Programme Associate at United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) – Switzerland


Programme Associate at United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) – Switzerland

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Programme Associate at United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) – Switzerland

Recruiter: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

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About United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is a global organization mandated to protect refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people, and to assist in their voluntary repatriation, local integration, or resettlement. Founded in 1950, UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, working to ensure that everybody has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge.

Job Summary

This position offers an opportunity to contribute to administrative management within United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)’s important work in international cooperation and sustainable development. Working in Switzerland, you will collaborate with international colleagues and partners to address global challenges and promote sustainable development. This role provides an excellent opportunity for professional growth while making a meaningful contribution to international cooperation and global peace and security.

Full Job Description

Deadline for Applications March 24, 2026 Hardship Level H (no hardship) Family Type Family Residential location (if applicable) Grade GS6 Staff Member / Affiliate Type General Service Reason Regular > Regular Assignment Target Start Date 2026-03-01 Standard Job Description Programme Associate Organizational Setting and Work Relationships The Programme Associate would normally receive guidance from more senior programme staff in the operation/bureau/division. S/he may receive indirect guidance from other sections and units relevant to the country/region programme(s). UNHCR Manual, Operations Plans, UN and UNHCR financial/budgetary rules and regulations will guide the work of the Programme Associate. S/he is expected to stay abreast of the challenges posed by the operational context, the UN and humanitarian reform and institutional developments. The incumbent is expected to have contacts within the organization and outside the duty station, as well as with partners and other stakeholders to collect information, monitor programme activities and implement administrative requirements. The incumbent will have to establish good working relationships with their peers at country level to facilitate the collection of information and other programme management related activities. The incumbent is expected to work in line with the multi-functional team (MFT) approach as defined within the Program Manual, ensuring the participation of relevant stakeholders in all phases of the Program Management Cycle. All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR’s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity. Duties – Support the assessment and analysis of the needs of persons of concern in the country/region in a participatory manner and using an Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective as basis for planning. – Assist in managing the development of a broad network of partners, good coordination practices and the development of partner capacities related to programme management if applicable. – Assist in organizing and documenting the selection of partners in accordance with the policy on selection and retention of partners, ensuring due diligence to meet the requirements of projects. – Provide support to the field with technical advice to ensure partnership agreements are established in a timely manner, regularly monitored and reported on in compliance with established guidelines and procedures included in the framework for implementing with partners. – Support the implementation and performance of partnership agreements through field visits and appropriate physical monitoring if applicable, reviewing performance and financial reports. – Support the development and implementation of MFT monitoring plans for activities implemented through partnerships and those under direct implementation in line with Programme Manual and programming instructions. – Contribute to the review and analysis of operations plans, mid-year and year-end reports of the different UNHCR offices, ensuring quality assurance and compliance with established policies, guidelines, procedures and standards. Generate and maintain records of implementation rate (performance progress and expenditures) on a regular basis. – Follow up on any change in regards to alignment of results chain, verifying indicators, budget, prioritization, apportioning needed to measure programme performance, trends and target interventions, contributing to soundness of Operations Plan and enhancement of data quality. – Follow up with UNHCR offices the compliance with issuance of audit certificates for partners in line with the Policy on Risk-Based Project Audits. – Provide support to the field through technical advice and training on resource allocation processes and other programmatic issues. – Use UNHCR’s corporate tools (e.g. Focus Client, Global Focus Insight and FOCUS Reader, MSRP) for core activities related to planning, budgeting, implementation and reporting, generating data for evidence-based programmatic decisions and analysis. – Support UNHCRs programming of community of practice and continuously contributing to improvements of programming tools and processes. – Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s). – Perform other duties as required Minimum Qualifications Education & Professional Work Experience Years of Experience / Degree Level For G6 – 3 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher Field(s) of Education n/a Certificates and/or Licenses not specified Relevant Job Experience Essential Demonstrated experience in programme management, Operation Management Cycle and related processes. Knowledge of Results Based-Management. Computer skills (in MS office) including advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, data management, etc.) Desirable Completion of UNHCR Learning Programmes or specific training relevant to function of the position including Programme Management Level 1. E-tutoring of PM1, Framework for Implementing with Partners Learning Programme. Experience in programme management training and capacity building activities. Functional Skills *IT-Computer Literacy PG-Programme Management (programme cycles and reporting standards) PG-Results-Based Management DM-Database Management PG-Programme Analysis PG-Development and monitoring of programme assessments and surveys (Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential) Language Requirements For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English. For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language. For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English. All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power. As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise. This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates. Desired Candidate Profile Within the Global Budget Service and in support to the work of the Performance Analysis and Reporting Unit (PARU), the candidate is expected to support and coordinate the preparation of budgetary and programmatic matters, working collaboratively to prepare the different statutory and ad hoc budget documents including the annual programme budget and the UN regular budget documents in collaboration with relevant divisions and entities within UNHCR, as well as assisting in the preparation of responses to the ACABQ and queries from other bodies, such as the Fifth Committee, auditors, and other external entities. The incumbent supports PARU but also the Service at large in its engagement with governing bodies, including the preparation of meetings, presentations and related materials, including those of the ACABQ, the Standing Committee, the Fifth Committee of the General Assembly, and other relevant bodies. The incumbent assists in preparing communications, notes and presentations and ensuring archiving of relevant documentation. The incumbent also provides support to the Secretariats of the Resource Planning and Management Board and the Finance Committee. For this position, the ideal candidate should have: – Strong experience in budget processes, with the ability to work with diverse and complex information and a broad range of internal and external stakeholders. – Knowledge of UNHCR budgeting tools, including Cloud ERP, COMPASS, and business intelligence (BI) platforms – Experience supporting both Headquarters divisions and Regional Bureau on a range of budgetary, programme, governance, and oversight issues. – Experience in preparing presentations and presenting budgetary and programmatic data. – Knowledge of UNHCR financial and budgetary rules and regulations. – Exposure to and experience with governance mechanisms. – Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders. – Strong teamwork and collaborative skills. – Excellent communication and drafting skills. Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level): English , , Desired languages , , Operational context Occupational Safety and Health Considerations: To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel Nature…

Key Details

  • Job Title: Programme Associate
  • Grade: GS-6
  • Location: Geneva, Switzerland
  • Department: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
  • Contract Type: General Service Staff
  • Salary Range:$80,500 – $138,000 USD annually

Qualifications

  • Not specified in the official posting

Skills

  • Not specified in the official posting

Benefits

  • Competitive compensation package
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
  • Inclusive and collaborative work environment

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the official UN careers portal. Female candidates and candidates from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.