UNICEF: Temporary Appointment (Program Management)
Job Description
Job description
Job no: 589119
Contract type: Temporary Appointment
Duty Station: Djibouti
Level: G-5
Location: Djibouti
Categories: Program Management
UNICEF works in more than 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights and help them reach their potential, from early childhood to adolescence.
At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job, it’s a calling.
UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff a variety of professional and personal development opportunities that will help them strengthen their sense of duty while serving children and communities around the world. We welcome all those who wish to integrate and thrive in a diverse and passionate culture, combined with attractive pay and benefits.
Visit our website to learn more about UNICEF’s activities here: our website
Protection for every child.
UNICEF’s fundamental mission is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does—in its programs, advocacy, and operations. The equity strategy, which focuses on the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment into concrete actions for children’s rights. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have the opportunity to survive, thrive, and reach their full potential, without discrimination, prejudice, or favoritism. To the extent that a child has an unequal chance in life—in its social, political, economic, civic, and cultural dimensions—their rights are violated. Mounting evidence shows that investing in the health, education, and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens—by addressing inequalities—will not only give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but will also lead to sustainable growth and stability for countries. This is why the focus on equity is so critical. It accelerates progress towards the realization of the human rights of all children, which is UNICEF’s universal mandate as defined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while supporting the equitable development of nations.
How can you tell the difference?
The Program Assistant (G5) is assigned to the Program Section, reporting directly to the Supervisor or Section Head. This position provides cross-sectoral planning and operational support for programs, ensuring seamless coordination between technical teams, operational units, and external partners/service providers. Depending on program priorities, the incumbent may be assigned to specific sector teams (e.g., Health, Education, Child Protection) or to cross-cutting initiatives (e.g., Equity, Emergency Response). Under the close supervision and guidance of the supervisor, the Programme Assistant provides a wide range of administrative, operational, and procedural support to the section. The incumbent facilitates the implementation, monitoring, and delivery of programme results by ensuring the timely and efficient execution of tasks in accordance with UNICEF rules and regulations. The incumbent may support one or more programme areas or cross-cutting initiatives and often works in coordination with other sections.
Summary of main functions and responsibilities:
- Program and project support
- Administrative and financial support
- Operations and travel support
- Administrative and logistical support and event coordination
- Knowledge management and communication
- Digital skills
- Emergency support and flexibility
If you would like to learn more about this position, please see the full job description here: Download File GJP Programme Assistant GS5 FV.doc
Skills and qualifications
To become an advocate for the rights of all children, you will need to…
Minimum requirements:
Education: A high school diploma is required.
Professional experience: At least five years of relevant professional experience in the administrative or clerical field are required.
Language requirements: Fluency in French is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language (English, Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.
For each child, you demonstrate…
UNICEF’s core values of compassion, respect, integrity, trust, accountability, and sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Learn more about our values charter: UNICEF Values
Essential skills for this position:
- Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness
- Works collaboratively with others
- Builds and maintains partnerships
- Innovate and embrace change
- Think and act strategically
- Works to achieve impactful results
- Manages ambiguity and complexity
- The 7 core competencies apply
Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: UNICEF Competency Framework
How to apply
All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and proceed to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate whose performance matches the level of the position in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate from the appropriate talent pool, may be selected, if suitable for the position, without evaluation of other candidates.
You can find more information about employment opportunities at UNICEF here.
Advertised: January 6, 2026E. Africa Standard Time
Deadline: January 15, 2026E. Africa Standard Time
