Programme Management Officer
Organizational Context
This Programme Management Officer position is based in the Strategic Planning, Programme Management, Evaluation and Change Service (SPECS) within the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva, Switzerland. The role reports to the Senior Programme Management Officer and operates under the overall guidance of the Chief of SPECS.
Job Purpose
The Programme Management Officer will be responsible for developing and implementing assigned programmes and projects, including organizational change initiatives, aligned with OHCHR strategic objectives and UN-wide reform efforts. This involves monitoring programme development and implementation, analyzing effectiveness, and ensuring follow-up actions. The role supports organizational alignment through research and analysis, coordinates policy development, and designs and analyzes surveys to inform change initiatives. The officer will also prepare written outputs, provide backstopping for meetings, coordinate outreach and training on organizational change, participate in field missions, and manage budget-related activities. Data analysis and visualization will be used to support data-driven planning and decision-making.
Responsibilities
Develop and implement programmes, projects, and organizational change initiatives aligned with OHCHR strategic objectives and UN reform. Monitor and analyze programme development and implementation, including change objectives, effectiveness, feedback, and lessons learned. Review documents, identify issues, and initiate corrective actions, ensuring follow-up on workplans. Facilitate workshops and interactive sessions to support change management and develop action plans, including stakeholder engagement. Research, analyze, and present information to support organizational alignment. Coordinate policy development, review trends, and conduct evaluations. Design and analyze surveys, preparing conclusions and recommendations for change initiatives. Prepare written outputs such as background papers, reports, and publications. Provide substantive support for meetings, including agenda setting and document preparation. Coordinate outreach activities, conduct training, and deliver presentations on organizational change. Lead or participate in field missions, providing guidance and drafting summaries. Coordinate budget funding activities, including preparation and reporting. Collect and analyze data using visualization methods to support planning and decision-making.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of progressive experience in project/programme management or administration is required. This includes at least five years in project/programme management, strategic planning, or organizational change management within the UN system or a similar international organization. Experience with Results-Based Management (RBM) and Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA) programming principles is also required, as is experience delivering RBM training.
Skills
• Professionalism: Strong analytical, conceptual, and evaluative skills; ability to conduct research and data collection; effective problem-solving and conflict resolution; professional competence and mastery of subject matter; conscientiousness and efficiency; persistence; ability to remain calm under stress; commitment to gender equality. • Planning and Organizing: Ability to set clear goals, prioritize activities, manage time and resources effectively, and anticipate and mitigate risks. • Creativity: Proactive in seeking program improvements; innovative problem-solving; persuasion skills; willingness to take calculated risks and explore new ideas.