Programme Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), which was established in 1950 with the mission to protect the rights and well-being of refugees. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 staff members. The organization is dedicated to ensuring that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and it strives to promote durable solutions for refugees and displaced persons.

Job Overview:
The Programme Associate position at UNHCR Rwanda is integral to the implementation of the PRM-funded 'DRC–Rwanda Voluntary Returns' project. This role involves providing programmatic and administrative support to ensure the timely execution, monitoring, and reporting of activities aimed at facilitating the voluntary return of Rwandan refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and supporting the repatriation of Congolese refugees. The Programme Associate will work closely with various UNHCR units, implementing partners, and government counterparts to ensure that the project aligns with UNHCR’s Results-Based Management (RBM) framework. The position requires a proactive approach to program planning and implementation, as well as a commitment to ensuring that all activities are conducted in a manner that respects the dignity and rights of returnees.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Associate will undertake a variety of duties, including but not limited to: conducting needs assessments and data collection related to voluntary repatriation and reintegration activities, preparing project documents, work plans, and budgets, and ensuring compliance with UNHCR’s procedures. The role also involves maintaining detailed tracking of project expenditures and performance indicators, facilitating coordination with field units, and supporting the development and implementation of monitoring plans. The Programme Associate will review partners’ progress and financial reports, compile and analyze programme performance data, and assist in preparing narrative and financial reports. Additionally, the role includes providing logistical and administrative support for meetings and training sessions, as well as using UNHCR’s corporate systems to support programme implementation and reporting.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Business Administration, Economics, International Relations, Social Sciences, or a related field. Relevant work experience is also required, with a minimum of 3 years for candidates with a High School Diploma or 2 years for those with a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Experience in programme management, project administration, or coordination in humanitarian or development contexts is essential, along with familiarity with results-based management (RBM), monitoring and evaluation, and budget management. Experience with UNHCR or similar organizations is desirable, and familiarity with UNHCR systems is an advantage.

Educational Background:
A university degree in fields such as Business Administration, Economics, International Relations, Social Sciences, or a related area is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the Programme Associate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and analytical skills to effectively contribute to the project’s objectives and manage the complexities of programme implementation.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience for candidates with a High School Diploma, or 2 years of relevant work experience for those with a Bachelor’s degree or higher. This experience should preferably be in programme management, project administration, or coordination within humanitarian or development contexts. Candidates should also have experience in results-based management (RBM), monitoring and evaluation, and budget management, as these skills are critical for the successful execution of the project.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. Additionally, a working knowledge of French or Kinyarwanda is considered an asset, as it would facilitate communication with local partners and stakeholders in Rwanda.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Kigali, Rwanda, and may require travel to field locations and border transit centres. The contract will be under UNOPS Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA 6) conditions, and the position is expected to contribute directly to the successful implementation of the PRM-funded DRC–Rwanda Voluntary Returns project. The role is full-time and is not remote, as it requires on-the-ground presence to effectively manage and coordinate project activities.