Programme Associate - Humanitarian

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of approximately 4,000 employees. The organization is dedicated to promoting reproductive health and rights, gender equality, and sustainable development, aligning its mission with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Programme of Action from the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD). UNFPA's strategic plan for 2026-2029 aims to address complex global challenges and enhance resilience and renewal in its operations.

Job Overview:
The Programme Associate position is crucial for supporting the UNFPA Regional Office in assessing humanitarian situations, identifying needs, and preparing and implementing humanitarian response plans. This role involves close collaboration with various stakeholders, including humanitarian partners and government entities, to ensure effective coordination and response to emergencies. The Programme Associate will represent UNFPA in the Access Working Group and other relevant humanitarian coordination efforts, contributing to the organization's mission of addressing unmet needs in family planning, maternal health, and gender-based violence. The position requires frequent travel to the field, emphasizing the need for adaptability and strong communication skills to engage with diverse partners and communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Associate will be responsible for a range of duties, including:

• Assessment and Planning: Supporting emergency situation assessments, participating in interagency assessments, and contributing to humanitarian response planning.
• Coordination: Liaising with humanitarian partners to map needs, monitor risk factors, and coordinate response activities.
• Programmatic and Operational Support: Collaborating with various units to manage logistics, procurement, and distribution of relief items.
• Communication: Assisting in the production of response reports and communication plans.
• Partnerships: Maintaining consultations with governments and NGOs on humanitarian issues.
• Advising on Procedures: Developing contingency plans and managing logistics related to shipments and inventories.
• Additional Duties: Carrying out any other responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a secondary level education as a minimum requirement, with a first-level university degree being desirable. Relevant experience in development and humanitarian program/project management is essential, particularly with a focus on program implementation. Familiarity with UN procedures and humanitarian logistics is highly desirable. Strong communication skills in English are required, with proficiency in French being an asset for effective collaboration in the West and Central Africa region.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes at least a secondary level education, with a preference for candidates holding a first-level university degree. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of humanitarian programming and the operational aspects of the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of six years of relevant experience in development and/or humanitarian program/project management. Field-level experience in humanitarian settings, particularly in reproductive health (RH), gender-based violence (GBV), and youth programming, is crucial. Experience in emergency preparedness and response, including conducting needs assessments and designing humanitarian responses, is highly valued.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is essential for effective communication with various stakeholders. Proficiency in French is also desirable, enabling collaboration with French-speaking country coordination groups and local organizations in the region.

Additional Notes:
This position offers a competitive remuneration package, including a net salary and health insurance, along with other applicable benefits. UNFPA promotes a work environment that values gender equality, diversity, and integrity, encouraging applications from women and underrepresented groups. The organization is committed to ensuring equal opportunities in recruitment and career development, emphasizing the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in its workforce.