The International Maritime Organization (IMO) offers exciting career opportunities for professionals interested in international development, administration, and maritime affairs. One opportunity worth exploring is the IMO Principal Programme Assistant position, advertised through the IMO Vacancy Portal.
The IMO Principal Programme Assistant vacancy may appeal to experienced administrative and programme support professionals seeking to develop their careers within an international organization. Working with the IMO provides exposure to international cooperation, maritime policy, programme coordination, and global institutional operations.
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IMO Principal Programme Assistant Vacancy 2026: Job Overview
JOB OPPORTUNITY · UNITED KINGDOM · IMO
The IMO Principal Programme Assistant Job 2026 is a Grade G.7 position within the Technical Cooperation and Implementation Division. The successful candidate will support technical cooperation programmes focusing on the West Central Africa Francophone region.
| Job detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | International Maritime Organization |
| Position | Principal Programme Assistant |
| Vacancy reference | G.S. 26-15 |
| Grade | G.7 |
| Location | London, United Kingdom |
| Division | Technical Cooperation and Implementation |
| Contract | Permanent |
| Salary | Approximately £54,569 net annually |
| Date published | 28 October 2026 |
| Application deadline | 18 November 2026 |
The position is locally recruited. Applicants must have unrestricted permission to live and work in the United Kingdom. IMO – International Maritime Organization +1
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Benefits of the IMO Principal Programme Assistant Job
The IMO Principal Programme Assistant position offers several professional and employment benefits, including:
- Competitive salary: Approximately £54,569 net per year, subject to applicable deductions.
- Medical insurance: Access to medical insurance benefits.
- UN pension scheme: Participation in the United Nations pension scheme.
- International exposure: Opportunity to work within a United Nations specialized agency.
- Career development: Practical experience in programme coordination and international technical cooperation.
- Professional networking: Collaboration with international stakeholders and maritime institutions.
The first year is probationary, with the possibility of further extension subject to satisfactory performance. IMO – International Maritime Organization +1
Responsibilities of the Principal Programme Assistant
The selected candidate will provide administrative, financial and programme coordination support to the IMO’s technical cooperation activities.
Key responsibilities include:
- Coordinating technical cooperation programmes in West Central Africa.
- Supporting the recruitment of consultants and technical experts.
- Preparing quarterly programme reports and activity updates.
- Reviewing reports from advisory missions and training activities.
- Monitoring programme budgets and expenditure.
- Preparing donor reports on technical assistance activities.
- Assisting with meeting documents and presentations for IMO governing bodies.
- Identifying regional maritime development priorities.
- Maintaining information on maritime development across countries in the region.
- Supporting the implementation and improvement of regional programmes.
The successful applicant may also travel to relevant countries and regions when required. IMO – International Maritime Organization +1
Eligibility Requirements for the IMO Vacancy 2026
Candidates interested in the IMO Principal Programme Assistant Job 2026 must meet the essential requirements outlined in the vacancy announcement.
Educational qualifications
Applicants must have completed secondary education to university entrance standard.
Professional experience
A minimum of seven years of experience in an administrative role is required. Candidates should also have experience supporting drafting, project management or programme management activities.
Experience implementing technical cooperation activities is an added advantage.
Language requirements
Applicants must demonstrate complete proficiency in both English and French, including speaking, writing and preparing clear professional reports.
Knowledge of additional United Nations languages is an advantage.
Required skills and competencies
Candidates should demonstrate:
- Strong organizational and coordination skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to multitask and work under pressure.
- Financial monitoring and reporting skills.
- Initiative, discretion and reliability.
- Ability to work in multicultural environments.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
IMO – International Maritime Organization +1
How to Apply for the IMO Principal Programme Assistant Job
Interested candidates should visit the official IMO Vacancy Portal to access the vacancy announcement and application instructions.
Applicants should:
- Visit the official IMO recruitment website.
- Search for Principal Programme Assistant, vacancy reference G.S. 26-15.
- Carefully review the vacancy requirements and eligibility criteria.
- Prepare the required application documents, including a cover letter and completed Personal History Form.
- Submit the application according to the instructions in the official vacancy notice.
Official application portal: IMO Vacancy Portal – Apply Here.
According to the IMO recruitment guidelines, General Service applicants must submit a cover letter and signed Personal History Form electronically to recruitment@imo.org. imo.org +1
Deadline: 18 November 2026
Why Consider Working with the IMO?
The International Maritime Organization provides opportunities for professionals interested in supporting international maritime cooperation and sustainable development.
The IMO Principal Programme Assistant vacancy offers an opportunity to contribute to technical assistance programmes, strengthen administrative coordination and support maritime development initiatives across West Central Africa.
Professionals with substantial administrative experience, strong reporting abilities and excellent English and French language skills may find this position particularly relevant.
Final Thoughts
The IMO Principal Programme Assistant Job 2026 is an opportunity for experienced administrative professionals seeking employment within a United Nations specialized agency. With an advertised annual net salary of approximately £54,569, medical insurance and UN pension benefits, the position offers attractive employment conditions.
Interested applicants should carefully review the eligibility requirements, particularly the seven-year experience requirement, bilingual language proficiency and UK local recruitment restriction, before submitting an application.
Apply before 18 November 2026 through the official IMO Vacancy Portal.
Source: International Maritime Organization (IMO). recruit.imo.org +1
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