Programme Associate

June 1, 2026

Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)

A (least hardship)

FamilyUNOPS LICA6

2026-07-01Title: Programme Associate (M&E)
Project: UNHCR Rwanda EU Funded Graduation Project
Duty station: Kigali Country Office, Rwanda
Section/Unit: Programme/UNHCR Rwanda
ICA Level: LICA 6
Corresponding level: G6
Duration: From 01 July 2026 to 31 December 2026 (renewable)
Supervisor: Marjorie Mua (Programme Officer)

1. General Background
Rwanda hosts over 137,000 refugees, primarily from Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), who are settled across five main camps & 4 Transit Centres (including the Emergency Transit Mechanism): Mahama and Nyabiheke in the Eastern Province, Kiziba in Western Province, and Kigeme and Mugombwa in Southern Province. In addition, a growing number of refugees reside in urban areas such as Kigali, reflecting evolving displacement dynamics and the need for tailored socio-economic inclusion strategies.

The Government of Rwanda has demonstrated strong commitment to advancing refugee self-reliance and socio-economic inclusion. In line with the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Rwanda adopted the Refugee Sustainable Graduation Strategy (2026–2030), which aims to transition 50% of refugee households to self-reliance by 2030 through a structured, multi-sectoral approach. This strategy prioritizes livelihoods, economic inclusion, and integration into national systems as critical pathways to durable solutions.

To operationalize this vision, UNHCR Rwanda, in collaboration with the Government, development partners, and the private sector, promotes access to economic opportunities, financial services, and social protection for refugees. These efforts align with national development priorities under NST-2 and global commitments under the GCR, while easing pressure on host communities and fostering resilience.

A flagship initiative under this framework is the EU-funded Graduation Project, which will be jointly implemented by WFP and UNHCR and which will target refugee households in all camps as well as vulnerable host community members. The project will adopt a sequenced and time-bound approach, combining cash transfers, skills development, financial inclusion, and linkages to markets to enable sustainable livelihoods and economic independence.

The main objective of the Program Associate position is to provide critical support in the design, implementation, and monitoring of the EU-funded Self-Reliance Project aimed at advancing refugee self-reliance and socio-economic inclusion in Rwanda and synchronization with the Rwanda Operation’s wider Programmes. This role ensures that program activities are aligned with strategic frameworks such as the Refugee Sustainable Graduation Strategy (2026–2030). By coordinating data-driven planning, harmonizing monitoring and evaluation processes, and facilitating collaboration among government entities, partners, and internal teams, the Program Associate contributes to evidence-based decision-making and the achievement of durable solutions for refugees and host communities across Rwanda’s camps and urban settings.


2. Purpose and Scope of Assignment
Under the direct supervision of the Programme Officer and overall supervision by the Deputy Representative or Senior Operations Officer, the incumbent will undertake the following tasks:

• Assist in the development of multi-year M&E plans as part of the multi-year strategy, leveraging integrated M&E tools and approaches.
• Support Results Managers in selecting and developing relevant indicators and related monitoring activities and support systematic documentation of methodology, calculation and use to enhance data-driven decision-making.
• Support harmonised monitoring approaches in collaboration with Results Managers, Information Management, and other data functions, as per applicable guidance and quality standards, including for secondary data review as well as qualitative and quantitative primary data collection activities.
• Assist in the coordination of key primary data collection exercises such as assessments, implementation monitoring and results monitoring activities including Results Monitoring Surveys (RMS).
• Support participatory approaches to assessment, monitoring, evaluation and reporting and evaluation by promoting engagement of communities and partners.
• Assist development of coherent M&E frameworks, tools and practices by coordinating with stakeholders across donor-driven and multi-partner initiatives.
• Support management in identifying evaluation needs and ensure evaluations are compliant with UNHCR’s standards, while contributing to technical quality assurance.
• Act as support focal point with HQ and bureau evaluation colleagues for global and regional evaluations.
• Maintain an organized, up-to-date evidence base/repositories for evaluations.
• Assist preparation of joint review and analysis to translate data into actionable insights to support senior management and the MFT in effective data use for evidence-based programming, reporting, and advocacy.
• Assist in design and delivery of M&E training and learning initiatives for UNHCR staff and partners.
• Ensure that monitoring and evaluation processes comply with UNHCR’s policies (UNHCR Policy on Planning for, Getting and Showing Results, UNHCR/HCP/2023/05, and the UNHCR Evaluation Policy, UNHCR/HCP/2022/03), procedures and guidance (including the Programme Handbook), as well as ethical considerations, data protection standards, and applicable UN regulations and rules.
• 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.

3. Monitoring and Progress Controls
Conduct staff performance appraisal during the mid term with more emphasis during the year end.

4. Qualifications and Experience

a. Education
• A university degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Economics, Business Administration, or related disciplines is highly desirable.
• Certifications or coursework in project management, data analysis, or humanitarian/development programming will be an added advantage

b. Work Experience
Two years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher

Relevant Job Experience

Essential
Experience in planning and implementing, monitoring systems and managing and/or conducting independent evaluation in international development and/or humanitarian contexts. Experience in setting up monitoring systems and rolling out M&E frameworks that form part of and align with corporate results-based management. Experience in coordinating a variety of internal and external stakeholders in a cross-cultural professional environment.

Desirable
Demonstrated experience in collaborating with UN development or humanitarian actors, frameworks and coordinating mechanisms. Experience in working with Government and institutions. Experience in data management and statistics, including surveys and indicator management. Experience with organisational change processes. Experience with UN programming. Experience in strategic planning processes and in coordinating and drafting strategies and plans, in particular on protection and solutions, advocacy, or partnership building.

c. Key Competencies
Core Competencies
Accountability
Communication
Organizational Awareness
Teamwork & Collaboration
Commitment to Continuous Learning
Client & Result Orientation

Cross-Functional Competencies
Analytical Thinking
Change Capability and Adaptability
Planning and Organizing

Standard Job Description

Required Languages

,

,

Desired Languages

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Additional Qualifications

Skills

Education

Certifications

Other information

This position doesn't require a functional clearance

Remote

No