Programme Officer

Hardship Level

E (most hardship)

Family Type

Non Family with Residential Location

Family Type

Non Family with Residential Location

Residential location (if applicable)

Accra, Ghana

Grade

PR3

Staff Member / Affiliate Type

Professional

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

Target Start Date

2025-06-11

Deadline for Applications

July 3, 2025

Standard Job Description

Programme Officer

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Programme Officer may be based in HQ, field/regional bureau, typically reporting to and be guided by the Senior Program officer and may supervise a small team of local and international staff. He/she may refer to UNHCR's Programme Manual (Chapter IV), UNHCR's corporate and regional strategic priorities, operation plans and other relevant institutional rules and regulations for further guidance.
The Programme Officer will provide programmatic guidance and support with regard to the implementation of protection and solutions strategies within available resources. S/he will coordinate with the other sections/units to ensure harmonized programmatic approaches at all levels and throughout the UNHCR Operations Management Cycle. S/he will work in line with the overall UNHCR directions which crucially require working with partners, including with forcibly displaced and stateless persons, governmental institutions and the private sector, ensuring that programme management is approached as per UNHCR's Strategic Directions, Global Strategic Priorities (GSPs), Global Compact for Refugees (GCR), corporate positions on SDGs.

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 in assessing and analysing the needs of forcibly displaced and stateless persons in a participatory manner, using an Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective as basis for planning.
- Provide support on programmatic aspects of developing multi-year protection and solutions strategies and annual plans with corresponding priorities taking into account corporate priorities.
- Support Results Based Management and programme capacity in light of evolving requirements, programming approaches and gaps.
- Support the planning process in compliance with planning parameters outlined in the Programme Manual and the planning instructions.
- Review and analyse plans, mid-year and year-end reports of UNHCR office(s), ensuring quality assurance and compliance with established policies, guidelines, procedures and standards.
- Support in the provision of overall direction to broaden partnerships with key stakeholders in order to maximize the protection and solutions response for forcibly displaced and stateless persons.
- Provide support to ensure a consistent application of the framework for implementing with partners, including the effective implementation of the policy on selection and retention of partners, management of partnership agreements, risk-based project performance monitoring, and risk-based project audits, among others.
- Contribute to ensure consistent and coherent monitoring approaches, tools and systems in line with global standards and polices.
- Actively contribute to UNHCRs programming of community of practice and continuously contributing to improvements of programming tools and processes.
- Identify potential gaps and problems and in cooperation with other relevant sections recommend appropriate solutions to ensure the efficient implementation of programme activities.
- Oversee a timely and effective follow-up of internal and external audits observations and recommendations that relate to programmatic issues.

- 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 related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications
Education & Professional Work Experience
For P3/NOC - 6 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 5 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 4 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree.

Field(s) of Education
Economics, Business Administration, Social Sciences
or other relevant field.

Essential
Demonstrated experience in programme management including familiarization with the OMC and sound knowledge Results Based-Management. Demonstrated experience in field operations, sound knowledge on the centrality of protection in programming, Joint Needs Assessments and the principles of targeting.

Desirable
Demonstrated experience in coordination within an inter-agency context and other actors, in a refugee or humanitarian context. Sound experience in program management training and capacity building activities.

Functional Skills
PG-Programme Management (programme cycles and reporting standards)
PG-Results-Based Management
PG-UNHCR's Programmes
(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

The ideal candidate for the position of Programme Officer in Niamey, should demonstrate capacity on:
• Programmatic aspects of developing multi-year strategies and annual plans with corresponding priorities.
• Results Based Management and programme capacity in light of evolving requirements, programming approaches and gaps.
• Planning process in compliance with planning parameters outlined in the Programme Manual and the planning instructions.
• The framework for implementing with partners, including the effective implementation of the policy on selection and retention of partners, management of partnership agreements, risk-based project performance monitoring, and the Business Transformation Programme (COMPASS, PROMS, Cloud-ERP…,).
• Design and delivery training and capacity-building initiatives to enhance the competencies of partners and team members.
• Communication and interpersonal skills.

Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):

French

,

,

Desired languages

,

,

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 Programme Officer will report to and be guided by the Senior Programme Officer, supporting the effective implementation of the Niger Operation. The incumbent will ensure compliance with IPSAS and UNHCR programme-related instructions, with a particular focus on establishing and monitoring baselines, standards, and indicators to measure the operation's performance and impact.

