Vacancies and How to Get a Job at UNFPA Sierra Leone (Salary, Roles & Application Guide)
UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is recruiting for four opportunities in Freetown, Sierra Leone, covering gender-based violence programming, monitoring and evaluation, programme analysis, and midwifery curriculum development.
These opportunities are particularly valuable for professionals looking to build careers in international development, public health, gender equality, programme management and the United Nations system. For people searching for UNFPA jobs in Sierra Leone 2026, the vacancies include both national and international opportunities, as well as an international consultancy.
The deadlines vary by position, with applications closing between 16 and 25 August 2026. Candidates should carefully check the eligibility requirements because some positions have specific nationality or professional experience conditions.
About UNFPA
UNFPA is the United Nations agency focused on sexual and reproductive health, gender equality and the rights and wellbeing of women, girls and young people. Its work includes efforts to reduce preventable maternal deaths, address unmet family planning needs and eliminate gender-based violence and harmful practices. UNFPA works with partners in more than 150 countries.
In Sierra Leone, UNFPA works with government institutions and other partners across areas including sexual and reproductive health, gender-based violence, population dynamics and programme development.
These vacancies show that UNFPA is looking for professionals who can combine technical expertise with strong communication, analytical ability, partnership management and results-focused programme delivery.
Available Positions
The current UNFPA opportunities in Sierra Leone include:
- Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Programme Specialist – Freetown
- Monitoring & Evaluation Officer – Freetown
- Programme Analyst – Freetown
- International Consultant: Development of Direct Entry BSc-Midwifery Curriculum – Freetown
1. Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Programme Specialist
What You’ll Do (Simplified)
The GBV Programme Specialist will support UNFPA's efforts to prevent and respond to gender-based violence and strengthen programmes that empower girls and women.
The role involves:
- Supporting the design and implementation of GBV prevention and response programmes.
- Coordinating with government ministries, UN agencies, NGOs and civil society organisations.
- Providing technical guidance on GBV programming.
- Supporting advocacy and resource mobilisation.
- Developing evidence-based programme frameworks and theories of change.
- Supporting initiatives aimed at challenging harmful social norms.
- Helping strengthen the agency and resilience of adolescent girls.
The position will work closely with institutions including the Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs, the Family Support Unit and other government and civil society partners.
Who This Role Is Best For
This is a senior specialist opportunity requiring at least three years of relevant experience and a Master's degree or equivalent in Gender Studies, Human Rights, International Development, Social Sciences or a related discipline.
Candidates should have experience in gender equality, GBV, women's empowerment, human rights or development programming.
Important eligibility point: This assignment is international and specifically funded by the Government of Ireland. The vacancy states that candidates must be Irish citizens, eligible EEA nationals with unrestricted residence rights in Ireland, or individuals with the specified Irish refugee status.
Estimated Salary
Negotiable based on experience.
The vacancy refers to long-term benefits and allowances but does not provide a specific salary figure. Applicants can use the UNV entitlement calculator referenced in the vacancy for further information.
How to Apply
The application deadline is 16 August 2026. Candidates can apply for a maximum of three assignments and should indicate their order of preference where applicable.
How to Increase Your Chances
Make your CV evidence-based. Highlight specific GBV programmes you have helped design or implement, partnerships you have managed, advocacy initiatives you have supported and measurable results achieved.
2. Monitoring & Evaluation Officer
What You’ll Do (Simplified)
The Monitoring & Evaluation Officer will support UNFPA's systems for measuring programme performance, collecting reliable data and reporting results.
The role includes:
- Helping develop programme results and M&E frameworks.
- Supporting field monitoring activities.
- Collecting, analysing and verifying programme data.
- Tracking progress against targets.
- Preparing quarterly monitoring reports.
- Supporting evaluations and follow-up on recommendations.
- Maintaining monitoring databases.
- Producing analytical reports and data visualisations.
- Conducting monitoring visits across Sierra Leone.
The role also involves working with implementing partners and ensuring data is properly checked and disaggregated by factors such as sex, age, location and disability.
Who This Role Is Best For
This is a national UNV specialist opportunity in Freetown. Candidates need at least three years of relevant experience and a Bachelor's degree in Statistics, Social Sciences, Demography, Public Health, Economics or a related discipline.
Experience with monitoring and evaluation, data collection, programme management and Results-Based Management is highly relevant. Knowledge of statistical and database software is also important.
Fluent English is required, while working knowledge of Krio is desirable.
Estimated Salary
Negotiable based on experience.
The source does not provide a specific salary figure.
