The position:

The Programme Associate will be based in Gambela, where UNFPA programs currently operate, and supports the design, planning, and management of UNFPA’s country programme by managing data inputs, providing logistical support, monitoring project implementation, and following up on recommendations.

You will report to the Regional Programme Officer in Gambela

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled. UNFPA’s strategic plan (2026-2029), reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA. The UNFPA Strategic Plan for 2026-2029 articulates the organization’s response to a complex global environment, providing a roadmap for resilience and renewal. It is designed to accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. This mandate is pursued through a focus on four interconnected outcomes: ending the unmet need for family planning; ending preventable maternal deaths; ending gender-based violence and harmful practices; and adapting to demographic change through evidence and rights-based policies.

To accelerate the achievement of the three transformative results and to recognize Ethiopia’s complexity and diversity, including regional disparities, the incumbent will contribute to sustainable peace by positioning SRHR, Population, and development within conflict prevention and resolution actions across the humanitarian, development, and peace nexus. The Program Associate will contribute to strengthening operational capacity and improving access to services, including SRHR, HIV, GBV, adolescent and youth peace and security, and population data, particularly in remote and conflictaffected areas.

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates who transform, inspire, and deliver high-impact, sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in managing the resources entrusted to them, and committed to delivering excellence in program results.

Job Purpose:

You will play an instrumental role in facilitating UNFPA’s country program and project implementation, supporting design, planning, and management across population and development, sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender-based violence and harmful practices, and the Adolescent Youth, Humanitarian, Development, and Peace Nexus.

You will apply established systems and procedures and assist in the creation of knowledge by compiling, synthesizing, and analyzing relevant information, developing appropriate mechanisms and systems, and ensuring compliance with procedures.

You would be responsible for:

• Participating in the formulation of the country programme and component projects, by compiling and analyzing information relevant to the UNFPA’s role in the country, drafting project documents and work plans, and preparing tables and statistical data.
• Supporting the evaluation of project and program activities,establishing ways to assess achievement and recommending corrective action as required; conducting field visits; participating in review meetings and evaluation missions, and preparing regular inputs to status and progress reports.
• Guiding routine implementation of assigned projects, in coordination with national counterparts and project personnel, coordinating delivery of project inputs, and ensuring participation of national counterparts in training activities and study tours.
• Providing logistical support to projects by coordinating project-related meetings, workshops, and events. Training and guiding project personnel and staff on national execution and program policies and procedures.
• Supporting advocacy and resource mobilization efforts of the CO by establishing and maintaining a network of donor and public information contacts. Assisting with organizing and conducting donor meetings and public information events, including preparing relevant background material for these events.
• Assisting in implementing knowledge management strategies to capture lessons learned and best practices, and sharing these with management for future planning.
• Act as the officer in Charge in the absence of the Regional Program Officer

Qualifications and Experience

Education:

• Completed Secondary Level Education required. First-level university degree desirable.

Knowledge and Experience:

• Seven years of relevant experience in program/ project management.
• Proficiency in current office software applications and corporate IT systems.

Languages:

• Fluency in English; knowledge of other official UN languages, preferably French and/or Spanish, is desirable.

Required Competencies:

Values:

• Exemplifying integrity,
• Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system,
• Embracing cultural diversity,
• Embracing change

Functional Competencies:

• Advocacy/ Advancing a policy-oriented agenda
• Leveraging the resources of national governments and partners/ building strategic alliances and partnerships
• Delivering results-based programmes
• Internal and external communication and advocacy for results mobilization

Core Competencies:

• Achieving results,
• Being accountable,
• Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,
• Thinking analytically and strategically,
• Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships,
• Communicating for impact

Compensation and Benefits:

This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary plus health insurance and other benefits as applicable.

UNFPA Work Environment:

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring diversity and gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women and person with disabilities to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA’s workforce – click here to learn more.

Disclaimer:

Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements.

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.

Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.