The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Refugee Agency, is inviting qualified professionals to apply for the position of Associate Programme Officer (IICA), based in Brasília, Brazil. This full-time role offers a unique opportunity to contribute directly to one of the most dynamic refugee operations in Latin America, supporting inclusive protection, sustainable solutions, and effective programme management for people forced to flee.
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With a deadline of 12 January 2026, this vacancy is ideal for programme management professionals who are passionate about humanitarian action, partnership-building, and results-based programming within complex displacement contexts.
UNHCR in Brazil: A Dynamic Humanitarian Context
Since 2014, forced displacement has increased dramatically across Latin America and the Caribbean, creating new humanitarian and development challenges for host countries. Brazil stands out for its generous asylum policy and innovative emergency response mechanisms, most notably “Operação Acolhida”, launched in 2018. This large-scale humanitarian initiative supports refugees and asylum seekers through documentation, shelter, humanitarian assistance, and voluntary internal relocation within Brazil.
UNHCR’s operation in Brazil is decentralized, comprising the Country Office in Brasília, Sub-Office in Boa Vista, Field Offices in Pacaraima, Manaus, and São Paulo, and a Field Unit in Belém. This structure allows UNHCR to respond effectively to both emergency and long-term integration needs, particularly as most refugees in Brazil live in urban settings and enjoy access to social and economic rights such as health care, education, and employment.
Within this context, the Associate Programme Officer (IICA) plays a critical role in ensuring that UNHCR’s programmes are well-planned, well-funded, and effectively implemented to support dignity, self-reliance, and durable solutions.
About the Role: Associate Programme Officer (IICA)
The Associate Programme Officer (IICA1) position is a professional-level role under UNOPS contractual arrangements. The incumbent will report directly to the Deputy Representative and work closely with programme, protection, and external relations teams, as well as a wide range of partners.
This role combines programme management, resource mobilization, grant management, and capacity-building, making it particularly suitable for professionals with a strong technical background and the ability to coordinate across multiple stakeholders.
Key Strategic and Operational Responsibilities
As an Associate Programme Officer, you will contribute to both the strategic direction and day-to-day programme implementation of UNHCR’s operation in Brazil. Key responsibilities include:
- Programme Planning and Strategy Development
Supporting the design and implementation of multi-year protection and solutions strategies, as well as annual operational plans, in line with UNHCR’s Global Strategic Priorities, the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR), and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Results-Based Management (RBM)
Strengthening programme quality through RBM approaches, ensuring that objectives, indicators, and results are clearly defined, monitored, and reported. - Needs Assessment and Protection-Centered Programming
Supporting participatory needs assessments using an Age, Gender, and Diversity (AGD) approach, ensuring that programmes respond to the specific needs of refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless persons.
- Partnership and Grant Management
Working closely with government counterparts, NGOs, UN agencies, and private-sector partners to manage partnership agreements, monitor performance, and ensure compliance with UNHCR policies and donor requirements. - Resource Mobilization and Fundraising
Contributing to fundraising initiatives, managing both cash and in-kind contributions, and strengthening linkages with external relations to expand UNHCR’s resource base.
- Monitoring, Reporting, and Accountability
Supporting the development of robust monitoring systems for earmarked funds, ensuring timely reporting, effective tracking of implementation, and follow-up on internal and external audit recommendations. - Capacity Building and Team Management
Supporting training, mentoring, and performance management of staff and partners, while contributing to communities of practice and continuous improvement of programming tools.
Qualifications and Experience
To be competitive for this role, candidates should meet the following minimum requirements:
- Education
A university degree in Economics, Business Administration, Social Sciences, or another relevant field.
A Programme Management certification (CP-PM) is essential. - Experience
- At least 3 years of relevant experience with an undergraduate degree, or2 years with a graduate degree, or1 year with a doctorate.
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- Skills
- Project and programme management
- Stakeholder coordination with government, NGOs, and corporate partners
- Risk management and performance monitoring
- Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
- Languages
Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the Latin American context is an asset.
Experience working in Latin America—and particularly in Brazil—is considered a strong advantage.
Why Join UNHCR?
A career with UNHCR means working at the forefront of global humanitarian response during a time of record-high forced displacement. With nearly 19,000 staff across 137 countries, UNHCR offers a multicultural, inclusive, and values-driven working environment rooted in professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity.
UNHCR is firmly committed to:
- Zero tolerance for sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, and discrimination
- Diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all qualified individuals
- Disability inclusion, with reasonable accommodations provided throughout the recruitment process
Importantly, UNHCR does not charge any fees at any stage of recruitment, and applications are accepted only through the official online platform.
Final Thoughts
The Associate Programme Officer (IICA) position in Brasília offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute to one of UNHCR’s most impactful operations in the region. For professionals with strong programme management skills, a passion for humanitarian work, and the ability to navigate complex, multi-stakeholder environments, this role provides both challenge and purpose.
If you are motivated to support refugees and asylum seekers in building safer, more dignified futures, this position could be the next step in your international humanitarian career.
