UNFPA is recruiting a Special Assistant to the Director of its Programme Division in Nairobi, Kenya. The P-3 position offers a one-year appointment with possible extension, health insurance and other benefits. Apply by 30 October 2026.
Background & Job Description
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is inviting applications for a Special Assistant to the Director of the Programme Division (P-3) in Nairobi, Kenya.
This full-time, fixed-term opportunity is intended for experienced professionals with a background in public policy, international affairs, global health or another field relevant to UNFPA’s mandate. The successful candidate will support the Director across planning, management, technical analysis, monitoring and coordination activities.
UNFPA works to promote reproductive health and rights, safe childbirth, family planning and the empowerment of young people. Through its 2026–2029 Strategic Plan, the organisation aims to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals and address challenges including preventable maternal deaths, gender-based violence and unmet family planning needs.
The appointment is initially for one year, with the possibility of extension. Applications close on 30 October 2026.
Job Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) |
| Position | Special Assistant to the Director, Programme Division |
| Grade | P-3 |
| Location | Nairobi, Kenya |
| Job type | Full-time, fixed-term |
| Initial contract | 1 year, with possibility of extension |
| Education | Master’s degree or equivalent |
| Required experience | At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience |
| Required language | English |
| Desirable languages | French or Spanish, or another UN language |
| Benefits | Competitive net salary, health insurance and other applicable benefits |
| Application deadline | 30 October 2026 |
| Official application | Apply through UNFPA Careers |
Tasks and Responsibilities
The Special Assistant will provide direct support to the Director of the Programme Division, helping ensure effective planning, communication, coordination and implementation of divisional priorities.
Key responsibilities include:
Planning and management support: Reviewing incoming documents, advising on required actions, preparing briefing notes and presentations, drafting correspondence, and coordinating inputs for annual and other reports.
Technical support and research: Analysing reports, conducting literature reviews and desk research, preparing technical papers, reviewing substantive documents and extracting relevant information from databases.
Monitoring and evaluation: Tracking tasks assigned by the Director and supporting the monitoring and follow-up of the division’s Office Management Plan.
Coordination and collaboration: Organising meetings, recording decisions and follow-up actions, coordinating the Director’s participation in corporate initiatives, facilitating communication between branches and regional offices, and supporting collaboration across the Programme Division.
The position also involves working with other UNFPA offices, UN system partners and relevant stakeholders to ensure that information is shared effectively and divisional activities are coordinated.
Qualifications and Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following requirements.
Education
A Master’s degree or equivalent in public policy, international affairs, global health or another field relevant to UNFPA’s mandate is required.
Work Experience
Candidates must have at least five years of progressively responsible professional experience in civil service, international affairs, global health or another area relevant to UNFPA’s work.
Experience within the United Nations system is also identified as a requirement in the vacancy description.
Professional Skills
Applicants should demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong analytical and organisational abilities, sound judgment, initiative and effective interpersonal skills.
Other relevant competencies include project management, business acumen, familiarity with management systems, organisational awareness, systems thinking and the ability to develop innovative approaches.
Candidates should also demonstrate a commitment to development work and UNFPA’s mission.
Languages
Fluency in English is required. Fluency in another UN language, particularly French or Spanish, is desirable.
Additional Information
The vacancy offers a competitive net salary, health insurance and other applicable benefits. The source advertisement does not specify an exact salary amount.
UNFPA promotes an inclusive working environment based on gender equality, diversity, integrity and equal opportunity. Women and candidates from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation may be available for applicants with disabilities upon request.
Application deadline: 30 October 2026, at 10:59 a.m. as displayed in the vacancy listing.
How to apply: Visit the official UNFPA careers website, locate the Special Assistant to Director, Programme Division vacancy in Nairobi, Kenya, and follow the online application instructions. Search using job identification 37265.
Applicants should prepare an updated CV and a tailored application demonstrating how their qualifications and experience match the position.
UNFPA states that it does not charge application, processing, training, interviewing or recruitment fees. Applicants should use official recruitment channels only.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the UNFPA Special Assistant vacancy?
It is a P-3 professional position supporting the Director of UNFPA’s Programme Division with planning, management, technical analysis, monitoring and coordination.
2. Where is the position based?
The position is based in Nairobi, Kenya.
3. How long is the appointment?
The initial fixed-term appointment is for one year, with the possibility of extension.
4. What qualifications are required?
Applicants need a Master’s degree or equivalent in public policy, international affairs, global health or another subject relevant to UNFPA’s mandate.
5. How much work experience is required?
At least five years of progressively responsible experience in a relevant field is required. The vacancy also identifies experience within the UN system as a requirement.
6. Which languages are required?
Fluency in English is required. French, Spanish or another UN language is desirable.
7. Does the role provide health insurance?
Yes. The advertised package includes health insurance, a competitive net salary and other applicable benefits. The precise salary is not stated in the supplied vacancy information.
8. When is the application deadline?
The closing date is 30 October 2026, at 10:59 a.m. as displayed in the vacancy listing.
9. How can I apply?
Visit the official UNFPA careers website and search for job ID 37265.
10. Does UNFPA charge an application fee?
No. UNFPA states that it does not charge fees at any stage of its recruitment process.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The UNFPA Special Assistant to the Director vacancy may interest experienced professionals with strong coordination, communication and analytical skills who want to contribute to international development and programme management. The P-3 grade, one-year initial appointment and health insurance are important features, while the possibility of extension means continued employment is not guaranteed.
Applicants should pay particular attention to the Master’s degree requirement, the minimum five years of relevant experience and the stated UN-system experience requirement before applying.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares employment opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with UNFPA and does not recruit on the organisation’s behalf. Applicants should confirm the requirements and submission instructions through the official UNFPA recruitment platform.
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