Deadline for Applications

December 8, 2025

Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)

A (least hardship)

Family Type (not applicable for home-based)

Family

Staff Member / Affiliate Type

CONS Local

Target Start Date

2025-11-20

Terms 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

,

,

Desired Languages

,

,

Additional Qualifications

Skills

Education

Certifications

Work Experience

Other information

This position doesn”t require a functional clearance

Remote

No