Deadline for Applications
May 18, 2026
Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)
B
Family Type (not applicable for home-based)
Family
Staff Member / Affiliate Type
UNOPS LICA4
2026-06-01
1. General Background
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is the UN Agency dedicated to protecting rights and seeking durable solutions for refugees worldwide. UNHCR is in the field in over 125 countries. A National Office in Honduras opened in 2015 in order to strengthen UNHCR’s protection work in the region as part of the UNHCR's Regional Protection and Solutions Strategy for the countries in the North of Central America (NCA). Honduras is characterized by a situation of internal displacement due to high levels of violence. It continues to be affected by high levels of violence, representing a challenge in terms of protection and assistance. Given this context, UNHCR supports the State in designing public policies that can prevent and respond to internal displacement, while at the same time developing protection networks by working with partners to provide protection alternatives as close to home as possible. The Office in Tegucigalpa became a Country Office in 2020, as well as Field Units in San Pedro Sula, Choluteca, and Tegucigalpa, to maintain a presence in the field. Some 45% of the operational budget is implemented directly by UNHCR in Honduras, and the Tegucigalpa, to maintain remaining 55% is implemented through implementing partners. There are currently 14 Partnership Agreements signed with implementing partners. By 2026, it will begin with 5 agreements with partners, but it is expected that the number of agreements will increase during 2026 as proposals submitted to donors are approved. There is a significant portion of implementation of cash-based interventions through vouchers and multipurpose cash to both refugees and internally displaced persons. There is also the need to ensure harmonization of indicators across partners, donors, and technical working groups, aligned with the UN Cooperation Framework.
2. Purpose and Scope of Assignment
The Programme Assistant receives guidance from more senior programme staff and may receive indirect guidance from other sections and units relevant to the country's programme(s). UNHCR Manual, programme objectives, Operations Plans, UN and UNHCR financial/budgetary rules and regulations will guide the work of the Programme Assistant.
The incumbent 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. S/he 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.
OPERATIONAL CONTEXT:
Honduras is characterized by a situation of protracted internal displacement due to violence, with escalating protection risks, including human rights violations, forced recruitment, violence against women and girls, compounded by extreme weather events and natural hazards. More than 247,000 people are currently internally displaced in the country, with many more at risk of displacement. The high levels of violence continue to represent a challenge in terms of protection and assistance. Strengthening the prevention of internal displacement and the response remain key priority. Support for returnees with protection needs is also an area of focus to support their sustainable integration.
Honduras has traditionally been a country of origin and, in recent years, has also become a transit country in the context of mixed movements and a country of asylum. Since January 2025, northbound migration flows have decreased; while some individuals are returning to their countries of origin or relocating within the region, others have chosen to seek international protection in Honduras. The increasing number of asylum claims is straining the Government’s response capacities. This trend highlights the urgent need to strengthen the national asylum system and bolster efforts to expand protection and sustainable solutions for refugees and asylum-seekers. While many advancements have been made over the years to strengthen the asylum system, there is an urgent need to provide technical assistance to ensure an efficient, effective, and updated process, incorporating best practices and international standards.
UNHCR is committed to supporting the national institutions, ensuring more agile and accessible procedures, expanding territorial presence, improving the technical capacity of personnel, and broadening integration opportunities, moving towards durable solutions for refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced people, and returnees with protection needs.
The Programme Assistant supports national and field teams in tracking, monitoring and planning their activities and direct implementation activities in line with donor requirements and operational context. The Programme Assistant supports the project implementation including monitoring partner activities, indicators, and expenses. The Programme Assistant supports partner project development, quality control, and drafting of project documents. Experience working with NGOs or humanitarian organizations or development organizations is valued. Experience working with project development and implementation is valued. Supports donor proposal development and reporting to donors. The incumbent also assists in tracking donations and documenting donations. Experience working with financial or project databases is valued. Experience working with Excel is highly valued.
Duties
- Provide administrative assistance and support in routine services and activities within Programme.
- 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, contribute to monitoring activities implemented through partnerships and those under direct implementation in line with Programme Manual and programming instructions.
- Assist in ensuring compliance with issuance of audit certificates for partners in line with the Policy on Risk-Based Project Audits
- Use UNHCR’s corporate tools (e.g. COMPASS, Cashassist, PROMS, Cloud ERP) for core activities related to planning, budgeting, implementation and reporting, generating data for evidence-based programmatic decisions and analysis.
- Actively contribute to UNHCR’s programming of community of practice and to the improvement of programming tools and processes.
- Perform other duties as required.
3. Monitoring and Progress Controls
(Clear description of measurable outputs, milestones, key performance indicators and/or reporting requirements which will enable performance monitoring)
Maintain the monthly cost of direct implementation of the assigned offices up to date.
Ensure that the purchasing processes of direct implementation are entered into the systems.
Support the UNHCR technical units in the construction of terms of reference for the purchasing process via ID.
Support in the monitoring of agreements with assigned partners.
Support in the processes to strengthen UNHCR partners and technical teams in programmatic policies and procedures.
Support in the strategic planning of the assigned offices.
Support with monitoring and evaluation, and development of indicators.
Support and track the Cash-Based Intervention delivery, conciliations, and implementation
4. Qualifications and Experience
(List the required education, work experience, expertise, and competencies of the individual contractor. The listed education and experience should correspond with the level at which the contract is offered.
a. Education (Level and area of required and/or preferred education)
1-year relevant experience with a High School Diploma; or 1-year relevant experience with a bachelor's or equivalent or higher.
b. Work Experience
(List number of years and area of required work experience. Clearly distinguish between required experience and experience, which could be an asset)
Essential:
Demonstrated experience in programme management, Operation Management Cycle, and related processes. Computer skills (in MS office), including advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, data management, etc).
