" data-start="5486" data-end="5551">Collaborate with youth groups and women&#8217;s rights organizations.</li> <li data-section-id="12fvxvr" data-start="5552" data-end="5614">Foster relationships with traditional and religious leaders.</li> </ul> <h3 data-section-id="1r35pjc" data-start="5616" data-end="5641">3. Policy Development</h3> <p data-start="5643" data-end="5681">The Programme Specialist will support:</p> <ul data-start="5683" data-end="5942"> <li data-section-id="18mefgj" data-start="5683" data-end="5753">Alignment of African regional policies with international standards.</li> <li data-section-id="oxyx1y" data-start="5754" data-end="5805">Strengthening legal and institutional frameworks.</li> <li data-section-id="1w8c9bh" data-start="5806" data-end="5846">Promotion of gender equality policies.</li> <li data-section-id="9tgxuh" data-start="5847" data-end="5882">Elimination of harmful practices.</li> <li data-section-id="uv8j20" data-start="5883" data-end="5942">Advancement of sexual and reproductive health and rights.</li> </ul> <h3 data-section-id="sa3tvi" data-start="5944" data-end="5968">4. Capacity Building</h3> <p data-start="5970" data-end="5995">Responsibilities include:</p> <ul data-start="5997" data-end="6205"> <li data-section-id="44pdm2" data-start="5997" data-end="6039">Identifying institutional capacity gaps.</li> <li data-section-id="1kquie1" data-start="6040" data-end="6089">Designing and facilitating training programmes.</li> <li data-section-id="5tk154" data-start="6090" data-end="6121">Mentoring programme partners.</li> <li data-section-id="rwz9sx" data-start="6122" data-end="6162">Supporting cross-learning initiatives.</li> <li data-section-id="9w6f2y" data-start="6163" data-end="6205">Developing technical guidance materials.</li> </ul> <h3 data-section-id="d534m9" data-start="6207" data-end="6241">5. Advocacy and Communications</h3> <p data-start="6243" data-end="6261">The role includes:</p> <ul data-start="6263" data-end="6489"> <li data-section-id="1cqi3ve" data-start="6263" data-end="6301">Developing communication strategies.</li> <li data-section-id="fgsake" data-start="6302" data-end="6333">Preparing advocacy materials.</li> <li data-section-id="13hhxlm" data-start="6334" data-end="6376">Supporting regional awareness campaigns.</li> <li data-section-id="1ts2g9n" data-start="6377" data-end="6413">Coordinating programme visibility.</li> <li data-section-id="1w6u0s3" data-start="6414" data-end="6445">Producing knowledge products.</li> <li data-section-id="jicfyh" data-start="6446" data-end="6489">Promoting digital innovation in advocacy.</li> </ul> <h3 data-section-id="bv8lj3" data-start="6491" data-end="6518">6. Knowledge Management</h3> <p data-start="6520" data-end="6550">The Programme Specialist will:</p> <ul data-start="6552" data-end="6751"> <li data-section-id="j8uqry" data-start="6552" data-end="6581">Document programme lessons.</li> <li data-section-id="1akortc" data-start="6582" data-end="6620">Promote evidence-based policymaking.</li> <li data-section-id="8jx4o9" data-start="6621" data-end="6667">Coordinate knowledge sharing among partners.</li> <li data-section-id="okx409" data-start="6668" data-end="6706">Disseminate regional best practices.</li> <li data-section-id="1e6fmni" data-start="6707" data-end="6751">Support monitoring and evaluation systems.</li> </ul> <h2 data-section-id="10n19c5" data-start="6753" data-end="6776">Programme Objectives</h2> <p data-start="6778" data-end="6819">SIARP 2.0 focuses on four major outcomes:</p> <ol data-start="6821" data-end="7216"> <li data-section-id="ecwtxz" data-start="6821" data-end="6929">Strengthening legal, policy, institutional, and data systems addressing violence against women and girls.</li> <li data-section-id="3t2jci" data-start="6930" data-end="7008">Promoting prevention strategies that challenge discriminatory gender norms.</li> <li data-section-id="unbf6t" data-start="7009" data-end="7095">Improving access to survivor-centred services for victims of gender-based violence.</li> <li data-section-id="66wzlt" data-start="7096" data-end="7216">Strengthening women&#8217;s rights organizations and youth-led movements to advocate for accountability and lasting change.</li> </ol> <h2 data-section-id="1cpo032" data-start="7218" data-end="7244">Required Qualifications</h2> <p data-start="7246" data-end="7270">Applicants must possess:</p> <ul data-start="7272" data-end="7748"> <li data-section-id="t2ic2s" data-start="7272" data-end="7317">A Master&#8217;s degree in a relevant discipline.</li> <li data-section-id="pcrnti" data-start="7318" data-end="7393">At least five years of progressively responsible professional experience.</li> <li data-section-id="cev0it" data-start="7394" data-end="7462">Demonstrated experience managing complex international programmes.</li> <li data-section-id="gvjfwa" data-start="7463" data-end="7528">Experience working with governments, donors, and civil society.</li> <li data-section-id="1qtwk07" data-start="7529" data-end="7579">Strong analytical and policy development skills.</li> <li data-section-id="8kkx42" data-start="7580" data-end="7632">Excellent written and verbal communication skills.</li> <li data-section-id="lefesu" data-start="7633" data-end="7690">Strong leadership and stakeholder engagement abilities.</li> <li data-section-id="1pnc2cb" data-start="7691" data-end="7748">Excellent organizational and project management skills.</li> </ul> <h2 data-section-id="6t85pa" data-start="7750" data-end="7773">Preferred Experience</h2> <p data-start="7775" data-end="7839">Candidates with the following experience will have an advantage:</p> <ul data-start="7841" data-end="8148"> <li data-section-id="9ybe8a" data-start="7841" data-end="7881">Previous work with the United Nations.