UNFPA Opens Recruitment for Programme Specialist Role in Addis Ababa to Strengthen Africa’s Response to Violence Against Women and Girls
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has announced a new vacancy for a Programme Specialist (P-3 level) under the Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Programme (SIARP) 2.0, based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The position is a fixed-term, full-time role with a one-year contract (renewable) and is open for applications until 14 July 2026.
This strategic role is embedded within the African Union Commission (AUC) and focuses on accelerating efforts to eliminate violence against women and girls (VAWG), harmful practices, and advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) across the African continent.
About the Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Programme (SIARP 2.0)
The Spotlight Initiative is a major global partnership launched in 2017 with over $500 million in European Union funding, making it one of the largest coordinated efforts to end violence against women and girls worldwide.
The SIARP 2.0 phase builds on earlier achievements (SIARP 1.0) and brings together:
- African Union Commission (AUC)
- United Nations agencies (UNFPA, UNDP, UNICEF, UN Women)
- Regional Economic Communities (RECs)
- Civil society organizations
- European Union partners
The programme focuses on systemic, long-term transformation through legal reform, prevention, survivor services, and institutional strengthening across Africa.
Key Programme Focus Areas
SIARP 2.0 is structured around four core outcomes:
- Strengthening legal and policy frameworks to eliminate VAWG and harmful practices
- Promoting prevention strategies and shifting discriminatory gender norms
- Expanding access to survivor-centered, multi-sectoral support services
- Strengthening women’s rights organizations and youth-led advocacy networks
The initiative also emphasizes data systems, accountability mechanisms, and regional policy harmonization aligned with international human rights standards.
Role Overview: Programme Specialist (UNFPA – SIARP 2.0)
The Programme Specialist will provide high-level technical and strategic support to the African Union Commission, working closely with UNFPA and regional partners to ensure coordinated implementation of the programme.
This role plays a critical function in aligning regional policy frameworks with global standards on gender equality, human rights, and public health.
Key responsibilities include:
Strategic Coordination and Policy Alignment
- Ensuring coherent implementation of SIARP 2.0 across partners and institutions
- Supporting harmonization of regional policies with international frameworks
- Coordinating collaboration between UN agencies, AUC, RECs, and civil society
- Identifying implementation challenges and developing solutions
Capacity Building and Technical Support
- Providing technical assistance to programme partners
- Designing training materials and capacity-building workshops
- Supporting monitoring frameworks and performance indicators
- Strengthening institutional capacity for gender equality programming
Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Development
- Strengthening engagement with youth groups, religious leaders, and civil society
- Supporting women- and youth-led accountability mechanisms
- Coordinating with the Civil Society Regional Reference Group (CSRRG)
- Enhancing collaboration between governments, donors, and regional institutions
Advocacy, Communication, and Knowledge Management
- Supporting development of communication strategies and monitoring tools
- Contributing to evaluations, reporting systems, and programme documentation
- Coordinating knowledge-sharing across partners and regional platforms
- Managing advocacy materials and public communications
- Supporting digital innovation for data and advocacy efforts
Required Qualifications and Experience
Applicants must hold advanced academic and professional credentials aligned with international development and gender equality programming.
Education
- Master’s degree in one of the following or related fields:
- International Development or Relations
- Public Administration or Public Policy
- Gender Studies
- Public Health
- Sociology, Economics, or Demography
- Monitoring and Evaluation
- Communication or Statistics
Professional Experience
- Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible experience in:
- Gender equality programming
- Violence against women and girls (VAWG) prevention
- Multi-stakeholder programme coordination
- Policy advocacy and research
- Experience working in Africa or with African institutions is highly desirable
- Strong background in UN systems, African Union processes, or donor-funded programmes is an asset
Core Competencies
The role requires strong leadership and analytical capabilities, including:
- Strategic thinking and results-based management
- Strong communication and negotiation skills
- Ability to lead multi-stakeholder partnerships
- Programme planning and coordination expertise
- Advocacy and policy influence skills
- Commitment to human rights and feminist principles
- Team leadership and cross-cultural collaboration
Additional attributes include integrity, accountability, adaptability, and commitment to gender equality and inclusion.
Languages
- English: Required
- French: Desirable
Compensation and Work Environment
The position offers:
- Competitive UN salary package (P-3 level)
- Health insurance and standard UN benefits
- Fixed-term contract with potential extension
- Work embedded within a high-level continental policy environment
UNFPA emphasizes an inclusive and equitable workplace, encouraging applications from women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, persons with disabilities, and underrepresented communities.
Application Deadline and Timeline
- Application deadline: 14 July 2026
- Contract duration: 1 year (with possibility of extension)
- Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Vacancy type: Fixed-term, rotational role
Significance of the Role
The Programme Specialist position represents a key leadership opportunity within one of Africa’s most important regional initiatives addressing gender-based violence and harmful practices.
By supporting coordination between the African Union Commission, UN agencies, and civil society partners, the role contributes directly to:
- Strengthening regional legal and policy frameworks
- Improving survivor-centered service delivery systems
- Advancing gender equality and human rights protections
- Expanding accountability mechanisms for governments and institutions
- Supporting long-term social and institutional transformation
Call to Action
The UNFPA Programme Specialist role under SIARP 2.0 is a high-impact position at the intersection of policy, human rights, and regional development. It offers experienced professionals an opportunity to contribute to continent-wide efforts to eliminate violence against women and girls while strengthening institutional collaboration across Africa’s major governance and development systems.
