Programme Management Officer

Programme Management Officer

Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)

April 14, 2026May 22, 2026GenevaSwitzerland
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Innovation & Analytics Hub of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva. The OHCHR is dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights globally, ensuring that all individuals can enjoy their rights and freedoms. The organization plays a crucial role in addressing human rights violations and advocating for justice and accountability. Established in 1993, the OHCHR operates in various countries, working with governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to uphold human rights standards. The organization employs a diverse workforce committed to advancing human rights and fostering a culture of respect and dignity for all individuals.

Job Overview:
The Programme Management Officer will play a pivotal role in the Innovation & Analytics Hub, contributing to the digital transformation strategy of the OHCHR. This position involves overseeing the development, implementation, and evaluation of various programs and projects aimed at enhancing data and analytics capabilities within the organization. The officer will collaborate with technical teams to facilitate workshops, gather requirements, and develop action plans to manage change effectively. The role requires a strong analytical mindset to research, analyze, and present information from diverse sources, assisting in policy development and preparing evaluations and studies. The officer will also be responsible for conducting surveys, designing data collection tools, and interpreting responses to identify trends and issues. Additionally, the officer will support governance and consultative meetings, conduct outreach activities, and coordinate budget-related activities, ensuring that the programs are well-funded and aligned with organizational goals. The position demands a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders to achieve desired outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Management Officer will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including:
  • Participating in the development, implementation, and evaluation of assigned programs/projects, monitoring progress, and proposing corrective actions as necessary.
  • Conducting research in collaboration with substantive and technical teams, facilitating workshops, and assisting in the development of business and technical requirements.
  • Analyzing and presenting information gathered from diverse sources to support decision-making processes.
  • Assisting in policy development by reviewing and analyzing issues and trends, preparing evaluations, and conducting research activities.
  • Designing and conducting survey initiatives, analyzing responses, and preparing conclusions based on data collected.
  • Preparing various written outputs, including background papers, analyses, and sections of reports and studies.
  • Providing substantive support to governance and consultative meetings, including proposing agenda topics and preparing necessary documents.
  • Conducting outreach activities, including training workshops and seminars, and making presentations on assigned topics.
  • Participating in or leading field missions, providing guidance to external consultants and drafting mission summaries. 1
  • Coordinating activities related to budget and funding, preparing related documents and reports. 1
  • Collecting and analyzing data to identify trends and provide insights through data visualization methods. 1
  • Performing other duties as required to support the objectives of the Innovation & Analytics Hub.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, management, economics, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is considered an advantage. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of project management principles and practices, particularly in the context of digital transformation and innovation.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as business administration, management, or economics. A first-level university degree may be accepted if accompanied by two additional years of qualifying work experience. Additionally, completion of programs in data analytics or related fields is advantageous, highlighting the importance of a solid educational foundation in both management and technical aspects of the role.

Experience:
Candidates are required to have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration, or a related area. This experience should include at least two years of managing digital or innovation projects, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, and planning and tracking deliverables. Experience in business analysis, including requirements elicitation and documentation, business process mapping, and translating business needs into technical specifications, is essential. Familiarity with agile project management methodologies, such as Scrum, and experience with issue tracking tools like Azure DevOps or JIRA are desirable. Furthermore, experience in outreach and partnership development, particularly in establishing strategic relationships with various stakeholders, is beneficial.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this position, proficiency in English is required, with a minimum level of proficiency at UN Level III for reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is considered desirable, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II for reading, writing, listening, and speaking. This bilingual requirement reflects the organization's commitment to effective communication and collaboration in a diverse working environment.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to the availability of funds and the extension of the mandate. Candidates recruited through the young professionals program who have not served for a minimum of two years in their initial assignment are not eligible to apply. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of efficiency, competence, and integrity in its recruitment process, ensuring that all employment decisions are based on qualifications and organizational needs. The organization is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, encouraging applications from individuals of all backgrounds. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment, and staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to various activities or offices as needed.
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