About the Organization
UN Women is the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. Grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, the organization works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls, the empowerment of women, and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security. UN Women maintains a large presence in Africa, including a Liaison Office to the African Union (AU) and the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) based in Addis Ababa.
A primary focus for UN Women in Africa is ending violence against women and girls (EVAWG). The organization implements integrated approaches to ensure all women and girls can live free from violence, supporting regional bodies, Member States, and civil society. A key initiative in this effort is the Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Programme (SIARP 2.0), a continental collaboration between the UN, the African Union Commission, and the European Union. This high-impact initiative strengthens engagement between civil society and inter-governmental bodies to enhance accountability to women’s rights movements.
UN Women fosters a culture of integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity. The organization is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect, recruiting and promoting regardless of race, religion, sex, gender identity, or national origin. It operates with a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct incompatible with the aims of the United Nations, including sexual exploitation, abuse, and discrimination.
Professional growth at UN Women involves working within complex multi-sectoral programs and collaborating across various UN agencies. Staff members are provided opportunities to manage advanced administrative processes, contribute to financial management using modern systems like Quantum, and facilitate knowledge building. This role allows professionals to deepen their expertise in regional coordination and program implementation.
The organization explicitly encourages women and underrepresented groups to apply for its positions. By prioritizing intersectionality and the principle of leaving no one behind, UN Women ensures that its workforce and its programs reflect the diversity of the populations it serves. Joining UN Women provides a unique platform to contribute to a high-impact global mission while working alongside dedicated feminist and civil society movements.
Job Description and Strategic Impact
The Programme Associate plays a critical role in the development and implementation of the SIARP 2.0 programme, ensuring all activities are consistent with UN Women rules and regulations. By providing advanced administrative and logistical support, the associate ensures that work plans and budgets are accurately formulated to meet strategic priorities. This role is essential for the smooth operational management of one of the UN’s most high-profile initiatives to end violence against women.
On a daily basis, the associate coordinates information collection for audits, monitors budget preparation, and manages expenditures within the Quantum system. The position involves liaising with high-level officials and overseeing arrangements for major workshops and events. By maintaining internal expenditure controls and reviewing financial reports, the associate ensures the fiscal integrity and transparency of the programme’s regional implementation.
The strategic impact of this role is significant, as it supports a continental collaboration aimed at strengthening women’s rights movements and youth networks across Africa. The associate identifies data sources for position papers and speeches, contributing to the organization’s advocacy and leadership in the region. This support allows the programme team to focus on high-level technical assistance to regional and sub-regional inter-governmental bodies.
Career development for the Programme Associate includes gaining proficiency in modern web-based ERP systems (Oracle Cloud) and advanced program management techniques. The incumbent will be involved in synthesizing lessons learned and best practices, which are vital for guiding future phases of the Spotlight Initiative. Working in a multicultural team of international and national personnel provides a robust environment for professional networking and skill enhancement.
Ultimately, the associate’s work ensures that UN Women is effectively represented in regional coordination mechanisms. By facilitating knowledge sharing and organizing training for partners, the associate strengthens the capacity of the entire humanitarian and development network in Africa. This role is a vital link in the chain that empowers women and girls to realize their full potential in a safe and equitable society.
Job Positions and Requirements
Programme Associate (NPSA-7)
Educational Qualification: Completion of secondary education is required; a Bachelor’s degree in business or public administration is desirable.
Work Experience: At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in administration or programme management/support. Experience in a computer environment using multiple office software packages and experience supporting a team are required.
Job Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Salary: Per Scale (NPSA-7).
No. Required: 1.
Employment Type and Compensation
The position is offered as a National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA) on a full-time schedule. The initial contract duration is for one year, providing a stable platform for professional contribution to the organization’s mission. This vacancy is categorized under local opportunities in Addis Ababa.
Compensation is growth-oriented and competitive, following the NPSA-7 grade level as per UN Women’s scale. The organization provides an environment of mutual respect and inclusion, with all employment decisions based on qualifications and integrity. In addition to the base compensation, the role offers the prestige of working for a premier global entity dedicated to women’s rights.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must ensure that all sections of the official application form, including education and employment history, are fully completed. Incomplete applications may be disqualified from the recruitment and selection process. The application should be submitted through the official UN Women job portal associated with Job Identification 33706.
Please note that scanned certificates or attachments are NOT required during the initial application phase. Verification of academic credentials and employment history will be conducted during rigorous reference and background checks for selected candidates. Original documents will only be required for verification purposes during the physical verification stage of the interview or selection.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further stages of the recruitment process. UN Women maintains high standards of conduct and expects all personnel to undergo a thorough vetting process to ensure compatibility with organizational aims. Applicants are encouraged to provide clear and concise information regarding their qualifying experience in their submission.
The timeline for this vacancy is approximately two weeks from the posting date. Candidates requiring reasonable accommodation to participate in the recruitment process should include this information in their initial application. All applications must be submitted before the deadline to be considered for the position.
The primary channel for application is the online portal. Ensure all information provided is accurate and reflects the requirements of the NPSA-7 role.
Application Deadline
May 12, 2026