Associate Programme Officer

Deadline for Applications

May 18, 2026

Hardship Level

A (least hardship)

Family Type

Family

Residential location (if applicable)

Grade

NOB

Staff Member / Affiliate Type

National Professional Officer

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

Target Start Date

2026-06-01

Standard Job Description

Associate Programme Officer

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships

The Associate Programme Officer may be based in HQ, field/regional bureau, typically reporting to and be guided by the Program officer and may supervise a small team of local staff. He/she may refer to UNHCR's Programme Manual (Chapter IV), UNHCR's corporate and regional strategic priorities, operation plans and other relevant institutional rules and regulations for further guidance.

The Associate Programme Officer will provide programmatic guidance and support with regard to the implementation of protection and solutions strategies within available resources. S/he will coordinate with the other sections/units to ensure harmonized programmatic approaches at all levels and throughout the UNHCR Operations Management Cycle. The incumbent will work in line with the overall UNHCR directions which crucially require working with partners, including with forcibly displaced and stateless persons, governmental institutions and the private sector, ensuring that programme management is approached as per UNHCR's Strategic Directions, Global Strategic Priorities (GSPs), Global Compact for Refugees (GCR), and corporate positions on SDGs.
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 in assessing and analysing the needs of forcibly displaced and stateless persons in a participatory manner, using an Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective as basis for planning.
- Provide support on programmatic aspects of developing multi-year protection and solutions strategies and annual plans with corresponding priorities taking into account corporate priorities.
- Support Results Based Management and programme capacity in light of evolving requirements, programming approaches and gaps.
- Assist the planning process in compliance with planning parameters outlined in the Programme Manual and the planning instructions.
- Support the revision and analysis of plans, mid-year and year-end reports of UNHCR office(s) in the Area of Responsibility AoR), ensure quality assurance and compliance with established policies, guidelines, procedures and standards.
- Assist in the provision of overall direction to broaden partnerships with key stakeholders in order to maximize the protection and solutions response for forcibly displaced and stateless persons.
- Provide support to ensure a consistent application of the framework for implementing with partners, including the effective implementation of the policy on selection and retention of partners, management of partnership agreements, risk-based project performance monitoring, and risk-based project audits, among others.
- Contribute to ensure consistent and coherent monitoring approaches, tools and systems across the region, in line with global standards and polices.
- Actively contribute to UNHCRs programming of community of practice and continuously contribute to improvements of programming tools and processes.
- Oversee a timely and effective follow-up of internal and external audits observations and recommendations that relate to programmatic issues.

- 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 related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P2/NOB - 3 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 2 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 1 year relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education
Economics; Business Administration; Social Sciences; or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses
Programme Management
Certification Programme in Programme Management (CP-PM)
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Demonstrated experience in programme management including familiarization with the OMC and sound knowledge of Results Based-Management. Demonstrated experience in field operations, sound knowledge on the centrality of protection in programming, Joint Needs Assessments and the principles of targeting.

Desirable
Demonstrated experience in coordination within an inter-agency context and other actors, in a refugee or humanitarian context. Sound experience in program management training and capacity building activities.

Functional Skills
MG-Project Management
PG-Results-Based Management
PG-UNHCR's Programmes
PG-Stakeholder management and coordination with Implementing Partners (Gov/NGO/Corporate)
(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

The incumbent is expected to bring solid Programme technical expertise and strong multi stakeholder management skills to support a countrywide technical validation role. She/he should have demonstrated experience in planning and designing operational interventions, including multi year strategy development, implementation, and the application of results based management (RBM). Strong capacity building experience, proven performance management abilities, and sound team management skills are essential. Experience in emergency
operations and prior professional experience in Latin American contexts are desirable. The incumbent will report to the Deputy Representative and work in close collaboration with other colleagues. The incumbent must have proven experience in inter agency coordination, donor engagement, grant compliance, and collaboration with government, civil society, and refugee led organizations. Strong technical capacity in monitoring and evaluation, adaptive programming, and implementing inclusion-oriented interventions—especially for women, girls, and indigenous communities—is essential.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Eligibility:

This position is advertised to internal applicants and UNHCR experience applicants. Candidates must be legally present in Brazil at the time
of application, recruitment and hire. Only Brazilian citizens or candidates legally present in Brazil will be considered eligible.

Internal Candidates:
Current NPO staff members holding an indefinite or fixed-term appointment who, at the date of the deadline for application, are serving in the
country of the vacancy at the grade of the position or one grade below or above.

UNHCR experience candidates:
Current NPO staff members holding an indefinite or fixed-term appointment applying to two grades above their own, current UNHCR staff
members holding an indefinite or fixed-term appointment in other categories (P/FS/GS), staff loaned/seconded from another UN
organization/international organization/government entity, staff members on temporary appointment, affiliate workforce, interns, as well as
former UNHCR locally recruited staff members who held an indefinite or fixed-term appointment (within 2 years of separation for males and 5
years for females).

Only candidates who pass the functional test can continue with the next steps of the process.

Remuneration:
A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, please visit the portal
of the International Civil Service Commission and please refer to the relevant category / grade level at: http://icsc.un.org

UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview /meeting, processing, training, or any other
fees).

Applications:
All applications must be submitted online in Workday. Email applications will not be accepted. Incomplete and late applications will not be
accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates might be required to sit for a written test and/or oral interview.

UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing or any other fees).

