Associate Programme Officer

Associate Programme Officer

UN Offices

February 7, 2026February 16, 2026CairoEgypt
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa (ROMENA) of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). UNODC was established to assist Member States in their struggle against illicit drugs, crime, and terrorism. The organization operates globally, with a focus on promoting justice, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and human rights. UNODC has a significant presence in various countries, working to enhance the capacity of governments to combat drug trafficking, organized crime, and corruption. The organization employs a diverse workforce dedicated to its mission of fostering international cooperation and providing technical assistance to countries in need.

Job Overview:
The Associate Programme Officer will play a crucial role in implementing the anti-human trafficking and migrant smuggling portfolio in Egypt, specifically under the Partnership to Counter the Smuggling of Migrants and Trafficking in Persons in Egypt (PACSOM). This position is integral to the Regional Programme aimed at preventing and countering trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants in the MENA region. The incumbent will work closely with the Regional Programme Coordinator and the operations team, ensuring that the project aligns with the agreed workplan with government counterparts. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including governmental and non-governmental organizations, to effectively implement the project and achieve its objectives. The Associate Programme Officer will also be responsible for coordinating outreach activities, conducting training sessions, and participating in field missions, thereby contributing to the overall visibility and effectiveness of UNODC's initiatives in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate Programme Officer include:
  • Implementing the TIP/SOM portfolio in Egypt according to the established workplan.
  • Managing administrative arrangements for project implementation, including funding requests, progress reports, and liaising with donor authorities.
  • Coordinating budget funding activities for project preparation and submissions, including financial statements and related documentation.
  • Engaging with governmental and non-governmental organizations for project implementation.
  • Initiating and coordinating outreach activities, including training, workshops, and seminars.
  • Designing curricula and courses related to trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants.
  • Participating in field missions and providing guidance to external consultants and government officials.
  • Supervising local personnel involved in project implementation.
  • Supporting the visibility of UNODC’s work through timely communication actions and ensuring donor visibility. 1
  • Assisting in data collection and analysis for reporting and decision-making purposes. 1
  • Performing other work-related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a strong understanding of human trafficking and migrant smuggling theories, concepts, and approaches. The incumbent should possess knowledge of crime prevention policies and practices, as well as the mandates of UNODC. Strong problem-solving skills, research and analytical abilities, and proficiency in various research methodologies are essential. The candidate must demonstrate effective communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. A commitment to gender equality and the ability to remain calm under pressure are also important qualifications for this role.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, political science, economics, social science, international relations, sociology, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in similar fields combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of progressively responsible professional work experience at the national or international level in coordinating programmes/projects is required. Candidates should have proven experience in designing and delivering technical assistance projects related to transnational organized crime. Experience in combating trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants is desirable, as is familiarity with the United Nations system or similar international organizations. Experience in data analytics or related areas is also considered an asset.

Languages:
For this position, proficiency in English and Arabic is required, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is also beneficial. Candidates should refer to the UN Language Framework for the minimum required level of proficiency in these languages.

Additional Notes:
The job does not specify the contract duration or seniority level, but it is implied that the position is full-time. The recruitment process may consider both national and international candidates. Compensation and benefits details are not provided in the job description.
Similar Jobs