Junior Professional Officer (JPO)

Junior Professional Officer (JPO)

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

January 24, 2026February 23, 2026Addis AbabaEthiopia
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by UNFPA Ethiopia, which is part of the United Nations Population Fund. UNFPA is dedicated to ensuring that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization emphasizes gender equality, diversity, and integrity, and promotes a healthy work-life balance. UNFPA Ethiopia is committed to gender parity and encourages applications from women, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. The organization operates in various countries and has a mission to improve reproductive health and rights, and to support population and development strategies.

Job Overview:
The Junior Professional Officer (JPO) position is designed for individuals who are looking to gain practical experience in the field of livelihood and economic inclusion, particularly in relation to adolescents, youth, and women. The JPO will work under the framework of a project funded by KOICA, aimed at strengthening the resilience of populations affected by displacement. The role includes appraising project proposals, conducting assessments, monitoring program progress, and preparing budgets. The JPO will also participate in training programs, including an orientation at UNFPA Headquarters in New York and a Career Bootcamp workshop in their final year. This position is an excellent opportunity for recent graduates or early-career professionals to develop their skills in international development and humanitarian assistance.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The JPO will assist in integrating livelihood components into Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) services. Key responsibilities include supporting the design and implementation of livelihood programs, monitoring and evaluating activities, contributing to documentation and visibility efforts, coordinating with stakeholders, and managing specific program requirements. The JPO will also be expected to perform additional duties as assigned by their supervisor to support the overall objectives of the unit and the humanitarian program.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in social sciences or related fields, with at least two years of relevant working experience. Alternatively, candidates with a Bachelor's degree and a minimum of four years of relevant experience may be considered. Academic training must have taken place in a developing country listed as eligible by the Nedworc Foundation. Experience in livelihood and economic inclusion, particularly in developing countries, is highly valued. Work experience within the UN system should not exceed one year, and only paid work experience will be considered.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in social sciences or a related field is required, with specialized knowledge in international development, livelihood development, or Gender and Youth Development. Candidates with a Bachelor's degree may be considered if they have significant relevant experience. Academic training must have occurred in a developing country on the Nedworc eligible countries list.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of two years of relevant working experience after obtaining their first university degree (Master's) in the field of livelihood and economic inclusion. For those with a Bachelor's degree, a minimum of four years of relevant experience is required. Experience in developing countries is considered an asset, and prior work within the UN system should not exceed one year, including internships and consultancies.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory. Knowledge of other UN working languages is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's profile for the position.

Additional Notes:
This position is part of the Junior Professional Officer (JPO) scheme sponsored by the Government of the Netherlands and is exclusively open to nationals of eligible countries, excluding Ethiopia. The maximum age for candidates is 32 years as of December 31 of the application year. The position includes a Duty Travel and Training Allowance (DTTA) of $4,000 per year for learning activities related to the assignment. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities and values diversity, encouraging applications from all qualified individuals.
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