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted based on the information submitted during the application. Applicants must provide complete
and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification
shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference
checks to verify the information provided in the application.
UNHCR is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, sexual
orientation, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. UNHCR
seeks to ensure that male and female employees are given equal career opportunities. All applications will be treated with the strictest
confidentiality.

UNHCR has a zero-tolerance policy against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA). SEA is unacceptable behavior and prohibited conduct for
UNHCR personnel. It constitutes acts of serious misconduct and is therefore grounds for disciplinary measures, including dismissal. Any
concerns or suspicions about a possible case of SEA should be reported immediately to the Inspector General’s Office (IGO) at
inspector@unhcr.org or throughthe online complainform at https://www.unhcr.org/php/complaints.php or by confidential fax: +41 22 739 73 80.

Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):

English

,

Portuguese

,

Desired languages

,

,

Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel.

Nature of Position:

Brazil hosts an expansive and diverse refugee population, with over 887,000 individuals requiring international protection. The country serves as a vital entry point for refugees primarily from Venezuela, entering through the state of Roraima, and from countries such as Afghanistan, Haiti, Syria, and Ukraine, arriving via humanitarian visas through São Paulo international airport. There has been a notable increase in the number of Cuban asylum-seekers, highlighting Brazil's evolving refugee demographics.

UNHCR collaborates closely with the Brazilian government alongside civil society, academia, private sector, and development actors, to facilitate access to basic rights and promote socio-economic integration for refugees. This includes bolstering national and local policies for receiving, protecting, and integrating refugees and other individuals in need of protection. UNHCR's protection efforts extend across the country, targeting vulnerable groups such as survivors of gender-based violence, indigenous populations, and unaccompanied children.

Despite Brazil's robust legal framework granting refugees equal rights and unrestricted access to public services, practical challenges remain. Refugees face barriers such as language differences, limited local service capacity, and status-specific impediments affecting their full economic participation. National strategies like Operation Welcome address these challenges, setting standards for reception and assistance, and facilitating relocation across Brazil to foster integration, particularly for the Venezuelan population.

Special attention is required for indigenous refugees from Venezuela, who experience significant socio-economic integration obstacles. Tailored initiatives are essential to support their transition from emergency shelters while respecting cultural rights.

With the recent influx of Afghan refugees, particularly following the humanitarian visa policy, the local systems in São Paulo are adapting to manage increased arrivals and new community dynamics. Similarly, the growing Cuban refugee population poses challenges requiring UNHCR's continued support in documentation and integration.

The Multi-Year Multi-Partner Strategy for Brazil (2026–2029) aims to enhance local integration as a priority, leveraging Brazil's leadership in refugee protection to fortify access to rights through the forthcoming National Policy on Migration, Asylum, and Statelessness. However, challenges such as housing precarity, organized crime vulnerabilities, and socio-economic barriers for women and girls remain significant obstacles that need addressing to ensure successful integration.

UNHCR's vision is that by 2029, forcibly displaced and stateless people in Brazil will enjoy a safe, inclusive, and sustainable environment, with fully protected rights and pathways to self-reliance and societal integration.

In the Brazilian country office, the Associate Programme Officer plays an essential leadership role in ensuring the effective implementation of UNHCR’s strategic initiatives for refugees and other persons of concern, fully aligned with the Multi‑Year Multi‑Partner Strategy for Brazil (2026–2029) and the forthcoming National Policy on Migration, Asylum, and Statelessness. Beyond providing broad oversight across programme design, implementation, and monitoring, the Associate Programme Officer leads and coordinates programme functions with field offices, ensuring consistent communication, timely information flow, and harmonized implementation across the operation. This includes applying strong communication analysis to anticipate operational needs, identify risks, and translate strategic priorities into clear, actionable guidance that keeps teams aligned, motivated, and focused on results.

The role encompasses future coordination and supervision of cash assistance programmes, integrated budget monitoring, and results‑based management, requiring solid planning skills and the ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic environment. The Associate Programme Officer fosters a collaborative and human‑centered work culture, promoting trust, accountability, and supportive engagement with colleagues to strengthen overall team performance.

The position ensures strong inter‑agency coordination and collaboration with government counterparts, civil society, and refugee‑led organizations, while also engaging with donors and external partners to secure effective grant management, compliance, and timely reporting.

Through robust monitoring and evaluation, the Associate Programme Officer adapts interventions to emerging needs and drives the effective, timely, and results‑focused implementation of programmes, while upholding UNHCR’s commitment to a safe, inclusive, and accountable operational environment in Brazil.

Living and Working Conditions:

Family duty station A. Very good infrastructure (health, housing, banking transportation, telecommunications and recreational facilities) Adequate schools. There is no lack of private schools, although the number of bilingual or bicultural schools is not high. Security issues which should be considered are: Common crime exists; staff should be alert and adopt basic precaution.
 

Additional Qualifications

Skills

MG-Project Management, PG-Results-Based Management, PG-Stakeholder management and coordination with Implementing Partners (Gov/NGO/Corporate), PG-UNHCR's Programmes

Education

Bachelor of Arts: Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts: Economics, Bachelor of Arts: Law, Bachelor of Arts: Social Science

Certifications

CP-PM Certification Programme for Programme Management - UNHCR, Programme Management - Other

Work Experience

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Managing resource, Negotiation & conflict resolution, Organizational awareness, Teamwork & collaboration

UNHCR Salary Calculator

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Additional Information

Functional clearance

This position doesn't require a functional clearance