Associate Programme Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is an international organization established to protect and assist individuals who are in need of international protection, including refugees, asylum seekers, stateless persons, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and returnees. UNHCR operates globally, with a significant presence in various countries, including Mozambique, where it maintains operations through its main office in Maputo, a sub-office in Pemba, a field office in Nampula, and field units in Cabo Delgado. The organization is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable populations and works closely with governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to achieve its mission. UNHCR is committed to upholding human rights and providing humanitarian assistance to those in need, and it employs a diverse workforce to carry out its operations effectively.

Job Overview:
The Associate Programme Officer position is a critical role within UNHCR, specifically designed to support the implementation of protection and solutions strategies for persons of concern in Mozambique. This role is based in the Sub Office in Pemba and involves reporting to the Head of Sub Office while receiving technical guidance from the Senior Programme Officer at the country office. The incumbent will be responsible for providing programmatic guidance and support, ensuring that program management aligns with UNHCR's Strategic Directions, Global Strategic Priorities (GSPs), and the Global Compact for Refugees (GCR). The Associate Programme Officer will work collaboratively with various sections and units to ensure a harmonized approach to programmatic activities throughout the UNHCR Operations Management Cycle. This position requires a proactive approach to engaging with partners, including governmental institutions and the private sector, to maximize the impact of UNHCR's programs and ensure the participation of relevant stakeholders in all phases of the Program Management Cycle.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Associate Programme Officer will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Supporting the assessment and analysis of the needs of persons of concern using an Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective.
• Assisting in the development of multi-year protection and solutions strategies and annual plans that align with corporate priorities.
• Supporting Results Based Management and enhancing program capacity in response to evolving requirements.
• Assisting in the planning process in compliance with the Programme Manual and planning instructions.
• Reviewing and analyzing plans, mid-year and year-end reports to ensure quality assurance and compliance with established policies.
• Broadening partnerships with key stakeholders to enhance the protection and solutions response for persons of concern.
• Ensuring consistent application of frameworks for implementing with partners, including effective management of partnership agreements and project performance monitoring.
• Contributing to coherent monitoring approaches and tools across the region.
• Actively participating in UNHCR's programming community of practice and improving programming tools and processes. 1
• Overseeing timely follow-up on internal and external audit observations related to programmatic issues. 1
• Performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Associate Programme Officer position must meet specific qualifications, including:

• A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience with an undergraduate degree; or 2 years of relevant experience with a graduate degree; or 1 year of relevant experience with a doctorate degree.
• Essential certificates include a Programme Management Certification Programme in Programme Management (CP-PM).
• Demonstrated experience in program management, familiarity with the Operations Management Cycle (OMC), and sound knowledge of Results Based Management.
• Experience in field operations and knowledge of the centrality of protection in programming, Joint Needs Assessments, and targeting principles.
• Desirable experience includes coordination within an inter-agency context and program management training and capacity building activities. Knowledge of Portuguese is also desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Associate Programme Officer position includes an undergraduate degree in a relevant field. Candidates with a graduate degree or doctorate degree will have reduced experience requirements, making them eligible for the position with fewer years of relevant experience. The educational qualifications should ideally be complemented by certifications in program management, which are essential for the role.

Experience:
The level of experience required for this position is as follows: Candidates must have at least 3 years of relevant experience with an undergraduate degree, 2 years with a graduate degree, or 1 year with a doctorate degree. This experience should be in program management, demonstrating familiarity with the Operations Management Cycle and Results Based Management. Additionally, candidates should have experience in field operations and knowledge of protection principles in programming, as well as experience in coordination within inter-agency contexts in refugee or humanitarian settings.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English, as it is the primary language of communication within UNHCR. Knowledge of Portuguese is considered a desirable asset, as it may facilitate communication and collaboration with local stakeholders and partners in Mozambique.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a non-family assignment with a residential location in Pemba, Mozambique. The contract duration is from October 15, 2026, to December 31, 202

• The position is not remote and requires the incumbent to be based in Pemba. The role is categorized under UNOPS IICA-1, and the incumbent will be expected to work full-time, engaging actively with the local community and stakeholders to fulfill the responsibilities outlined in the job description.