About the Organization
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) operates a Regional Hub for East and Southern Africa, based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This office serves as a critical pillar for the United Nations’ efforts to promote and protect human rights across the region. By providing support to various stakeholders, the OHCHR works to integrate human rights into the broader national and regional development agendas.
The organization is deeply committed to the principles of integrity, competence, and efficiency as outlined in the Charter of the United Nations. Its mission is anchored in the belief that human rights are fundamental to sustainable development, peace, and security. Through its dedicated staff, the OHCHR facilitates dialogue, research, and project implementation aimed at fostering environments where human rights are upheld and respected.
A culture of inclusivity and diversity is central to the identity of the organization. The United Nations actively recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds, or disabilities. The organization promotes a workplace that values mutual respect and collaborative teamwork, where every employee contributes to the shared goals of the international community.
The United Nations is steadfast in its commitment to achieving a 50/50 gender balance across its workforce. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. The institution believes that diverse leadership and representation are essential to addressing the complex global challenges of today and building a more equitable future for all.
Furthermore, the organization ensures that reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment and selection process. The OHCHR Regional Hub strives to be a supportive and forward-thinking environment, providing employees with meaningful opportunities to make a tangible impact on the lives of people throughout the region.
Job Description and Strategic Impact
The Programme Management Officer will play a vital role in the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of diverse programmes and projects within the OHCHR Regional Hub. This position is strategically important as it ensures that the organization’s activities are effectively aligned with regional priorities and that resources are utilized to maximize outcomes. You will be at the heart of the office’s operational success, driving forward projects that safeguard human rights.
Your day-to-day work will be multifaceted, involving the analysis of project developments and the identification of solutions to operational challenges. You will participate in the design of data collection tools, interpret survey responses, and draft background papers that inform the strategic direction of our initiatives. Your ability to provide operational and administrative coordination will be the glue that holds our workstreams together.
This role offers significant professional growth, as you will be expected to support and lead field missions and provide substantive guidance to consultants, field teams, and government officials. You will gain extensive experience in navigating the complexities of human rights programming, budget coordination, and high-level stakeholder management within the United Nations environment.
The impact of your work will extend to the effectiveness of the office’s consultative meetings and conferences, where you will provide critical support in agenda setting and documentation. By ensuring that all projects are monitored against clear goals and strategies, you will contribute directly to the credibility and impact of the OHCHR’s presence in East and Southern Africa.
As an Officer in this capacity, you will demonstrate professional mastery by managing conflicting priorities with judgment and poise. You will be a key collaborator within the team, soliciting diverse ideas and accepting shared responsibility for the success of our collective endeavors. This position is a perfect fit for a dedicated professional looking to apply their expertise in a high-impact, mission-driven environment.
Job Positions and Requirements
Programme Management Officer, NO-C
Educational Qualification: An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, Project/Programme management, economics, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience: A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project planning and programme management, administration, or a related area is required. Experience in areas related to human rights, social work, or results-based management is desirable.
Job Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Salary: Competitive UN professional scale.
No. Required: 1
Employment Type and Compensation
The position is a professional role within the United Nations Secretariat. Employment is subject to the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. While the role is demanding, it offers the opportunity to be part of an international organization that places great value on professional development and the long-term career trajectory of its staff.
Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and may be assigned to different duties or offices in accordance with organizational needs. The position may require periodic mobility to discharge functions in different duty stations. As an external candidate recruited for a fixed-term appointment, you will be subject to an initial probationary period of one year.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official online recruitment platform, inspira. Applicants are urged to follow all instructions available on the portal carefully. You are required to provide complete and accurate information regarding your profile and qualifications; once submitted, your application cannot be amended or modified.
Please note that scanned certificates or attachments are not required to be submitted during the initial application phase. The United Nations does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. We also do not request information about your personal bank accounts.
Candidates under serious consideration will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in their applications. Please be aware that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps in the assessment process, which may include an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview.
Interested candidates who are nationals of the country where the position is located are encouraged to apply via the official career site. Ensure that your application is submitted before the deadline to be considered for this opportunity. We look forward to receiving applications from talented professionals who are committed to the values and mission of the United Nations.
Application Deadline
June 22, 2026
Official Application Link / Contact
Interested candidates should apply through the United Nations Careers portal via Job Opening ID 278849.