Senior Programme Assistant

November 19, 2026

A (least hardship)

Family

GS5

General Service

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2027-02-01

Senior Programme Assistant

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Senior Programme Assistant would normally receive guidance from more senior programme staff in the operation/bureau/division. The incumbent 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 Senior Program Assistant.
S/he 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 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
- Provide administrative assistance and support in routine services and activities within Programme thus better able to meet the needs of persons of concern.
- 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 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.
- Guided by the MFT approach, support the development and implementation of 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, 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.
- Assist in ensuring compliance with issuance of audit certificates for partners in line with the Policy on Risk-Based Project Audits.
- Use UNHCR's ERP system for core activities related to planning, budgeting, implementation and reporting, generating data for evidence-based programmatic decisions and analysis.
- Actively contribute to 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 related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications
Education & Professional Work Experience
Years of Experience / Degree Level
G5 - 2 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 1 year relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher

Field(s) of Education
Not applicable

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
(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.

The ideal candidate demonstrates proven experience supporting programme management functions in humanitarian or development settings, particularly in grants and partnership management, Cash-Based Interventions (CBI), financial monitoring and reporting, and the monitoring of programme performance and results.

A strong knowledge of Results-Based Management and experience working with civil society and/or refugee-led organizations is essential for this role. The candidate should possess proven ability to organize and analyze programme, partnership, and financial information, maintain attention to detail, and contribute to monitoring and reporting processes.

Demonstrated experience supporting the end-to-end delivery of Cash-Based Interventions (CBI), including beneficiary data management, eligibility verification, payment processing and reconciliation, monitoring of cash assistance delivery, coordination with partners and financial service providers, and reporting on programme performance and outcomes is highly desirable.

Advanced computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including data analysis, pivot tables, and advanced reporting functions is essential. Proficiency in UNHCR RBM and corporate systems, including COMPASS, PROMS, Cloud ERP, CashAssist, and Power BI is highly desirable.

The position requires strong analytical, organizational, and time-management skills, with demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, monitor competing deadlines, and deliver high-quality outputs in a fast-paced operational environment.

The incumbent should be able to work independently and exercise sound judgment in identifying issues, proposing practical solutions, and supporting timely follow-up on programme activities.

The role also requires effective collaboration with diverse internal and external stakeholders, adaptability to evolving operational priorities, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement to support evidence-based programming, accountability to affected populations, and the achievement of programme results.

Fluency in English and Portuguese is a requirement. Working knowledge in Spanish is an asset.

Portuguese

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English

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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, more than 1 Million 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.

The Senior Programme Assistant will be an integral part of the Programme Unit in Brasilia, working under the direct supervision of the Associate Programme Officer, and supports the effective delivery of UNHCR programmes across Brazil in a complex and evolving operational environment. The incumbent contributes to programme planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting, with particular responsibility for grants and partnership management, Cash-Based Interventions (CBI), resource tracking, and programme performance monitoring.

The position requires strong cross-functional collaboration skills and the ability to effectively coordinate and communicate with internal and external stakeholders, including colleagues at the Country Office in Brasília, field offices across Brazil, the Regional Bureau, partners, and other key stakeholders.

Living and Working Conditions:

Brasília, the capital of Brazil, is classified as A family duty station and offers a high standard of living compared to many locations in the region. As the seat of the Federal Government and host to numerous embassies, international organizations, and UN agencies, the city provides a stable and professional working environment. 

The city has well-developed infrastructure, including reliable utilities, internet connectivity, public transportation, and access to a wide range of commercial and banking services. Housing is readily available, with options ranging from apartments in the city center to family homes in residential neighborhoods. Rental prices vary depending on location and size but are generally higher in central areas. 

Brasília offers high-quality healthcare through both public and private facilities. Several internationally recognized hospitals and medical centers are available, and a wide range of specialists can be accessed. International and bilingual schools are also available, making the city suitable for staff members relocating with family. 

The security situation is generally stable. As in any large urban center, standard security precautions are recommended, particularly regarding personal belongings and movement in certain areas after dark. However, Brasília is considered safer than many other major Brazilian metropolitan areas. 

The climate is tropical savanna, characterized by a dry season from May to September and a rainy season from October to April. Temperatures remain generally mild throughout the year, typically ranging between 15°C and 30°C. 

The working environment is professional and multicultural, with frequent interaction among government institutions, diplomatic missions, international organizations, civil society, and development partners. English, Portuguese, and Spanish are commonly used within the international community. 

Brasília offers a good quality of life, with extensive green spaces, recreational facilities, cultural events, restaurants, and sports opportunities. The city's unique architecture, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, contributes to a pleasant living environment and a strong sense of community among expatriates and national staff. 

Overall, Brasília provides comfortable living conditions, reliable services, quality healthcare and education, and a conducive environment for both professional and family life. 
 

Additional Qualifications

Skills

DM-Database Management, IT-Computer Literacy, PG-Programme Analysis, PG-Programme Management (programme cycles and reporting standards), PG-Results-Based Management

Certifications

HCR Learning Program - UNHCR

Competencies

Accountability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Organizational awareness, Stakeholder management, Teamwork & collaboration

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

Compendium

Additional Information

This position doesn't require a functional clearance