The Programme Officer will work closely with the External Relations Unit and the Regional Bureau to align resource mobilization efforts with operational priorities. This includes preparing high-quality proposals and reports for Headquarters, donors, and external stakeholders that adhere to the strategic direction of the operation.

Collaboration with the Project Control team will be essential in strengthening partnership and project management. The incumbent will actively engage in capacity-building initiatives for NGO partners, conducting training and regular monitoring to ensure adherence to UNHCR’s partnership guidelines and addressing audit issues.

In addition to overseeing over 30 Project Partnership Agreements, the Programme Officer will supervise Programme staff and some technical staff.The Niger operation faces unique challenges, characterized by forced displacement dynamics, limited resources, and complex coordination requirements.

The incumbent will play a pivotal role in supporting UNHCR’s operational efficiency, ensuring that programmes and partnerships effectively respond to the needs of displaced populations and contribute to sustainable solutions.

Living and Working Conditions:

Niamey is a non-family duty station (D classification) with 8-week R&R cycle. There are a number of supermarkets where local and foreign goods are available and expatriates frequent a number of restaurants offering Turkish, Lebanese, Chinese, French, Italian and other foods. Very limited educational services are available. There is a UN Clinic with limited clinic materials and the Medical Section in Geneva after assessing the medical facilities has recommended two clinics safely accessible by UNHCR staff and family members. However, it`s very poor. Most of travels within the country are undertaken regularly through UNHAS flights and some of them are reachable by car. The accommodations with minimum standards are available in the field offices. There are several banks and ATM available in the capital but most of the time out of service and provided a limited amount to withdraw. There are 3 seasons in Niger: rainy (June-Sept), cool (Oct-Feb), and very hot (March-May). The communication by the mobile is acceptable. Housing conditions are becoming more difficult due to untimely power cuts, and the very high price of rent including advances of 3 to 4 months advance payment. The 2018 Finance law impacts the cost of most purchases Security Considerations: Security level is 3 in Niamey. Due to actual terrorist threat of kidnapping and armed attacks against convoy in south of Niamey Region, any mission should move under armed escorts between 8:00 to 17:00. Despite tension around its borders, with military operations taking place regularly, Niamey remains reasonably stable, due to criminality staff members are discouraged from walking in the streets, taking taxis, staying out late at night and visiting public places alone. Almost no red zone exists but in fact staffs should reside in a certain perimeter around the assembly or concentration point. Pertaining to civil unrest and disturbances, the situation can be volatile and unpredictable in Niamey. In addition, the public unrest, materialized by meeting/ marches, regular sit-ins and roadblocks has become recurring. Personal security arrangements are highly recommended over the security measures set up. In Niamey, there is neither curfew nor state of emergency measures, but there are authorized travel times, weekly radio control and security advisories broadcasts. Security Clearance is required and can be requested via TRIP at https://dss.un.org. Requests for clearance should be submitted 7 days prior travel.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

BU-Budgeting, BU-PeopleSoft EPM/Budget, BU-UN/UNHCR Budgetary cycle, PG-Programme Management (programme cycles and reporting standards), PG-Results-Based Management, PG-Stakeholder management and coordination with Implementing Partners (Gov/NGO/Corporate), RM-ISO 31000 - International Risk Management Standard

Education

Bachelor of Arts: Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts: Economics, Bachelor of Arts: Social Science

Certifications

HCR Learning Program - UNHCR

Work Experience

Annual Budget OL in Operation/Office, Number of Persons of Concern Served, Number of Workforce in Operation/Work Setting, Workforce to Supervise, Working with Persons of Concern: Asylum Seekers, Working with Persons of Concern: Internally Displaced Persons, Working with Persons of Concern: Others of Concern, Working with Persons of Concern: Refugees, Working with Persons of Concern: Stateless

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Change capability & adaptability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Managing performance, Managing resource, Negotiation & conflict resolution, Organizational awareness, Teamwork & collaboration

UNHCR Salary Calculator

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

Compendium

Bi-Annual 2025 Compendium - Part B

Additional Information

Functional clearance

This position doesn't require a functional clearance