Job Description

Deadline for Applications

February 17, 2026

Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)

A (least hardship)

Family Type (not applicable for home-based)

Family

Staff Member / Affiliate Type

CONTR Local Entry and Mid-Level Support

Target Start Date

2026-02-23

Terms of Reference

UNHCR is looking for an individual contractor as Programme Associate (parental leave replacement) for a period of 8 months.

The Programme Associate will be an integral member of the Programme Unit, working under the direct supervision of the Assistant Programme Officer. The position holder will support the day-to-day implementation of programme activities, coordinate across units, manage budgets, assess risks, and ensure that appropriate mitigation measures are in place.

Purpose and Scope of Assignment:

- Ensure effective coordination and communication with UNHCR implementing partners by serving as the focal point, providing timely technical guidance, facilitating regular information exchange, and ensuring alignment with UNHCR standards.
- Contribute to project monitoring, reporting, and evaluation processes by reviewing periodic narrative and results reports, supporting partners’ financial verifications, data collection and reporting, conducting field monitoring visits, and supporting evidence-based analysis, contributing to different periodic programmatic reports.
- Maintain rigorous oversight of partner performance and agreed results, supporting verification of outputs, compliance checks and follow-up on agreed work plans.
- Support the Programme Unit in planning, drafting, monitoring, and revising budgets and expenditures, ensuring compliance with UNHCR Results Framework, financial rules and requirements.
- Contribute to programme annual planning and implementation, including preparation of workplans, support to sectors with necessary inputs, and participation in multifunctional team discussions to ensure integrated operational approaches.
- Perform other programme‑related functions, such as maintaining updated documentation, supporting internal processes linked to programme delivery.

Required qualifications, language(s) and work experience:

- 3 years of relevant work experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years of relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher.
- Field of expertise, competencies: Economics, International Relations or another relevant field.

Required/mandatory experience:

- Fluency in English and Romanian.
- Prior experience managing or supporting projects and programmes is essential.
- Minimum 1 year of hands-on experience in budget development, financial planning, or grant management.
- Experience within non-profit local and/or international organizations is a strong asset.
- Previous experience with Results-Based Management is an asset.
- Advanced computer skills, particularly in MS Office. Proficiency in creating pivot tables, managing data, and using Excel for complex tasks is highly desirable.
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills to handle multiple tasks and meet tight deadlines.
- Ability and willingness to work in a multicultural environment.
- Willingness to adhere to UNHCR’s principles and values.

Desirable experience:

- Knowledge of Russian is desirable.
- Experience supporting with capacity building activities.
- Prior experience working in emergency response or humanitarian settings.
- Experience with cloud-based project management or collaboration software (Cloud ERP, Oracle, SharePoint, Teams, Smartsheet) is a strong asset.

Remuneration and Benefits:

- Monthly fee: MDL 32,589.83 - MDL 38,021.5 (depending on experience).
- CIGNA medical insurance provided.

Engagement type - in person, at office premises. Full-time (40 hours/week).

General information:

Candidates must meet the essential minimum requirements of the position and must have either Moldovan citizenship or the legal status necessary to work in Moldova.

UNHCR’s workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. We seek to sustain and strengthen this diversity and to ensure equal opportunities, as well as an inclusive working environment, for our entire workforce. Joining us means living, sharing and promoting these core values of inclusion, diversity and gender equality.

Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on the grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.

UNHCR reserves the right to retain applications and consider external candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNHCR at the same grade or lower level and with similar job descriptions, experience, and educational requirements for the appointment.

UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, training or any other fees).