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 OHCHR works to ensure that the rights of individuals are upheld and that governments are held accountable for their actions. The organization operates in various countries and has a mission to promote universal respect for the protection of human rights for all individuals, regardless of their background. The OHCHR is committed to fostering a culture of human rights and ensuring that these rights are integrated into the policies and practices of governments and other entities. The organization employs a diverse workforce and is dedicated to achieving gender balance and inclusivity in its staffing.

Job Overview:
The Programme Management Officer position is situated within the Strategic Planning, Programme Management, Evaluation and Change Service (SPECS) of the OHCHR in Geneva, Switzerland. The incumbent will be responsible for developing and implementing assigned programmes and projects, particularly those related to organizational change initiatives that align with the strategic objectives of the OHCHR and broader UN reform initiatives. This role requires a proactive approach to monitoring and analyzing programme development and implementation, ensuring that measurable change objectives are met, and that feedback and lessons learned are integrated into future planning. The Programme Officer will collaborate with clients and change management teams to facilitate workshops and develop action plans that engage stakeholders effectively. The position also involves extensive research and analysis to support organizational alignment and policy development, as well as coordinating outreach activities to communicate the benefits of organizational change. The Programme Management Officer will play a crucial role in leading field missions and providing guidance to external consultants and government officials, ensuring that the objectives of the OHCHR are met through effective project management and strategic planning.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Management Officer will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: developing and implementing assigned programmes and projects, monitoring and analyzing their effectiveness, and initiating corrective actions as necessary. The incumbent will perform assignments in collaboration with clients, planning and facilitating workshops, and assisting in the development of action plans for managing change. The role requires researching and analyzing information from diverse sources, coordinating policy development, generating survey initiatives, and preparing written outputs such as background papers and reports. The Programme Officer will provide substantive backstopping to meetings and conferences, coordinate outreach activities, and lead or participate in complex field missions. Additionally, the incumbent will manage budget-related activities, collect and analyze data to identify trends, and perform other duties as required to support the objectives of the OHCHR.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, management, 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. Furthermore, candidates should have a strong understanding of project or programme management principles, particularly within the context of the United Nations or similar international organizations.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant field such as business administration, management, or economics. Alternatively, a first-level university degree along with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted. Candidates with additional qualifications in data analytics or related fields will have an advantage in the selection process.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration, or a related area is required. Out of these seven years, at least five years must be in project or programme management, strategic planning, or organizational change management within the United Nations Common System or a similar international organization. Experience with results-based management (RBM) and the human rights-based approach (HRBA) programming principles is essential, as is experience in delivering RBM training.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this position, proficiency in both languages is required. Candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in English and French, as per the UN Language Framework. Specifically, candidates should have UN Level III proficiency in English and UN Level II proficiency in French.

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 will include an assessment exercise followed by a competency-based interview. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and may be assigned to various activities or offices of the United Nations as needed.