Programme Officer

Programme Officer

United Nations Secretariat

June 25, 2026June 25, 2026GenevaSwitzerland
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The Independent Institution on Missing Persons in the Syrian Arab Republic (IIMP) was established by the General Assembly in its resolution 77/301, adopted on 29 June 202
  • The organization is dedicated to addressing the issue of missing persons in Syria, providing a framework for accountability and support for victims' families. The IIMP aims to ensure that the rights of missing persons and their families are respected and upheld, and it operates with a commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and collaboration with various stakeholders, including national authorities, civil society organizations, and international partners. The organization is relatively new, and its establishment reflects the international community's recognition of the need for a dedicated body to address the humanitarian and legal challenges posed by the issue of missing persons in conflict situations. The IIMP is expected to grow in terms of its operational capacity and outreach as it develops its programs and initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Programme Officer will play a crucial role in the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs and projects related to the mandate of the IIMP. This position requires a proactive approach to monitoring and analyzing program/project development and implementation, ensuring that all activities align with the institution's goals. The Programme Officer will be responsible for liaising with various stakeholders, including national authorities, civil society organizations, and victims' associations, to facilitate collaboration and ensure effective follow-up actions. The role also involves conducting research and analysis to inform policy development and program strategies, as well as generating survey initiatives and designing data collection tools to gather insights on relevant issues. The Programme Officer will be expected to produce written outputs, such as background papers and reports, and provide substantive support for meetings and conferences. Additionally, the position requires leading outreach activities and conducting training workshops to enhance the institution's impact and engagement with affected communities. The Programme Officer will also coordinate budget-related activities and analyze data to identify trends that can inform decision-making and reporting.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to: developing, implementing, and evaluating assigned programs/projects; monitoring and analyzing program/project development; reviewing relevant documents and reports; identifying problems and initiating corrective actions; liaising with national authorities and civil society organizations; performing consulting assignments; conducting research and analysis; coordinating policy development; generating survey initiatives; organizing and preparing written outputs; providing substantive backstopping for meetings and conferences; initiating and coordinating outreach activities; leading field missions; coordinating budget funding activities; collecting and analyzing data; and performing other duties as required. The role requires a high level of professionalism, communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of theories, concepts, and approaches relevant to project and program management. They should demonstrate the ability to identify and analyze issues, conduct independent research, and apply judgment in various contexts. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to tailor their communication style to different audiences. Additionally, candidates should exhibit strong planning and organizational skills, with the ability to develop clear goals and adjust priorities as needed. A commitment to gender perspectives and equal participation in all areas of work is essential.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, management, economics, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of program management and the operational environment in which the IIMP operates.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in project or program management, administration, or a related area is required. Candidates with experience supporting programs or initiatives related to missing persons will be preferred. Additionally, experience engaging with Syrian stakeholders, including national authorities and civil society organizations, is desirable. Candidates should also have experience coordinating with international organizations and donors, as well as a background in data analytics or related fields, with at least two years of relevant experience being advantageous.

Languages:
English and Arabic are required for this position, with proficiency at UN Level II for reading, writing, listening, and speaking in English and UN Level III for Arabic. French is also a working language of the United Nations Secretariat, and proficiency in French may be considered an asset. The ability to communicate effectively in these languages is essential for collaboration and engagement with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is financed by XB funds and is available until 31 December 202
  • The appointment is subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval, or extension of the mandate. The temporary nature of this assignment means that it provides an opportunity for new work experience but does not guarantee future employment. Candidates should be aware that the position may be relocated to Damascus, Syria, or another relevant location, and they must confirm their willingness to accept such reassignment. The selection process may be limited to internal candidates, and applicants must adhere to the United Nations' standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.
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