The United Nations Population Fund is recruiting a Population and Data Specialist for its Abuja office. The role will provide strategic leadership on population dynamics, demographic data, evidence-based development planning and policy engagement. Responsibilities include supporting national data systems, population surveys, policy analysis, programme implementation, capacity development and resource mobilisation. The vacancy is open to Nigerian nationals with the required academic qualifications and at least seven years of relevant professional experience.
POSITION DESCRIPTION & REQUIREMENTS
The United Nations Population Fund is the UN agency working to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights, maternal health, gender equality and the wellbeing of young people.
In Nigeria, UNFPA works with government institutions and development partners to strengthen the use of population data and evidence in national development planning, financing and policy decisions.
JOB SUMMARY:
The Population and Data Specialist will lead UNFPA Nigeria's Policy, Population and Data Unit in coordination with the Country Office's programme teams.
The position will support strategic policy engagement, population data analysis, demographic intelligence, programme management and the integration of population dynamics into national and subnational development plans.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
1.Lead engagement with government and development partners to integrate population dynamics into national development planning and policy frameworks.
2.Provide policy advice and technical guidance on demographic change, population trends and evidence-based development priorities.
3.Use population data and demographic intelligence to support policy advocacy and strengthen accountability for national and international commitments.
4.Support national census activities, population surveys, civil registration and vital statistics systems, and other population data initiatives.
5.Help strengthen national information systems, including relevant health management and gender-based violence information systems.
6.Promote the collection, analysis and use of disaggregated data to inform policies, programmes and development decisions.
7.Support the integration of sexual and reproductive health, gender equality and population dynamics into climate adaptation, development and humanitarian planning.
8.Contribute to country programme design, implementation, monitoring and reporting, including guidance for implementing partners.
9.Support capacity development for federal and state government institutions, civil society organisations, academia and other partners.
10.Build strategic relationships with government agencies, donors, UN entities, international financial institutions, civil society and the private sector.
11.Support resource mobilisation through proposal development, donor engagement, partnership strategy implementation and reporting.
12.Prepare policy briefs, analytical reports, demographic profiles, briefing notes and other knowledge products.
13.Document lessons learned, innovative approaches and good practices that can be scaled up through national and regional partnerships.
REQUIREMENTS:
1.A master's degree in Demography, Population Studies, Statistics, Geography, Economics, Public Health, Sociology, Development Studies with a demographic focus, or a related field.
2.At least seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in Population and Data.
3.Strong knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods.
4.Results-based programme management experience, particularly in strategic planning and capacity development.
5.Experience producing policy analysis, technical papers, analytical reports and policy briefs.
6.Experience working with national surveys, censuses or population information systems.
7.Understanding of development planning, policy processes and demographic dynamics.
8.Experience with UN agencies or human rights dimensions of population and development is an advantage.
9.Strong stakeholder engagement, communication, presentation and partnership-building skills.
10.Fluency in written and spoken English.
11.Nigerian nationality is required for this national position.
CONTRACT AND WORK ARRANGEMENT:
1.Duty station: Abuja, Nigeria.
2.Grade: NOD.
3.Contract type: Fixed-term appointment.
4.Duration: One year, renewable subject to funding availability and satisfactory performance.
5.Work arrangement: Full-time.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Interested and eligible Nigerian nationals should apply through the official UNFPA recruitment portal.
1.Review the complete vacancy notice and verify the eligibility and experience requirements.
2.Complete the online application and provide accurate details of education, professional experience and relevant achievements.
3.Upload all required documentation through the official application system.
4.Submit the application before the closing date.
UNFPA does not charge application, processing, interview, testing or training fees at any stage of recruitment.
APPLICATION LINK:
https://www.unfpa.org/jobs/national-position-population-and-data-specialist-abuja-nod-fixed-term-appointment-fta
DEADLINE:
27 October 2026
