About the Organization
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is a transformative force established to deliver innovative ideas and actions for an empowered Africa. Guided by the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2063, the ECA serves as a premier knowledge institution, bridging the gap between global solutions and local continental needs. It focuses on accelerating economic diversification, job creation, and regional integration to build a resilient future for all African member states.
As part of its strategic mission, the ECA’s Climate Change, Food Security and Natural Resource Management Division (CFND) plays a critical role in enhancing climate resilience. By harnessing the potential of green and blue economies, the division works to achieve food security and sustainable development. The Natural Resources and Food Security Section (NRFSS), where this role is situated, is at the forefront of designing policies that protect Africa’s natural wealth while ensuring inclusive growth.
The organization thrives on a culture of excellence, integrity, and respect for diversity. With a workforce drawn from across the globe, the ECA provides a unique multicultural environment where professional collaboration leads to high-impact results. Staff members are encouraged to contribute to a vision that prioritizes peace, security, and social inclusion as essential components of the development nexus.
Career development at the ECA is supported through exposure to complex, large-scale projects and integration into the global United Nations Secretariat network. The organization provides a platform for professionals to refine their administrative and technical expertise while contributing to meaningful policy changes that affect millions of lives across the continent.
The United Nations is committed to achieving a 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity within its staff. We believe that an inclusive environment reflecting the diverse backgrounds of our member states is essential to our success. We strongly encourage women and individuals from underrepresented groups to apply, as we strive to maintain a workplace of mutual respect and equal opportunity.
Job Description and Strategic Impact
The Programme Management Assistant (G6) provides essential support to the planning and implementation of complex departmental initiatives within the Natural Resources and Food Security Section. This role is instrumental in ensuring that the Section’s work unit operates with maximum efficiency, allowing senior management to focus on high-level strategic decisions. By managing priorities and workflows, the Assistant ensures that management directives are carried out and products are delivered in a timely manner.
The strategic impact of this role is found in the meticulous coordination of programme planning and budget preparation. The Assistant monitors the status of project proposals, ensuring that all documentation is complete and aligned with the ECA’s overarching goals. This oversight is vital for maintaining the flow of resources and ensuring that administrative hurdles do not impede the progress of critical climate and food security initiatives.
In addition to administrative management, the role involves extensive liaison with diverse organizational units. The Assistant serves as a focal point for monitoring project implementation, handling everything from personnel recruitment to the procurement of equipment. This interconnectedness ensures that the NRFSS can collaborate effectively with other divisions and external partners to achieve shared developmental objectives.
A “day-in-the-life” in this position involves a high degree of variety, from organizing high-level meetings and handling catering or seating arrangements to analyzing complex budget data in UMOJA. The Assistant also plays a key role in knowledge management, assisting with the collection and analysis of data to support evidence-based decision-making and creating visual materials like brochures or web updates.
Growth opportunities in this role are significant for professionals looking to master UN administrative policies and project management systems. By providing guidance and training to junior staff and collaborating on performance reporting, the Assistant develops leadership and analytical skills that are highly valued within the international civil service.
Job Positions and Requirements
Programme Management Assistant
Educational Qualification: A High school diploma or equivalent is required.
Work Experience: Seven years of experience in programme or project administration, technical cooperation, general office support, and administrative services, or a related area is required.
Job Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Salary: Negotiable/Per Scale (General Service Category, G-6)
No. Required: 1
Required Skills and Competencies: Candidates must have a deep knowledge of internal policies and procedures related to programme administration and budgeting. Fluency in oral and written English is required. The ability to perform data analysis, modeling, and interpretation to support decision-making is essential. Candidates must demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and the ability to organize complex activities under tight deadlines. One year of experience in data analytics and familiarity with administrative procedures is highly desirable.
Employment Type and Compensation
This position is available on a temporary basis, providing a limited-term opportunity to gain high-level experience within the United Nations Secretariat. While temporary, the role offers the stability of working within the UN common system and the chance to contribute to a highly professional and mission-driven team. For internal candidates, this may be administered as a temporary assignment.
The compensation package for the G6 level is competitive and determined by the local salary scale for General Service staff in Addis Ababa. As a local recruitment position, the salary is designed to attract high-caliber professionals within the duty station. The package reflects the United Nations’ commitment to providing a growth-oriented and stable environment for its personnel.
Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and may be assigned to different functions during their career. The ECA provides a non-smoking, professional environment where the highest standards of efficiency and competence are expected.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, candidates must use the official United Nations recruitment platform, inspira. It is important to follow all instructions carefully and provide a complete profile that accurately reflects your qualifications and work history.
Please be advised that scanned certificates, degrees, or other attachments are NOT required during the initial application phase. We encourage you to focus on the accuracy of the information provided in your online profile, as no modifications can be made once the application is submitted.
Original documents and academic credentials will only be required for physical verification during the interview stage for candidates under serious consideration. This is part of our standard reference check and vetting process.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further substantive assessment or competency-based interviews. If you have not been contacted within several weeks of the deadline, you may conclude that your application has not moved forward at this time.
The application must be completed through the online portal, which serves as the primary and only channel for submissions. Interested candidates should submit their application via the “Apply Now” link found on the official UN Careers portal or through their inspira account.
Application Deadline
May 21, 2026
Official Application Link / Contact
Applications must be submitted through the United Nations Inspira portal at
Apply link