How to Apply
The vacancy information provided does not include a direct application email or application URL. Applicants should use the official UNV/UNFPA application process associated with the vacancy.
How to Increase Your Chances
Your CV should show more than general administrative experience. Highlight M&E frameworks, indicators, data collection, dashboards, statistical software, field monitoring and analytical reporting.
If you have worked with NGOs, government agencies or international development organisations, make that experience prominent.
3. Programme Analyst
What You’ll Do (Simplified)
The Programme Analyst will contribute to the coordination and implementation of UNFPA's country programme, with a particular focus on health and development priorities.
Responsibilities include:
- Supporting programme and project design.
- Working with government institutions, NGOs and development partners.
- Providing technical support for sexual and reproductive health initiatives.
- Supporting policies, strategies, guidelines and training programmes.
- Contributing to advocacy and resource mobilisation.
- Analysing political, social and economic developments relevant to UNFPA programmes.
- Supporting project implementation and partnerships.
- Documenting lessons learned and best practices.
- Preparing programme briefs, conference materials and donor-related documents.
The role is particularly connected to areas such as emergency obstetric care, maternal and perinatal death surveillance, cervical cancer prevention, SRH in emergencies, obstetric fistula management and midwifery support.
Who This Role Is Best For
The position requires a Master's degree in medicine, public health, sociology, international development or a related field, together with two years of professional experience in development and population-related activities, preferably programme or project management.
It is a good fit for professionals who can combine technical knowledge with policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, writing and programme coordination.
Estimated Salary
Negotiable based on experience.
The vacancy states that the position includes a competitive net salary, health insurance and other applicable benefits, but does not provide a specific salary figure.
How to Apply
The application deadline is 25 August 2026 at 11:00 AM, and the position is a one-year fixed-term appointment with the possibility of extension.
Applicants should use the official UNFPA recruitment process for the vacancy.
How to Increase Your Chances
Emphasise experience working with government agencies, development partners and health programmes. Strong report writing is especially important, so include examples of policy briefs, programme reports, proposals or technical documents you have produced.
4. International Consultant: Development of Direct Entry BSc-Midwifery Curriculum
What You’ll Do (Simplified)
UNFPA is seeking an experienced consultant to lead the development and validation of a new Bachelor of Science in Midwifery curriculum for Sierra Leone.
The consultant will:
- Assess existing midwifery education and identify gaps.
- Review national policies and regulatory requirements.
- Consult with government, educational and professional stakeholders.
- Develop a competency-based BSc Midwifery curriculum.
- Develop course structures and learning outcomes.
- Create assessment frameworks, OSCEs and clinical evaluation tools.
- Develop a clinical logbook and practice portfolio.
- Support validation and approval of the final curriculum.
The assignment is expected to involve 45 working days and may require remote work as well as travel within Sierra Leone for consultations and validation workshops.
Who This Role Is Best For
This is a highly specialised consultancy, not an entry-level position.
Applicants need a Master's or PhD in Midwifery, Maternal Health, Nursing Education or a directly related field, plus at least 10 years of experience in midwifery education and curriculum development. Experience with competency-based education and International Confederation of Midwives standards is required.
Estimated Salary
Negotiable based on experience.
The consultancy source does not state the total consultancy fee. Payments are output-based and tied to completion and approval of specified deliverables.
How to Apply
The closing date is 20 August 2026 at 11:30 AM. Applicants should follow the official UNFPA application process for the consultancy.
How to Increase Your Chances
Your application should demonstrate direct curriculum-development experience. Highlight previous competency-based health education programmes, curriculum frameworks, assessment systems and work with professional regulators or Ministries of Health.
Experience working with UN agencies or organisations such as WHO or UNFPA can also strengthen your profile.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying without checking eligibility: Some UNFPA opportunities have specific nationality requirements.
- Using a generic CV: Match your experience directly to the technical requirements of the vacancy.
- Ignoring years of experience: Several positions have minimum experience thresholds.
- Failing to demonstrate results: UN organisations generally value evidence of measurable programme impact.
- Submitting after the deadline: The four opportunities have different closing dates, so check the specific vacancy carefully.
- Overlooking technical keywords: Terms such as M&E, Results-Based Management, GBV programming, advocacy, resource mobilisation and programme coordination can be important when presenting relevant experience.
Final Advice for UNFPA Applicants
UNFPA recruitment is highly competitive, so meeting the minimum qualification is only the starting point. Your application should make it easy for recruiters to see the connection between your previous work and the responsibilities of the position.
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