JOB DESCRIPTION

August 27, 2025

B

Family

Family

GS6

General Service

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2025-10-01

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.

• Proven experience in organizing and leading programmes and projects aimed at protecting the rights of refugees.
• Demonstrated ability to implement inclusive socio-economic development programmes tailored to the needs of refugees or other vulnerable groups.
• Experience in engaging and negotiating with government authorities, agencies, NGOs, and development actors.
• Ability to foster collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders, including refugee leaders, local municipalities, civil society, and private sector partners.
• Familiarity with durable solutions approaches, including voluntary repatriation and local integration.
• Excellent communication skills in French, both oral and written. With ability to communicate clearly and effectively across diverse audiences.
• Full computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Excel and digital tools
• Knowledge of risk-based approaches, particularly in fraud mitigation and prevention.
• High ethical standards and integrity, ability to work effectively in multicultural and multiethnic settings and capacity to deliver high-quality work under tight deadlines
• Experience in managing development projects, the nexus approach, strategic planning, or public policy analysis would be an asset.
• Experience in the project management cycle (planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, reporting).
• Good knowledge of inter-agency coordination, including with the government, implementing partners (IP/OP), donors, and other UN agencies.
• Budget monitoring and performance tracking (COMPASS, ACONEX/PROMS, Cloud).
• Proficiency in UNHCR monitoring and reporting tools (COMPASS, ProMS, etc.).
• Ability to manage limited resources and prioritize in a budget-constrained environment.

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link:

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position:

The Republic of Congo continues to be a country of asylum, primarily for refugees from neighboring countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Central African Republic (CAR). The country currently hosts over 35,000 Central African and 32,000 Congolese (DRC) refugees, who live in relative peace and are gradually integrating into host communities.
Although an asylum law was adopted in 2021, the implementing decree has yet to be signed. This legal gap prevents refugees from fully enjoying their rights, particularly access to social services and legal documentation. UNHCR is actively advocating for the adoption of the decree and the issuance of identity and legal documents to refugees, which are essential for their protection and inclusion.
Following a joint verification exercise completed in 2024, UNHCR and the National Refugee Assistance Committee (CNAR) confirmed the presence of 71,680 refugees and asylum seekers. Since then, over 8,000 new arrivals from the DRC have been identified, though they have not yet been registered and granted refugee status by the Congolese authorities.
UNHCR’s strategy in the Republic of Congo is anchored in three pillars: i) Legal Protection, by strengthening the legal framework for refugee protection, including through advocacy for the implementation of the asylum law, and ensuring refugees receive appropriate documentation to access rights and services ii) Catalyzing inclusion, by acting as a catalyst to mobilize development actors and the private sector to design and implement inclusive projects that benefit both host communities and refugees. This includes promoting refugee access to education, health care, and livelihoods within national systems iii) Durable solutions by facilitating voluntary repatriation, with a priority focus on CAR refugees, while also supporting returns to the DRC when conditions allow.
UNHCR in RoC also works to ensure that newly arrived refugees are identified, registered, and assisted promptly.
This comprehensive approach aims to reduce pressure on national systems and natural resources, while fostering peaceful coexistence and long-term resilience for both refugees and host populations.

The Programme Associate (Livelihood) (G6) will work under the direct supervision of the Head of National Office in the Country Office and technical supervision of the Senior Programme Officer . The incumbent is relied upon to support the operation with the implementation of a broad – range of comprehensive durable solutions opportunities for refugees. This includes leveraging UNHCR’s convening capacity to engage new partners, guiding government actions, and fostering collaboration with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including refugee communities and leaders, local municipal authorities, NGOs and civil society. The role requires solid experience in supporting livelihoods and self-reliance programmes, with demonstrated strengths in field coordination, partner engagement, and monitoring within displacement or low-resource settings

Living and Working Conditions:

The Republic of the Congo generally has a hot, humid climate, with a rainy season from October to April and a cooler, dry season from May to September. Brazzaville, the capital, is a small and relatively safe city with a low crime rate; it is rated as UNDSS Security Level 2, while the rest of the country is Level 1.

The cost of living is high, reflected in the post adjustment. The central area of Brazzaville, where most expatriates reside, is well developed, experiences minimal traffic issues, and has an abundance of taxis. The city offers a variety of African, French, Indian, and Chinese restaurants, as well as a small shopping mall with supermarkets.

Several international schools operate in Brazzaville, including French and American institutions. Basic medical care is available locally, but for serious conditions, treatment abroad is often recommended. Malaria is endemic throughout the country, and preventive measures are essential.

Cultural life is supported by institutions such as the French Institute which hosts regular events and offers a well-stocked library and the Russian Institute. The country also offers diverse leisure opportunities, including nature reserves and other holiday destinations.

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 Management

Certifications

Competencies

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

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

Compendium

Additional Information

This position doesn”t require a functional clearance