Programme Specialist Population Dynamics & Policy

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is seeking a Programme Specialist, Population Dynamics & Policy to join its Tanzania Country Office in Dodoma. The position is part of the senior staff structure and provides strategic leadership in population dynamics, demographic analysis, data systems, policy development, and evidence-based programming.

The successful candidate will serve as a strategic link between population data, government policy, and development programmes. The role focuses on helping Tanzania and Zanzibar respond to demographic change, population trends, and emerging issues such as urbanisation, climate change, migration, and human capital development. The position also involves technical leadership, policy dialogue, partnerships, resource mobilisation, programme management, and team leadership.

Responsibilities include:

• Lead policy dialogue with government institutions, UN agencies, and development partners to integrate population dynamics into national development plans and sectoral policies.
• Promote the use of population data, demographic trends, and demographic intelligence in policy dialogue, strategic planning, and evidence-based advocacy.
• Support accountability mechanisms for tracking national commitments and progress toward the ICPD Programme of Action and UNFPA Strategic Plan outcomes.
• Provide advisory support on demographic dividend strategies, population projections, demographic foresight, urbanisation, climate change, migration, and other megatrends.
• Assess the implications of population dynamics for public policies, investments, economic growth, and human capital development.
• Prepare and contribute to white papers, briefing notes, policy briefs, infographics, and other evidence-based policy products.
• Review political, social, and economic developments relevant to population dynamics and identify strategic opportunities for UNFPA interventions.
• Lead the generation, analysis, synthesis, and dissemination of evidence on population trends and their development implications.
• Provide technical leadership for census and survey systems, civil registration and vital statistics, Health Management Information Systems, GBV information systems, common operational datasets, and integrated data platforms.
• Provide technical leadership on national and subnational population projections, demographic modelling, scenario analysis, and SDG monitoring and reporting.
• Support the development and application of tools for population intelligence, vulnerability mapping, and subnational analysis.
• Strengthen analytical capacity and promote the use of high-quality population data and digital systems, including artificial intelligence.
• Support the Government in using demographic and geospatial data to assess vulnerability and plan for population mobility during climate change and humanitarian crises.
• Promote the integration of SRHR and gender equality into climate adaptation strategies.
• Provide substantive leadership in the design, implementation, and monitoring of population programmes.
• Ensure programme activities align with national development priorities, the UNFPA Strategic Plan, and the UNSDCF.
• Oversee budget planning, utilisation, results-based management systems, and quality assurance within the Population Dynamics and Data team.
• Ensure timely preparation of workplans, budgets, and progress reports for the unit and implementing partners.
• Participate in the implementation and monitoring of the UNSDCF, particularly population dynamics and data-related outcomes.
• Lead reporting on programme results and oversee the effective use of financial and human resources.
• Support capacity building for team members and population partners in generating, analysing, and applying quality data.
• Strengthen strategic partnerships with government institutions, national statistical offices, planning and finance ministries, academia, think tanks, and development partners.
• Promote South-South cooperation and cross-country learning in support of the ICPD agenda.
• Lead and provide technical inputs for resource mobilisation and proposal development within the population dynamics and data portfolio.
• Participate in UN technical working groups, including the UN Data Working Group, and relevant external partner platforms.
• Strengthen national capacity in demographic analysis and the use of data for policy development and decision-making.
• Lead the Population Dynamics Team and ensure effective management of staff.
• Supervise, mentor, and coach team members to strengthen their skills and professional capacity.
• Perform other duties assigned by UNFPA leadership.

Qualifications Required:

• Advanced degree in Population Studies, Demography, Economics, Public Policy, Statistics, Development Studies, or another related social science field.
• At least five years of professional experience in population dynamics, demographic analysis, policy development, and data systems.
• Proficiency in data interpretation, research methodology and design, and policy analysis.
• Proven technical leadership experience and a strong record of delivering measurable results.
• Demonstrated ability to build networks with academic and research institutions and think tanks.
• Ability to participate effectively in high-level policy and political dialogue.
• Good understanding of human rights-based approaches.
• Knowledge of results-based management of development programmes and projects.
• Knowledge and experience in monitoring and evaluation.
• Proven experience developing and maintaining strategic partnerships with government, civil society organisations, and the private sector.
• Experience in resource mobilisation and partnership development.
• Excellent drafting, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Field experience is an advantage.
• Previous experience working within the UN system is an advantage.
• Fluency in English.
• Knowledge of Kiswahili is desirable.
• Knowledge of another official UN language is desirable.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking abilities.
• Strong project management skills.
• Strong people management and leadership capabilities.
• Ability to develop and apply professional expertise and business acumen.
• Ability to work effectively in teams and manage professional relationships.
• Strong communication and advocacy skills.
• Ability to develop and advance a policy-oriented agenda.
• Ability to build strategic alliances and partnerships.
• Knowledge of resource mobilisation and donor relations.
• Strong technical understanding of population dynamics and related areas.
• Proficiency in current office software applications.
• Ability to provide strategic direction and leadership.
• Ability to engage internal and external stakeholders effectively.
• Ability to lead, develop, and empower people while creating a culture of performance.
• Strong decision-making and professional judgement.

How to Apply:

Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications online through the official UNFPA careers portal.

Apply for Programme Specialist, Population Dynamics & Policy

Job Identification: 36678

Location: Dodoma, Tanzania

Employment Type: Full-Time

Application Deadline: 20 September 2026

Applicants should carefully review the requirements and ensure their applications demonstrate relevant experience in population dynamics, demographic analysis, policy development, data systems, programme management, strategic partnerships, and leadership.