Application Guide

How to Apply for National Consultancy, Review of UNFPA/Government of Nigeria 9th Country Programme - Population and Development 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, distinguished by its focus on population dynamics, gender equality, and youth empowerment. Working here offers the unique opportunity to contribute to transformative global development goals in challenging contexts like Nigeria, where UNFPA's work directly impacts maternal health, family planning, and demographic policies.

About This Role

This consultancy involves conducting a critical review of UNFPA's 9th Country Programme in Nigeria, specifically analyzing its population and development components. The role is impactful because your recommendations will directly influence future programming and resource allocation for UNFPA's work in Africa's most populous country, potentially affecting millions of Nigerians.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve analyzing programme documents and demographic data in the morning, conducting virtual interviews with UNFPA staff and government counterparts in the afternoon, and drafting sections of the review report. Fieldwork days would include visiting programme sites and facilitating focus group discussions with beneficiaries.

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Interview Prep

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

  • Has 5+ years of experience in population dynamics, demographic analysis, or reproductive health programming in Nigeria or similar contexts
  • Possesses strong evaluation skills with experience reviewing UN or government development programmes
  • Demonstrates expertise in linking population trends to development outcomes (e.g., poverty reduction, education, gender equality)
  • Has excellent report-writing abilities with experience producing policy-relevant recommendations for senior stakeholders

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

1

Highlight specific experience with UNFPA's thematic areas (SRHR, population data, youth empowerment) in Nigeria or West Africa

2

Include concrete examples of programme reviews/evaluations you've conducted, specifying methodologies used

3

Demonstrate knowledge of Nigeria's demographic landscape (e.g., fertility rates, youth bulge, regional disparities)

4

Reference UNFPA's 8th Country Programme outcomes to show you've done your homework

5

Quantify your impact in previous roles (e.g., 'recommendations led to 20% increase in programme coverage')

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience evaluating population programmes in Nigeria or similar high-fertility contexts', "How your analytical approach aligns with UNFPA's results-based management framework", "Understanding of Nigeria's development challenges related to population dynamics", 'Ability to produce actionable recommendations that balance technical rigor with political feasibility']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → UNFPA Nigeria's current country programme document and annual reports
  • → Nigeria's National Population Policy and recent demographic health survey data
  • → UNFPA's evaluation policy and previous country programme reviews
  • → Nigeria's Sustainable Development Goals implementation framework

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you assess the integration of population issues into Nigeria's development planning?
2 What specific indicators would you use to evaluate the 9th Country Programme's population components?
3 How would you approach stakeholder consultations with Nigerian government counterparts?
4 What challenges do you foresee in reviewing a multi-year UN programme, and how would you address them?
5 How would your recommendations align with UNFPA's three transformative results?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting generic applications that don't reference Nigeria's specific demographic context
  • Failing to demonstrate understanding of UNFPA's mandate beyond basic reproductive health
  • Overlooking the political dimensions of population policy in Nigeria's federal system

📅 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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