Senior Programme Assistant

March 10, 2026

Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)

A (least hardship)

FamilyCONTR Local Entry and Mid-Level Support

2026-04-01This is a full-time job as per the standard Job Description and the Terms of reference below of Local Individual Contractor requiring physical presence in the office.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited for competency-based interview. The shortlisted candidates might be invited for written test.
In person participation is required. Candidates need to be able to legally work and reside in Armenia. Excellent command of both written and spoken Eastern Armenian and English is essential
Duration of the contract, from: 01/04/2026 to: 31/12/2026 or until the end of 2026 from the start date, renewable.

II. DESCRIPTION OF ASSIGNMENT, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ENGAGED INDIVIDUAL CONTRACT HOLDER

 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.
 Perform other related duties as required.

9. General Background of Project or Assignment, Operational Context:
UNHCR Armenia implements a multi-year protection and solutions programme focused on supporting refugees, asylum-seekers, stateless persons, and other persons of concern through strengthened access to services, social protection, community-based interventions, and partnership-based delivery. The operational context is characterized by evolving humanitarian and development needs, increased coordination with government institutions, and expanded engagement with national stakeholders. Within this framework, the Programme Unit leads planning, monitoring, partnership management, and results-based implementation. The Senior Programme Assistant plays a critical role in supporting the full programme cycle, ensuring effective partner project implementation, compliance with UNHCR procedures, accurate documentation, and timely monitoring of activities across multiple thematic areas.


10. Occupational Safety and Health Considerations
To view occupational safety and health considerations for specific duty stations, please visit this link: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel
Specific Occupational Safety and Health Considerations to this assignment (if applicable):

11. Purpose and Scope of Assignment:
The purpose of this assignment is to provide technical and administrative support to the Programme Unit in the planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of UNHCR-funded and partner-implemented activities. The Senior Programme Assistant will support the preparation and review of project documents, budgets, monitoring tools, partner reports, and internal submissions; coordinate follow-up on implementation issues; organize and document monitoring visits and meetings; and ensure accurate data consolidation and timely reporting in line with UNHCR and donor requirements. Key outputs include: (i) timely preparation of programme and partnership documents; (ii) monthly activity and monitoring updates; (iii) consolidated partner reporting packages; and (iv) accurate tracking of achievements against indicators and workplans. Completion of the assignment is expected to contribute to strengthened programme delivery, enhanced partner compliance, and improved evidence-based reporting. Performance will be measured through the timeliness and quality of deliverables, adherence to procedures, responsiveness to emerging programme needs, and effective coordination with internal and external stakeholders.

III. CANDIDATE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS, SELECTION CRITERIA

12. Required qualifications, language(s) and work experience:
Degree:
Bachelor degree and higher

Field of expertise, competencies:
Required/mandatory: 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: Experience in programme management training and capacity building activities, donor reporting.

13. Minimum years of work experience (NOTE: candidates with less years of experience cannot be short-listed or recommended):
Language: Required: English, Armenian Desirable: Russian

IV. EVALUATION, MONITORING, SUPERVISION

14. Monitoring and Progress Controls
The performance of the Individual Contractor will be monitored through a clear workplan, monthly progress reviews, and timely submission of activity reports. Quality will be assessed based on accurate preparation of programme documents, effective support to partnership management, timely follow-up on implementation issues, and compliance with UNHCR procedures. Monitoring will include regular participation in field and partner visits, verification of data and documentation, and maintenance of updated monitoring tools. Progress will be reviewed through periodic supervisory discussions, with a final assessment conducted at the end of the assignment against agreed deliverables and performance indicators.

Standard Job Description

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.

Required Languages

,

,

Desired Languages

,

,

Additional Qualifications

Skills

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

Education

Certifications

HCR Learning Program - UNHCR

Other information

This position doesn't require a functional clearance

Remote

No