Associate Programme Officer

Associate Programme Officer

United Nations Secretariat

July 10, 2026August 3, 2026New YorkUnited States
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The Executive Office of the Secretary-General (EOSG) operates under the guidance of the Secretary-General of the United Nations. It is tasked with aligning the United Nations family with the Secretary-General's vision, priorities, and policies. The EOSG emphasizes the importance of efficiency, competence, integrity, and achieving gender and regional balance among its staff. The office supports senior officials and works collaboratively across various units to ensure effective integration and cross-pillar work. The EOSG is committed to maintaining high standards and fostering a diverse and inclusive environment.

Job Overview:
The Associate Programme Officer plays a crucial role in supporting the EOSG's Rule of Law Unit. This position involves providing information, analysis, and policy advice to senior leadership on various thematic areas related to the rule of law and human rights. The officer will assist in quality control of documents, contribute to decision-making forums, and support the implementation of the Secretary-General's initiatives on rule of law and human rights. The role requires strong analytical skills, the ability to conduct independent research, and effective communication to prepare various written outputs and provide substantive support to high-level meetings and conferences. The Associate Programme Officer will also assist with records management and perform other related duties as required.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Associate Programme Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
  • Assisting with the provision of information, analysis, and policy advice on thematic areas such as international courts, transitional justice, anti-corruption, and human rights.
  • Ensuring quality control of documents including reports, speeches, and communications for senior leadership.
  • Contributing to key decision-making forums and preparing for meetings related to country and thematic files.
  • Supporting the implementation of the Secretary-General's agenda on rule of law and human rights.
  • Assisting in policy development through research and analysis of issues and trends.
  • Preparing written outputs such as meeting notes, remarks, and background papers.
  • Providing support for high-level consultative meetings and conferences.
  • Managing records, including the declassification of confidential records.
  • Performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of theories and concepts related to rule of law and human rights. They should demonstrate the ability to identify and analyze issues, conduct data collection, and apply judgment in their work. Professionalism, effective communication, teamwork, and accountability are essential competencies for this role. The candidate should show pride in their work, be motivated by professional concerns, and demonstrate persistence in overcoming challenges. Additionally, they must incorporate gender perspectives in their work and ensure equal participation of women and men.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law is required for this position. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background is essential to understand the complexities of rule of law and human rights issues.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in rule of law and human rights-related programs is required. Candidates should have experience supporting senior officials, coordinating high-level meetings, and working with civil society. Experience in records management, particularly in the declassification of confidential records, is also necessary. Familiarity with the United Nations or other international organizations, especially in policy development and system-wide initiatives, is desirable.

Languages:
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, proficiency in English is required at UN Level III, which includes reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Knowledge of French is an asset but not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until 31 December 202
  • If the selected candidate is a current staff member of the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. This temporary assignment provides an opportunity for new work experience but does not guarantee future employment in the same position. The United Nations is committed to diversity and encourages female candidates to apply. Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities may be provided upon request. The recruitment process adheres to the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, ensuring a fair and inclusive environment.
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