Programme Associate

Overview

Support the assessment and analysis of the needs of persons of concern.

You have:

• 3 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher
• Demonstrated experience in programme management, Operation Management Cycle and related processes
• Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English

Deadline for Applications

March 11, 2026Hardship Level

H (no hardship)Family Type

FamilyResidential location (if applicable)

Grade

GS6Staff Member / Affiliate Type

General ServiceReason

Regular > Regular AssignmentTarget Start Date

2026-04-01Standard Job Description

Programme Associate

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships The Programme Associate would normally receive guidance from more senior programme staff in the operation/bureau/division. S/he may receive indirect guidance from other sections and units relevant to the country/region programme(s). UNHCR Manual, Operations Plans, UN and UNHCR financial/budgetary rules and regulations will guide the work of the Programme Associate. S/he is expected to stay abreast of the challenges posed by the operational context, the UN and humanitarian reform and institutional developments.

The incumbent is expected to have contacts within the organization and outside the duty station, as well as with partners and other stakeholders to collect information, monitor programme activities and implement administrative requirements. The incumbent will have to establish good working relationships with their peers at country level to facilitate the collection of information and other programme management related activities.

The incumbent is expected to work in line with the multi-functional team (MFT) approach as defined within the Program Manual, ensuring the participation of relevant stakeholders in all phases of the Program Management Cycle.

All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties - Support the assessment and analysis of the needs of persons of concern in the country/region in a participatory manner and using an Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective as basis for planning. - Assist in managing the development of a broad network of partners, good coordination practices and the development of partner capacities related to programme management if applicable. - Assist in organizing and documenting the selection of partners in accordance with the policy on selection and retention of partners, ensuring due diligence to meet the requirements of projects. - Provide support to the field with technical advice to ensure partnership agreements are established in a timely manner, regularly monitored and reported on in compliance with established guidelines and procedures included in the framework for implementing with partners. - Support the implementation and performance of partnership agreements through field visits and appropriate physical monitoring if applicable, reviewing performance and financial reports. - Support the development and implementation of MFT monitoring plans for activities implemented through partnerships and those under direct implementation in line with Programme Manual and programming instructions. - Contribute to the review and analysis of operations plans, mid-year and year-end reports of the different UNHCR offices, ensuring quality assurance and compliance with established policies, guidelines, procedures and standards. Generate and maintain records of implementation rate (performance progress and expenditures) on a regular basis. - Follow up on any change in regards to alignment of results chain, verifying indicators, budget, prioritization, apportioning needed to measure programme performance, trends and target interventions, contributing to soundness of Operations Plan and enhancement of data quality. - Follow up with UNHCR offices the compliance with issuance of audit certificates for partners in line with the Policy on Risk-Based Project Audits. - Provide support to the field through technical advice and training on resource allocation processes and other programmatic issues. - Use UNHCR's corporate tools (e.g. Focus Client, Global Focus Insight and FOCUS Reader, MSRP) for core activities related to planning, budgeting, implementation and reporting, generating data for evidence-based programmatic decisions and analysis. - Support UNHCRs programming of community of practice and continuously contributing to improvements of programming tools and processes.

- Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s). - Perform other duties as required

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Professional Work Experience Years of Experience / Degree Level For G6 - 3 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher

Field(s) of Education n/a

Certificates and/or Licenses not specified

Relevant Job Experience Essential Demonstrated experience in programme management, Operation Management Cycle and related processes. Knowledge of Results Based-Management. Computer skills (in MS office) including advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, data management, etc.)

Desirable Completion of UNHCR Learning Programmes or specific training relevant to function of the position including Programme Management Level 1. E-tutoring of PM1, Framework for Implementing with Partners Learning Programme. Experience in programme management training and capacity building activities.

Functional Skills *IT-Computer Literacy PG-Programme Management (programme cycles and reporting standards) PG-Results-Based Management DM-Database Management PG-Programme Analysis PG-Development and monitoring of programme assessments and surveys (Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Language Requirements For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English. For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language. For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.

All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.

As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.

Desired Candidate Profile

Desired Candidate Profile: • Extensive background in programme and project management, including project design, implementation, monitoring, and donor reporting. • Demonstrated ability to remain flexible, professional, and effective under pressure, with strong adaptability to shifting priorities. • Significant experience in accounting and bookkeeping, including hands-on use of ERP systems. • Proficient in preparing budgets, monitoring expenditures, and producing both narrative and financial reports for senior management. • Strong understanding of internal control frameworks and their practical application. • Experience in procurement planning and coordinating local procurement processes. • Proven ability to collaborate within a team and maintain effective communication with government counterparts and external partners. • Technologically adept, with experience using SharePoint, MS Teams, and Microsoft Office 365. • Strong problem-solving, organisational, and time-management skills, with keen attention to detail, the ability to multitask, and a consistent record of meeting deadlines. • Capable of prioritising tasks and maintaining a calm, solutions-oriented approach in fast-paced and dynamic environments, with strong client-service skills. • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. • Upholds high levels of professionalism, integrity, and discretion, with respect for diversity and confidentiality. • Must be based in Canberra and available to work on-site.

Eligibility: Candidates must be Australian nationals or have legal working status in Australia. For dual citizens, the UN recognizes the one that has the nationality of the country where the office is located.

Remuneration: A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances, and benefits, please visit the portal of the International Civil Service Commission at: http://icsc.un.org

No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit for a written test and/or oral interview.

UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing, or any other fees).UNHCR strongly encourages qualified female applicants for this position. UNHCR seeks to ensure that male and female employees are given equal career opportunities. UNHCR is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.

UNHCR has a zero-tolerance policy against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA). SEA is unacceptable behavior and prohibited conduct for UNHCR personnel. It constitutes acts of serious misconduct and is therefore grounds for disciplinary measures, including dismissal. Any concerns or suspicions about a possible case of SEA should be reported immediately to the Inspector General’s Office (IGO) at [email protected] through the online complain form at https://www.unhcr.org/php/complaints.php or by confidential fax: +41 22 739 73 80.Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):

English,

,

Desired languages

,

,

Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

Nature of Position:

Living and Working Conditions:

Additional Qualifications

Skills

DM-Database Management, IT-Computer Literacy, PG-Development and monitoring of programme assessments and surveys, PG-Programme Analysis, PG-Programme Management (programme cycles and reporting standards), PG-Results-Based ManagementEducation

Certifications

Work Experience

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Stakeholder management, Teamwork & collaborationUNHCR Salary Calculator

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Additional Information

Functional clearance

This position doesn't require a functional clearance

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Added 3 months ago - Updated 2 months ago - Source: unhcr.org