Senior Programme Management Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is a part of the United Nations system, established to promote and protect human rights globally. The organization is committed to ensuring that human rights are respected and upheld in all countries, and it works with various stakeholders to achieve this mission. OHCHR operates in multiple countries and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to the promotion of human rights, with a focus on equality, justice, and dignity for all individuals. The organization emphasizes the importance of gender balance and diversity within its staff, aiming to create an inclusive environment that respects and values differences.

Job Overview:
The Senior Programme Management Officer will play a crucial role in the Strategic Planning, Programme Management, Evaluation and Change Service (SPECS) within the Executive Direction and Management Division of OHCHR. This position involves leading the development and implementation of various programmes and projects, particularly those aligned with OHCHR's strategic objectives and organizational change initiatives. The incumbent will be responsible for directing subordinates in programme/project development, implementation, monitoring, and assessment, ensuring that all actions are in line with the organization's goals. The role requires a strong focus on gender mainstreaming, policy development, and stakeholder engagement, as well as the ability to conduct research and evaluations to inform decision-making. The Senior Programme Management Officer will also manage outreach activities, lead field missions, and coordinate budget-related activities, making this a multifaceted and dynamic position that requires strong leadership and strategic thinking skills.

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

• Leading the development and implementation of assigned programmes/projects, including organizational change initiatives.
• Directing subordinates in programme/project development, implementation, monitoring, and assessment.
• Reviewing relevant documents and reports, identifying priorities, problems, and proposing corrective actions.
• Ensuring the implementation of gender mainstreaming guidelines in all planned actions.
• Directing research and programme evaluation, presenting information from diverse sources.
• Coordinating policy development and reviewing assessments of issues and trends.
• Undertaking survey initiatives and guiding the design of data collection instruments.
• Supervising the preparation of various written outputs, including reports and publications.
• Providing substantive support to consultative meetings and conferences. 1
• Managing outreach activities and conducting training workshops. 1
• Leading field missions and drafting mission summaries. 1
• Coordinating budget and funding activities, ensuring the preparation of related documents. 1
• Serving as a spokesperson and establishing collaborations with key officials. 1
• Ensuring effective utilization and development of staff, guiding and mentoring them. 1
• Collecting and analyzing data to identify trends for data-driven planning and decision-making. 1
• Performing other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, management, human rights, economics, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is considered an advantage. Candidates must demonstrate a strong understanding of project and programme management, policy development, and change management within the context of human rights and international organizations.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as business administration, management, human rights, or economics. Alternatively, a first-level university degree along with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted. Additional qualifications in data analytics or related fields are advantageous, highlighting the importance of analytical skills in this role.

Experience:
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration, policy development, analysis, or change management is required. Out of these ten years, at least five years must be in human rights within the UN system or a similar international organization. Candidates should have experience in conducting organizational change diagnostics and developing change management processes, as well as managing teams and providing support to principal-level officials. Experience in organizational culture and strategic foresight is desirable, along with experience in country or regional office settings.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this position, proficiency in English is required, while knowledge of French is desirable. Candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of proficiency in both languages according to the UN Language Framework, with English requiring a Level III proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking, and French requiring a Level I proficiency in the same areas.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to the availability of funds and the extension of the mandate. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process adheres to the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, with a focus on geographic diversity. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.