</li> <li data-section-id="1dhe25p" data-start="7882" data-end="7929">Experience with the African Union Commission.</li> <li data-section-id="17rpr7s" data-start="7930" data-end="7960">Gender equality programming.</li> <li data-section-id="r68r3j" data-start="7961" data-end="8015">Violence against women and girls (VAWG) initiatives.</li> <li data-section-id="ye9e9m" data-start="8016" data-end="8079">Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) programming.</li> <li data-section-id="1e5qg0w" data-start="8080" data-end="8110">Regional policy development.</li> <li data-section-id="106kbcf" data-start="8111" data-end="8148">Results-based programme management.</li> </ul> <h2 data-section-id="1m9v75n" data-start="8150" data-end="8174">Required Competencies</h2> <p data-start="8176" data-end="8217">Successful applicants should demonstrate:</p> <ul data-start="8219" data-end="8500"> <li data-section-id="1swm7zk" data-start="8219" data-end="8239">Strategic thinking</li> <li data-section-id="tujhn" data-start="8240" data-end="8256">Accountability</li> <li data-section-id="1b8u03z" data-start="8257" data-end="8268">Integrity</li> <li data-section-id="9caf2s" data-start="8269" data-end="8286">Professionalism</li> <li data-section-id="o0xd90" data-start="8287" data-end="8297">Teamwork</li> <li data-section-id="94o3pq" data-start="8298" data-end="8315">Advocacy skills</li> <li data-section-id="xj9c4y" data-start="8316" data-end="8338">Partnership building</li> <li data-section-id="rk09ui" data-start="8339" data-end="8356">Policy analysis</li> <li data-section-id="9zscri" data-start="8357" data-end="8383">Communication excellence</li> <li data-section-id="1fvch0t" data-start="8384" data-end="8406">Programme leadership</li> <li data-section-id="ryf7q5" data-start="8407" data-end="8433">Results-based management</li> <li data-section-id="1umvd6b" data-start="8434" data-end="8460">Creative problem-solving</li> <li data-section-id="4haw12" data-start="8461" data-end="8500">Commitment to diversity and inclusion</li> </ul> <h2 data-section-id="1alkx2z" data-start="8502" data-end="8526">Language Requirements</h2> <p data-start="8528" data-end="8549">Applicants must have:</p> <ul data-start="8551" data-end="8630"> <li data-section-id="1yu7w71" data-start="8551" data-end="8572">Fluency in English.</li> <li data-section-id="1enitto" data-start="8573" data-end="8630">Working knowledge of French is considered an advantage.</li> </ul> <h2 data-section-id="17wrclj" data-start="8632" data-end="8665">Benefits of Working with UNFPA</h2> <p data-start="8667" data-end="8842">Working with UNFPA provides an opportunity to contribute directly to sustainable development and gender equality while enjoying a competitive international employment package.</p> <p data-start="8844" data-end="8861">Benefits include:</p> <ul data-start="8863" data-end="9220"> <li data-section-id="l3xyvj" data-start="8863" data-end="8898">Competitive international salary.</li> <li data-section-id="v2qvmo" data-start="8899" data-end="8918">Health insurance.</li> <li data-section-id="181vza" data-start="8919" data-end="8967">Additional UN staff benefits where applicable.</li> <li data-section-id="j5ulup" data-start="8968" data-end="9009">Professional development opportunities.</li> <li data-section-id="1kd3y4i" data-start="9010" data-end="9037">International networking.</li> <li data-section-id="ayv6tc" data-start="9038" data-end="9100">Meaningful work supporting gender equality and human rights.</li> <li data-section-id="v6o1du" data-start="9101" data-end="9148">Collaborative multicultural work environment.</li> <li data-section-id="yvxywv" data-start="9149" data-end="9220">Opportunity to influence continental policy and regional development.</li> </ul> <h2 data-section-id="16yea65" data-start="9222" data-end="9245">Why You Should Apply</h2> <p data-start="9247" data-end="9402">This position offers a rare opportunity to work at the intersection of international development, gender equality, public policy, and regional cooperation.</p> <p data-start="9404" data-end="9617">The successful candidate will help shape continental strategies, strengthen partnerships across Africa, and contribute to eliminating violence against women and girls while advancing sustainable development goals.</p> <p data-start="9619" data-end="9754">Professionals seeking to make a lasting impact in international development and human rights should strongly consider this opportunity.</p> <h2 data-section-id="13dq7ve" data-start="9756" data-end="9771">How to Apply</h2> <p data-start="9773" data-end="9893">Interested applicants should submit their application through the official UNFPA application portal before the deadline.</p> <p data-start="9773" data-end="9893">Click <a href="https://estm.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_2003/job/35062" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>here</strong></a> for more and to apply</p> <p data-start="9773" data-end="9893">Click <a href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/?s=job" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>here</strong></a> for more global job opportunities</p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/2026/07/01/applications-open-spotlight-initiative-africa-regional-programme-siarp-2-0-civil-society-regional-reference-group-csrrg/">UNFPA Programme Specialist (P-3) Job in Ethiopia 2026: Apply for the Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Programme 2.0 Before 14 July</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org">Opportunities for Youth</a>.</p>