EU Accession Consultant

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled.  UNFPA’s strategic plan (2022-2025), reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. These results capture our strategic commitments on accelerating progress towards realizing the ICPD and SDGs in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030. Our strategic plan calls upon UN Member States, organizations and individuals to “build forward better”, while addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women’s and girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, recover lost gains and realize our goals.

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 that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.

Job Purpose:

The purpose of this consultancy is to create a knowledge package that equips UNFPA Representatives and Heads of Office with a comprehensive  understanding of EU accession and IPA funding mechanisms. This knowledge will enable  UNFPA to effectively engage with and  support countries throughout their EU accession journey. with the training facilitated in the region.

You would be responsible for:

Under the supervision of Resource Mobilization Advisor with inputs from the Partnerships Adviser, the consultant will lead on the following:

1. Develop a comprehensive knowledge package on EU accession:

• This will include a white paper analyzing the EU accession process, eligibility criteria, key actors, EU college of Commissioners, EU delegations and regional bodies landscape, and potential entry points for UNFPA engagement;
• The white paper will incorporate relevant case studies illustrating successful UNFPA interventions aligned with EU accession priorities.  

1. Facilitate 1 - 3 webinars with appropriate presentations to support UNFPA staff understanding of EU accession and the content of the White Paper
2. Develop a template workplan for UNFPA Country Offices:

• This template will guide Country Offices in identifying and integrating EU accession priorities into their country programmes. Each country office will customize it to their context.

Informed by the COs’ workplans, consolidate a regional workplan for strengthening the collaborative relationship with EU departments and executive agencies,  and Council of Europe.  

Duration and working schedule:

Consultant will be expected to work between February 2025 and April 2025 up to 15 days.

The consultant will be engaged on an “as needed” basis for the total number of work days not to exceed 15 during the duration of the contract.

Place where services are to be delivered:

• Remote technical support and communication with UNFPA EECARO.

Supervisory Arrangements:

• The Consultant will perform under the overall guidance of the UNFPA EECARO Resource Mobilization Advisor.

Monitoring and Progress Control:

The work of the Consultant at all stages will be monitored by the UNFPA EECARO RM Advisor, in consultation/coordination with others indicated, under the overall leadership of the Regional Director.

Expected Travel:

• No travel expected

Qualifications and Experience:

Education:  

• Advanced university degree in international relations, politics or other related fields.

Knowledge and Experience:

• At least 3 years of professional work experience within EU institutions, preferably within EU enlargement and/or DG NEAR.
• Experience in facilitation of online trainings or webinars.
• Prior work experience and/or knowledge of Eastern Europe and Central Asia region is an asset.
• Understanding of UNFPA mandate areas is desirable.

Language: 

• Evidence of excellent writing, editing and oral communication skills in English.

Required Competencies: 

Values:

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

Core Competencies: 

• Achieving results,
• Being accountable,
• Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,
• Thinking analytically and strategically,
• Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships,

Job Specific Competencies: 

• Initiative and sound judgement.
• Demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with staff members from different national and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to work under pressure, be proactive and within strict deadlines.

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. 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.