Associate Programme Officer (UNOPS IICA-1)

General Background

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) introduced its current Results-Based Management (RBM) approach in 2009. Due to major changes in UNHCR’s internal and external environments, UNHCR’s RBM approach is being reconceptualized. The RBM Renewal Project is a transformative change initiative aimed at strengthening the organization’s ability to plan, manage and present results. It is made up of the following workstreams: (1) Functional: RBM processes and approach (2) the IT solution and (3) change, culture and communication. The changes to be introduced will require a substantial programme of training and user support.

Purpose and Scope of Assignment

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is mandated to lead and coordinate international action to protect and assist refugees and other persons of concern. It is constantly seeking talented, compassionate candidates with high-integrity to strengthen its capacity to respond urgently to crises with the right skills. Given the nature of UNHCR’s work, it is essential that its workforce has the right mix of skills and qualities to fulfil its mandate. The Associate Programme Officer assists in the planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting of protection and assistance programming for refugees, internally displaced and stateless persons. The incumbent undertakes field visits to monitor the implementation of programming and introduce corrective measures where needed. The Associate Programme Officer also provides input for the annual country operations plan, including budgets, and prepares inputs for funding submissions, appeals and reports.

The role also includes to providing training and support for the initial rollout of the new RBM processes and IT system. It helps develop and strengthen field expertise and capacity in the business areas affected by the RBM renewal project: the preparation of multi-year strategies, annual implementation plans, budgets, monitoring and reporting.

The Associate Programme Officer provides assistance to the Senior Programme Officer and team in Bureau’s Regional Activities by supporting colleagues, partners, and field offices in programmatic areas.

Monitoring and Progress Controls

• Through a consultative process within the country and field visits, and/or remote coordination due to Covid19 restrictions, stay involved in the development of the strategies, methodologies, and contingency plans that respond to new and emerging operational challenges for the country.

• Assist in organizing a consultative process to ensure a consistent application of the organization’s criteria and policies for the selection of implementing and operational partners.

• In coordination with the Offices in the Field, Assist in managing the development of a broad network of partners, and staff members through the community of practice for the exchange of good practices and the development of partner capacities.

• Assist in training UNHCR as well as partners, and staff in UNHCR on standard procedures related to the Results Based Programme (RBM) management and programme policies

• Contribute to the strengthening of field capacity in the processes affected by the RBM renewal project by partaking in the development and delivery of learning plans and training, and by providing direct support to the country’s operations.

• Contribute to the capacity-building efforts of the Regional Bureau in the area of programme monitoring. Assist with relevant guidance on how to undertake the proper collection, monitoring and use of baselines, standards and indicators needed to measure and analyze UNHCR’s performance, trends and target interventions.

• Undertake field visits or remote coordination due to Covid19 restrictions, to evaluate and improve the planning, programming, implementation and monitoring of assistance projects.

• Assist in providing technical support and advice on partnership management, performance and financial monitoring, and framework for implementation with partners.

Qualifications and Experience

a. Education

Degree in Economics, Business Administration, Project management, Social Science, or related field. • Job experience: Minimum 2 years of relevant experience with a graduate degree (the equivalent of a Master’s), 3 years with an undergraduate degree (the equivalent of a BA/BS). • Languages: Proficiency in English is required. • Experience on information management is a plus.

b. Work Experience

Relevant work experience in humanitarian sector, or non-profit organization, ideally in areas linked to the project cycle, programme management, planning, monitoring, reporting.

c. Key Competencies

• Proficiency in English and Spanish
• Analytical Thinking
• Technological Awareness
• Planning and Organizing
• High level of IT affinity (MS Office applications, People Soft)
• Desirable qualifications & competencies:
• Knowledge and work experience of MSRP Finance applications.
• Good knowledge of UN/UNHCR Financial rules and procedures.
• Completion of UNHCR learning programmes or specific training relevant to the functions of the position

d. Desirable qualifications and competencies:

• Knowledge and work experience of MSRP Finance applications.
• Good knowledge of UN/UNHCR Financial rules and procedures.
• Completion of UNHCR learning programmes or specific training relevant to the functions of the position.