Deputy Executive Director; Programme

UNFPA is the lead United Nations agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The UNFPA Strategic Plan for  articulates the organization’s response to a complex global environment, providing a roadmap for resilience and renewal. It is designed to accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

This mandate is pursued through a focus on four interconnected outcomes: ending the unmet need for family planning; ending preventable maternal deaths; ending gender-based violence and harmful practices; and adapting to demographic change through evidence and rights-based policies. 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.

We are seeking an exceptional leader to join the UNFPA senior leadership team as our Deputy Executive Director (Programme) (DED-P). Reporting to the Executive Director (ED), the DED-P together with the Deputy Executive Director (Management) are the most senior members of the UNFPA leadership team. The DED-P provides technical and strategic leadership for UNFPA’s programmes and humanitarian response, overseeing a team of eight Directors at the D-2 level.

Holding the rank of Assistant Secretary-General (ASG), the incumbent helps drive the organization’s strategic direction, 2030 Agenda implementation, and partnership building with UN agencies and bilateral partners.

The position demands stature and senior-executive presence, built on a successful track record in managing complex, large-scale portfolios of development and humanitarian programmes at a global or regional level. Candidates should have extensive international experience with strong capabilities in resource mobilization, advocacy, and strategic partnership building.

The position is located at UNFPA’s headquarters in New York.

For further information about the position and additional details on qualifications, requirements, terms and conditions of service, please consult the Terms of Reference which can be found at UNFPA website - https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

To apply , please submit a CV and covering letter via email to . The closing date for applications is Monday 16 February 2026.