Programme Management Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is a part of the United Nations system and is dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights globally. Established in 1993, OHCHR works to ensure that the rights of individuals are respected and upheld, providing support to various human rights mechanisms and promoting international human rights standards. The organization operates in numerous countries, engaging with governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to foster a culture of human rights. OHCHR employs a diverse workforce committed to the mission of advancing human rights for all, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Job Overview:
The Programme Management Officer position within the Programme Support and Management Services (PSMS) at OHCHR in Geneva is a critical role that involves overseeing the development, implementation, and evaluation of various human rights programs and projects. The incumbent will be responsible for monitoring and analyzing program/project development, identifying issues, and proposing corrective actions. This role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including government officials and external consultants, to facilitate workshops and develop action plans. The officer will also engage in policy development, conduct research, and prepare written outputs such as reports and briefing notes. The position demands strong analytical skills, the ability to conduct independent research, and effective communication skills to convey complex information clearly. The officer will also be involved in outreach activities, training workshops, and field missions, contributing to the overall mission of promoting human rights globally.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Programme Management Officer include:

• Participating in the development, implementation, and evaluation of assigned programs/projects, monitoring progress, and analyzing outcomes.
• Conducting consulting assignments in collaboration with clients, facilitating workshops, and assisting in the development of action plans.
• Researching, analyzing, and presenting information from diverse sources to support program objectives.
• Assisting in policy development through the review and analysis of issues and trends, and preparing evaluations or research studies.
• Designing data collection tools, conducting surveys, and interpreting responses to identify problems and prepare conclusions.
• Preparing various written outputs, including briefing notes, background papers, and sections of reports.
• Providing substantive support to meetings and conferences, including proposing agenda topics and preparing documents.
• Conducting outreach activities and training workshops, making presentations on assigned topics.
• Participating in or leading field missions, providing guidance to external consultants and drafting mission summaries. 1
• Coordinating budget and funding activities, preparing related documents and reports. 1
• Collecting and analyzing data to identify trends and provide insights for decision-making and reporting. 1
• Performing other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of theories, concepts, and approaches relevant to program management and human rights. They should demonstrate the ability to identify and analyze issues, conduct data collection, and apply judgment in various contexts. Professionalism, effective communication, and planning and organizing skills are essential. The ability to work under pressure and manage conflicting priorities while maintaining a high standard of work is crucial. Candidates should also show a commitment to gender perspectives and equal participation in all areas of work.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, management, economics, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project or program management, administration, or a related area is required. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in producing high-quality presentations and briefing materials, preferably using PowerPoint or equivalent software. Experience with artificial intelligence tools for research and data analysis is also desirable.

Languages:
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, proficiency in English is required, with a minimum level of proficiency as per the UN Language Framework. Knowledge of French is an asset but not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until 31 December 2026, with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of funds. The role is classified as a temporary appointment, and candidates should be aware that current staff members holding fixed-term, permanent, or continuing appointments may apply for temporary positions only if they meet specific eligibility criteria. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and all employment decisions are made based on qualifications and organizational needs.