Application Guide

How to Apply for National Consultancy, Review of UNFPA/Government of Nigeria 9th Country Programme - Gender and Humanitarian Response Specialist

at United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

🏢 About United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

UNFPA is the UN's specialized agency for sexual and reproductive health, uniquely positioned at the intersection of development and humanitarian work. Working here means contributing to transformative change in areas like gender equality and maternal health, with Nigeria being a priority country where your work directly impacts vulnerable populations during both development and crisis situations.

About This Role

This consultancy involves conducting a critical review of UNFPA Nigeria's 9th Country Programme, specifically evaluating how gender and humanitarian response components have been integrated and implemented. Your analysis will directly shape future programming strategies, making this a high-impact role that influences how UNFPA addresses gender inequality and humanitarian needs in one of Africa's most populous nations.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve analyzing programme documents and monitoring data, conducting virtual interviews with UNFPA staff and government counterparts in Abuja and field offices, and drafting sections of the assessment report. You'll frequently reference humanitarian coordination mechanisms and gender frameworks while ensuring your analysis aligns with both UNFPA's global standards and Nigeria's specific operational realities.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Is Looking For

  • Has 5+ years of hands-on experience designing or evaluating gender integration strategies within humanitarian or development programmes in West Africa, preferably Nigeria
  • Demonstrates specific expertise in both gender mainstreaming AND humanitarian response programming (not just one area), with examples from previous programme reviews
  • Possesses strong qualitative and quantitative assessment skills specifically for evaluating complex multi-year country programmes
  • Can show concrete examples of developing actionable recommendations that were implemented in previous UN or government partnership contexts

📝 Tips for Applying to United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

1

Quantify your programme review experience: Instead of 'conducted reviews,' specify 'conducted 3 comprehensive programme reviews covering X beneficiaries with Y% implementation of recommendations'

2

Explicitly link your gender and humanitarian expertise: Show how you've integrated gender considerations into humanitarian response or vice versa in previous roles

3

Reference UNFPA Nigeria's specific context: Mention Nigeria's humanitarian challenges (NE conflict, displacement) and development priorities (gender-based violence, maternal health)

4

Use UN language and frameworks: Demonstrate familiarity with UN programming cycles, results-based management, and gender/humanitarian coordination mechanisms

5

Highlight Nigeria-specific experience: If you have worked in Nigeria or similar West African contexts, emphasize this as it's crucial for understanding the operational environment

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific methodology for conducting comprehensive programme reviews (data collection, stakeholder engagement, analysis frameworks)', 'Concrete examples where your gender integration recommendations led to measurable improvements in programme outcomes', 'Experience working with government counterparts in complex partnership arrangements like UN-country programmes', "Understanding of Nigeria's humanitarian landscape and how it intersects with gender equality challenges"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → UNFPA Nigeria's current country programme document (8th or 9th) and annual reports to understand programme architecture
  • → Nigeria's Humanitarian Response Plan and how UNFPA contributes to it, particularly gender-based violence and reproductive health components
  • → UNFPA's global strategic plan and how it translates to the Nigeria context, especially the 'three zeros' transformative results
  • → Recent evaluations or reviews of UNFPA programmes in Nigeria or similar contexts to understand common challenges and successes

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk us through how you would structure the review of the 9th Country Programme's gender and humanitarian components
2 What specific indicators would you use to assess the effectiveness of gender integration in a humanitarian response programme?
3 How would you engage with Government of Nigeria counterparts during this sensitive review process?
4 Based on your knowledge of Nigeria, what are the biggest challenges in integrating gender considerations into humanitarian programming?
5 How would you ensure your recommendations are practical and implementable within UNFPA's operational constraints in Nigeria?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Presenting generic gender or humanitarian experience without showing how they intersect in practice
  • Failing to demonstrate understanding of the UNFPA-Government partnership dynamic in programme implementation
  • Providing vague recommendations rather than specific, actionable suggestions tied to Nigeria's context

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)!

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