Programme Associate (M&E)

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), which is dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of refugees and displaced persons. Established in 1950, UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 employees. The organization aims to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and it works to provide assistance and solutions for refugees and displaced individuals worldwide. UNHCR's mission is to safeguard the rights of refugees, support their integration into host communities, and promote durable solutions for their plight, including voluntary repatriation, local integration, or resettlement to a third country.

Job Overview:
The Programme Associate (M&E) position is crucial for the implementation and monitoring of the EU-funded Self-Reliance Project, which aims to enhance refugee self-reliance and socio-economic inclusion in Rwanda. The role involves supporting the design and execution of multi-year monitoring and evaluation (M&E) plans, ensuring that program activities align with strategic frameworks such as the Refugee Sustainable Graduation Strategy (2026–2030). The Programme Associate will coordinate data-driven planning and facilitate collaboration among various stakeholders, including government entities, partners, and internal teams. This position is essential for ensuring that evidence-based decision-making is at the forefront of program implementation, ultimately contributing to durable solutions for refugees and host communities in both camps and urban settings.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Associate will undertake a variety of tasks, including assisting in the development of multi-year M&E plans, supporting Results Managers in selecting relevant indicators, and coordinating primary data collection exercises. The incumbent will also promote participatory approaches to assessment and evaluation, assist in developing coherent M&E frameworks, and ensure compliance with UNHCR standards. Additional responsibilities include maintaining an organized evidence base for evaluations, preparing joint reviews to translate data into actionable insights, and designing M&E training initiatives for UNHCR staff and partners. The Programme Associate will also identify and manage risks, ensuring that decision-making is informed by the functional area of work, and perform other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Economics, Business Administration, or related fields. Certifications or coursework in project management, data analysis, or humanitarian/development programming are advantageous. The position requires two years of relevant work experience, particularly in planning and implementing monitoring systems and conducting evaluations in international development or humanitarian contexts. Experience in setting up monitoring systems, coordinating stakeholders in a cross-cultural environment, and collaborating with UN development or humanitarian actors is desirable. Candidates should also have experience in data management, statistics, and strategic planning processes.

Educational Background:
A university degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Economics, Business Administration, or related disciplines is highly desirable for this position. Additional certifications or coursework in project management, data analysis, or humanitarian/development programming will be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant work experience, which can be obtained with a Bachelor's degree or higher. Essential experience includes planning and implementing monitoring systems, managing evaluations in international development or humanitarian contexts, and coordinating various stakeholders. Desirable experience includes collaboration with UN agencies, government institutions, and expertise in data management and statistics, particularly in relation to surveys and indicator management.

Languages:
While the job posting does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the international context of the organization. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly those relevant to the refugee populations in Rwanda, would be considered beneficial and could enhance communication and engagement with diverse communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the UNOPS LICA 6 level, corresponding to G

• The contract duration is from July 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026, with the possibility of renewal. The position is not remote and is based in Kigali, Rwanda. The role is full-time, and the incumbent will report directly to the Programme Officer, with overall supervision from the Deputy Representative or Senior Operations Officer. The position is categorized under a hardship level A, indicating a low hardship environment.