Desirable:
Training relevant to the 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.
The candidate is expected to have the skills and experience to fully support the functions under the responsibility of the programme unit, including but not limited to managing agreements with partners, direct implementation, M&E, and managing assistance through Cash-Based Interventions.
It is desirable to have relevant experience in the use of databases including COMPASS, Activity Info, Cash Assist, ProGres, and Cloud ERP.
The use of IT and analytic tools such as Kobo, Excel and PowerBi is highly desirable.
Language Requirements:
Spanish level: B2 (required)
English level: B2 (required)
Functional Skills:
*IT-Computer Literacy
PG-Programme Management (project formulation, programme cycles and reporting standards)
PG-Results-Based Management
DM-Data Management
PG-Programme Analysis
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)
c. Key Competencies
(Technical knowledge, skills, managerial competencies, or other personal competencies relevant to the performance of the assignment. Clearly distinguish between required and desired competencies).
Core Competencies:
Accountability
Communication
Organizational Awareness
Teamwork & Collaboration
Commitment to Continuous Learning
Client & Result Orientation
Managerial Competencies:
Not specified
Cross-Functional Competencies:
Analytical Thinking
Planning and Organizing
Stakeholder Management
Eligibility
Candidates must be present in the country at the moment of selection. This vacancy is open for Internal/Former staff and External candidates. Candidates must be legally present in Honduras at the time of application, recruitment, and hire. Only Honduran citizens or candidates legally present in Honduras with a valid work permit will be considered eligible. Applicants must attach proof of permanent residency at the time of application. Failure to do so will result in disqualification.
Submission of applications
English and Spanish are mandatory (B2 level).
Shortlisted candidates may be invited to sit a technical test.
If you wish to be considered for this INTERNAL/EXTERNAL vacancy, please submit your application according to the following instructions:
CANDIDATES WITH ACCESS TO THE WORKDAY: In order to apply, you must first create your profile in the WORKDAY system.
WHEN CREATING A CANDIDATE PROFILE IN WORKDAY, PLEASE USE CAPSLOCKS FOR LAST NAME AND NO SPECIAL CHARACTERS (Ñ OR ACCENTS)
Former UNHCR locally recruited staff member who held a fixed-term or indefinite appointment, can apply for regular positions in their staff category as candidate with UNHCR-experience (within 2 years following separation for males and 5 years for females). To apply for vacancies as Former staff, please access Workday and create your profile there in the Former staff section (eligibility will be verified).
External Candidates: Through the UNHCR Careers portal.
CVs WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED BY EMAIL. ONLY THOSE APPLICATIONS SENT THROUGH THE SYSTEM WILL BE CONSIDERED.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Only short-listed candidates will be notified. The recruitment process might include a written test and/or oral interview for this job opening. No late applications will be accepted.
UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, training, or any other fees).
The evaluation of applicants will be conducted based on the information submitted during the application. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision, or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.
UNHCR is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, sexual orientation, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. UNHCR seeks to ensure that male and female employees are given equal career opportunities. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.
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.
UNHCR has a zero-tolerance policy against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA). SEA is unacceptable behavior and prohibited conduct for UNHCR personnel. It constitutes acts of serious misconduct and is therefore grounds for disciplinary measures, including dismissal.
REMUNERATION
A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, please visit the portal of the International Civil Service Commission at: http://icsc.un.org
Standard Job Description
Programme Assistant
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Programme Assistant receives guidance from more senior programme staff and may receive indirect guidance from other sections and units relevant to the country programme(s). UNHCR Manual, programme objectives, Operations Plans, UN and UNHCR financial/budgetary rules and regulations will guide the work of the Programme Assistant.
The incumbent 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. S/he 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.
- 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, contribute to monitoring activities implemented through partnerships and those under direct implementation in line with Programme Manual and programming instructions.
- Assist in ensuring compliance with issuance of audit certificates for partners in line with the Policy on Risk-Based Project Audits
- Use UNHCR's corporate tools (e.g. Focus Client, Global Focus Insight and FOCUS Reader, MSRP) for core activities related to planning, budgeting, implementation and reporting, generating data for evidence-based programmatic decisions and analysis.
- Actively contribute to UNHCR's programming of community of practice and to the improvement 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 duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Education & Professional Work Experience
Years of Experience / Degree Level
G4 - 1 year relevant experience with High School Diploma; or Bachelor or equivalent or higher
Field(s) of Education
N / A
Certificates and/or Licenses
Not specified
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Demonstrated experience in programme management, Operation Management Cycle and related processes.
Computer skills (in MS office) including advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, data management, etc)
Desirable
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-Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
*IT-Computer Literacy
PG-Programme Management (programme cycles and reporting standards)
PG-Results-Based Management
DM-Data 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
English
,
Spanish
,
Desired Languages
,
,
Additional Qualifications
Skills
DM-Data Management, IT-Computer Literacy, IT-Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), PG-Programme Analysis, PG-Programme Management (programme cycles and reporting standards), PG-Results-Based Management
Education
Certifications
Business Administration - Other, HCR Learning Program - UNHCR, International Law - Other, Social Sciences - Other
Other information
This position doesn't require a functional clearance
Remote
No