Programme Associate
Provide programmatic and administrative support for UNHCR Rwanda’s voluntary return project.
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Overview
Provide programmatic and administrative support for UNHCR Rwanda’s voluntary return project.
You have:
- A university degree in Business Administration, Economics, International Relations, Social Sciences, or related field is required.
- 3 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent in program management, project administration, or coordination in humanitarian or development contexts.
- Experience in results-based management (RBM), monitoring and evaluation, and budget management is essential.
- Excellent knowledge of English (written and spoken).
- Working knowledge of French or Kinyarwanda is an asset.
- Experience with UNHCR, UN agencies, NGOs, or government counterparts in humanitarian or return/reintegration projects is desirable.
Deadline for Applications
December 8, 2025Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)
A (least hardship)Family Type (not applicable for home-based)
FamilyStaff Member / Affiliate Type
CONS LocalTarget Start Date
2025-11-20Terms of Reference
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Title: Programme Associate
Project: UNHCR Rwanda/2025
Duty station: Kigali, Rwanda
Section/Unit: Programme/UNHCR Rwanda
ICA Level: LICA 6, Corresponding level: G6
Duration: from November 2025 to December 2026 (renewable)
Supervisor: Associate Programme Officer
General Background
UNHCR Rwanda, within the framework of the PRM-funded “DRC–Rwanda Voluntary Returns” project, is implementing activities to facilitate the voluntary, safe and dignified return of Rwandan refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and to support the voluntary repatriation of Congolese refugees from Rwanda.
The operation contributes to durable solutions, peacebuilding, and social cohesion in the Great Lakes region by providing returnees with protection, transportation, reception, and reintegration assistance in coordination with government counterparts and partners.
Within this context, the Programme Associate will provide programmatic and administrative support to ensure the timely implementation, monitoring and reporting of activities under the project, in close collaboration with relevant UNHCR units, implementing partners, and government counterparts. The incumbent will support all aspects of the Operations Management Cycle in line with UNHCR’s Results-Based Management (RBM) framework and the Framework for Implementing with Partners (FWIP).
Purpose and Scope of Assignment
Under the direct supervision of the Associate Programme Officer and the overall supervision of the Senior Programme Officer, the Programme Associate will undertake the following duties and responsibilities:
Programme Planning and Implementation
Support needs assessments and data collection related to voluntary repatriation and reintegration activities, applying an Age, Gender, and Diversity (AGD) lens.
Assist in preparing project documents, work plans, budgets, and revisions in line with the PRM-funded project and UNHCR’s planning systems (Focus/MSRP).
Support the establishment and monitoring of partnership agreements, ensuring compliance with UNHCR’s procedures for selection, monitoring and reporting.
Liaise with partners and field offices to ensure timely implementation of activities, including rehabilitation of transit centres, provision of transport, and delivery of return grants.
Maintain detailed tracking of project expenditures, implementation rates, and performance indicators.
Facilitate coordination with field units to ensure operational consistency across transit centres (e.g., Nyarushishi and Kijote) and at border points.
Monitoring, Reporting and Coordination
Support the development and implementation of multi-functional team (MFT) monitoring plans, including regular field monitoring visits.
Review partners’ progress and financial reports for completeness, accuracy, and compliance prior to submission.
Compile and analyze programme performance data and assist in preparing quarterly and final narrative and financial reports for PRM and internal purposes.
Support the organization of cross-border and inter-agency coordination meetings between Rwanda and DRC teams under the Tripartite framework.
Maintain project documentation, including data on returnees, indicators, partner performance, and expenditures.
Capacity Building and Administrative Support
Assist in training partners and field staff on programme and financial management tools and processes.
Provide logistical and administrative support for meetings, missions, and workshops related to voluntary repatriation and reintegration.
Use UNHCR’s corporate systems (Focus, MSRP, Global Focus Insight, and partner portals) to support programme implementation and reporting.
Perform other related duties as required.
Monitoring and Progress Controls
Workplan Delivery: Programme activities implemented as per PRM-approved workplan and budget.
Monitoring: Regular monitoring reports, field visit summaries, and performance indicators updated monthly.
Reporting: Quarterly and final reports submitted in line with PRM and UNHCR timelines.
Compliance: Partnership agreements, budgets, and expenditures are compliant with UNHCR rules and PRM donor requirements.
Quality: Data and reports demonstrate accuracy, consistency, and evidence-based analysis.
Qualifications and Experience
a. Education
A university degree in the fields Business Administration, Economics, International Relations, Social Sciences, or related field is required.
b. Work Experience
M For G6 - 3 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher, preferably in programme management, project administration, or coordination in humanitarian or development contexts.
Experience in results-based management (RBM), monitoring and evaluation, and budget management is essential.
Experience with UNHCR, UN agencies, NGOs, or government counterparts in humanitarian or return/reintegration projects is desirable.
Familiarity with UNHCR systems (Cloud-ERP, COMPASS, PROMS, Partner Portal) is an advantage.
c. Key Competencies
Core Competencies
Accountability
Communication
Teamwork and Collaboration
Organizational Awareness
Commitment to Continuous Learning
Client and Results Orientation
Cross-Functional Competencies
Analytical Thinking
Planning and Organizing
Stakeholder Management
Technical and Functional Skills
Programme Management (planning, implementation, reporting)
Results-Based Management
Monitoring and Evaluation
IT skills, including advanced Excel, database management, and data visualization
Knowledge of financial and administrative rules and procedures
Language Requirements
Excellent knowledge of English (written and spoken).
Working knowledge of French or Kinyarwanda is an asset.
Additional Information
This position is based in Kigali, Rwanda, with possible travel to field locations and border transit centres.
The contract is under UNOPS Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA 6) conditions.
The position contributes directly to the successful implementation of the PRM-funded DRC–Rwanda Voluntary Returns project, supporting UNHCR’s mandate for durable solutions and protection.Standard Job Description
Required Languages
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Desired Languages
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Additional Qualifications
Skills
Education
Certifications
Work Experience
Other information
This position doesn't require a functional clearance Remote
No
Potential interview questions
| Describe your experience in managing programs related to humanitarian or development contexts. How did you ensure the project met its objectives? | This question evaluates your practical experience and ability to manage programs effectively. | Highlight specific examples, focusing on objectives, strategies used, and outcomes. |
| How do you ensure compliance with organizational policies while managing partnerships? | The interviewer wants to understand your approach to partner management and compliance adherence. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you give an example of a time you had to analyze complex data and make strategic recommendations? What was your approach? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What strategies do you use to communicate with diverse stakeholders? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you handle tight deadlines and high-pressure situations in your work? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| In your opinion, what factors are critical for the successful reintegration of returnees? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe a challenging project you worked on and how you navigated the challenges. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What IT systems are you familiar with, and how have you used them to improve program outcomes? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
Added 6 months ago
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Updated 6 months ago
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Source:
unhcr.org
