Programme Management Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located in the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), specifically within the Regional Office for Central Asia (ROCA) in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The OHCHR was established to promote and protect human rights globally, and it operates in multiple countries, including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The organization collaborates with state institutions, national human rights institutions, civil society, and United Nations Country Teams to advance the implementation of international human rights norms and standards. The OHCHR aims to ensure that human rights are respected and upheld in the region, working towards the strengthening of human rights mechanisms and institutions.

Job Overview:
The Programme Management Officer plays a crucial role in the implementation of an EU-funded project aimed at strengthening the Ombudsperson Institute and the National Preventive Mechanism in Kyrgyzstan. This position requires a proactive approach to project management, including the development, implementation, and evaluation of assigned programs and projects. The officer will monitor and analyze the progress of these initiatives, identify challenges, and propose solutions. The role also involves extensive research and analysis of human rights issues, particularly those related to the Ombudsperson and torture prevention frameworks. The officer will be responsible for collecting and analyzing human rights data, providing substantive support to national human rights institutions, and ensuring that human rights considerations are integrated into various political, humanitarian, and economic efforts. The position demands strong communication skills, as the officer will prepare various written outputs, conduct training workshops, and represent the UN human rights program at meetings and conferences.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Management Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to: participating in the development, implementation, and evaluation of assigned programs/projects; monitoring and analyzing program/project development; reviewing relevant documents and reports; identifying problems and proposing corrective actions; liaising with relevant parties; planning and coordinating activities related to the EU-funded project; defining project workplans and implementation schedules; conducting substantive research and analysis of human rights issues; collecting and analyzing human rights data; providing support to national human rights institutions; preparing various written outputs such as reports and background papers; conducting outreach activities; organizing training workshops and seminars; supporting capacity-building efforts for government institutions; participating in field missions; representing the UN human rights program at meetings; coordinating budget and funding activities; supervising team activities; and performing other duties as required.

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

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 work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration, or a related area is required. Additionally, at least two years of experience working directly with National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) such as the Ombudsperson office is necessary. Candidates should have experience in providing technical assistance, operational support, or capacity development, as well as in project design, implementation, budget management, and monitoring and evaluation. Experience in integrating Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) into human rights programming is desirable.

Languages:
English and Russian are required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Knowledge of Kirghiz is desirable, but not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until December 31, 2026, with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of funds. Candidates must be of the nationality of Kyrgyzstan to apply for this National Professional Officer category position. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and it is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment.