Programme Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), an organization dedicated to saving lives and protecting the rights of refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people. Established in 1950, UNHCR has been at the forefront of humanitarian efforts, providing assistance and support to millions of people worldwide. The organization operates in over 130 countries, employing more than 18,000 staff members. UNHCR's mission is to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and to return home voluntarily, integrate locally, or resettle in a third country. The organization is committed to promoting durable solutions for refugees and displaced persons, focusing on protection, assistance, and advocacy.

Job Overview:
The Programme Associate position is integral to the UNHCR Rwanda's efforts in facilitating the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of Rwandan refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and supporting the repatriation of Congolese refugees from Rwanda. This role involves providing programmatic and administrative support to ensure the timely implementation, monitoring, and reporting of activities under the PRM-funded project. The Programme Associate will work closely with various UNHCR units, implementing partners, and government counterparts to ensure that the operations align with UNHCR’s Results-Based Management (RBM) framework. The position requires a proactive approach to program planning and implementation, as well as strong coordination skills to manage partnerships effectively and ensure compliance with UNHCR procedures.

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 for partnership agreements. The incumbent will also be responsible for maintaining detailed tracking of project expenditures and performance indicators, facilitating coordination with field units, and supporting the development and implementation of monitoring plans. Additionally, the Programme Associate will review partners’ progress and financial reports, compile and analyze programme performance data, and assist in preparing narrative and financial reports. Training partners and field staff on programme management tools, providing logistical support for meetings, and utilizing UNHCR’s corporate systems for reporting and implementation are also key responsibilities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Business Administration, Economics, International Relations, Social Sciences, or a related field. Relevant work experience is essential, with a minimum of 3 years for those 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 preferred. Familiarity with results-based management (RBM), monitoring and evaluation, and budget management is crucial. Experience working with UNHCR, UN agencies, NGOs, or government counterparts in humanitarian projects is desirable, and knowledge of UNHCR systems is an advantage.

Educational Background:
A university degree in relevant fields such as Business Administration, Economics, International Relations, or Social Sciences is required for this position. This educational background provides the necessary foundation for understanding the complexities of programme management and humanitarian assistance.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma or 2 years with a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Candidates should have experience in programme management, project administration, or coordination, particularly in humanitarian or development contexts. Familiarity with results-based management (RBM), monitoring and evaluation, and budget management is essential for success in this role.

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, enhancing communication with local partners and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Karongi, Rwanda, with potential travel to field locations and border transit centres. The contract will be under UNOPS Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA 6) conditions, with a duration from December 2025 to December 2026, subject to renewal. The role is full-time and contributes directly to the implementation of the PRM-funded DRC–Rwanda Voluntary Returns project, aligning with UNHCR’s mandate for durable solutions and protection.