Programme Associate (G-6), TA (11,5 months), #00138816 Maseru – Lesotho, ESAR
UNICEF
Vacancy: Programme Associate (G-6), Temporary Appointment (11.5 Months)
Job Title: Programme Associate (G-6)
Job Number: 596292
Position Reference: #00138816
Contract Type: Temporary Appointment
Duration: 11.5 months
Duty Station: Maseru, Lesotho
Level: G-6
Location: Lesotho
Region: Eastern and Southern Africa (ESAR)
Category: Programme Management
About UNICEF
UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfil their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.
At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.
UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.
Visit the UNICEF website to learn more about what we do.
For Every Child, the Right to Education
An estimated 29% of the population in Lesotho comprises youth and adolescents aged 10 to 24. Unfortunately, this demographic group is disproportionately affected by poverty, unemployment, and lack of opportunities. Moreover, despite representing a large part of the population, their views, opinions, and perceptions are rarely considered in national, district and community-level planning, budgeting, and service delivery processes. Young people with disabilities face double disadvantages and have limited access to essential services while their voices are not heard.
It is against this background that the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), with financial support from the European Union, came together and designed a five-year programme of action to empower youth-focused civil society organisations, branded the Youth Power Hub.
The project aims to contribute to an inclusive, participatory, empowered and independent civil society that can create a democratic space in Lesotho for youth, including people with disabilities and adolescent girls and young women (AGYW).
How Can You Make a Difference?
Under the supervision and guidance of the Chief of Social Policy, the Programme Associate supports the Social Policy Section by carrying out a range of programme support functions to help implement the Youth Power Hub.
The Programme Associate will work with various state and non-state actors, including:
- Ministry of Gender, Youth, Sports, Culture and Social Development (MoGYSCSD).
- Ministry of Education and Training (MoET).
- National Consultative Committee on Migration (NCCM).
- Diaspora Directorate.
- Basotho Diaspora Association (BDA).
- Civil society organisations (CSOs).
- The private sector, such as telecommunication companies.
- Various formations of young people.
The Programme Associate will support programme design and delivery, financial management and reporting by cooperating partners, including CSOs that will participate in the Youth Power Hub. In addition, the incumbent will support other project management activities, such as monitoring and reporting on activities and results.
For more information about this position, review the complete job description:
Download the Terms of Reference – Programme Associate G-6 TA (PDF)
Minimum Requirements
Education
- Completion of secondary education is required.
Work Experience
- At least six (6) years of relevant work experience in social policy, programme administration, project coordination, budget monitoring, financial reporting, monitoring and evaluation, data analysis, partnership management, grants management, capacity building, youth engagement, or any other related fields is required.
Skills
- Knowledge of programme and project administration, monitoring and evaluation.
- Budget monitoring and financial management skills.
- Strong organisational, planning and prioritisation abilities.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent office management and administrative skills.
- High attention to detail and accuracy.
- Sound judgement, initiative and confidentiality.
- Ability to work effectively with diverse and multicultural stakeholders.
- Proficiency in MS Office, SharePoint and other relevant systems.
Language Requirements
- Fluency in English is required.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
- Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.
- Experience with international development agencies and civil society organisations, knowledge of VISION, and donor reporting experience are assets.
- Relevant UN experience is an asset.
- Relevant experience at country level, particularly in development, fragile settings and humanitarian contexts.
UNICEF Core Values
UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything UNICEF does and how it works.
Get acquainted with the UNICEF Values Charter.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply through the official UNICEF careers website and refer to Job Number: 596292.
Deadline: 27 Oct 2026 South Africa Standard Time