Associate Officer

Host entity: UNRCO

Volunteer type: International

Areas of expertise: Communication, advocacy, public information, Project management, programme development, strategy, Emergency preparedness, crisis response

Application deadline: 10/09/2026

Mission and objectives

Representing the UN Secretary-General in Egypt, the United Nations Resident Coordinator (UNRC) and the Resident Coordinator’s Office (UNRCO) facilitate the work of the UN Country Team (UNCT), support efforts towards a strategic positioning of the UN Development System in the national development context and manage the dialogue process with the Government of Egypt, civil society and private sector. The UNRC also holds the leadership role over the strategic initiatives and joint activities of the UNCT, as well as oversight of the various results groups, joint programmes, and other inter-agency initiatives.

For the UNRC and the UNCT to successfully fulfil their expanding mandates in Egypt, the UNRC needs the necessary human and technical resources at her/his disposal to effectively manage and lead the coherent implementation of the new UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for the years 2023 to 2027, and the integrated implementation of the SDGs in furtherance of national development priorities as outlined in the national Sustainable Development Strategy (Egypt’s Visio 2030). To this effect, the UNRCO supports the work of the UNRC by providing strategic integrated technical and advisory support. This includes serving as a one-stop-shop for advisory services anchored in the UNSDCF. This dedicated support both ensures coherence across the various management groups, and enables equal opportunities for all UNCT members, including Non-Resident Agencies (NRAs), to take the strategic leadership in the implementation and oversight of the UNSDCF. The UNRCO will also be convening SDG initiatives that aim at complementing the implementation of the UNSDCF and accelerate the achievement of the 2030 Agenda in cross-cutting priority themes.

Assignment context

Egypt is a lower middle-income country, with a population of 105 million people. It is impacted heavily by the wars in Ukraine, Sudan and Gaza, also in terms of rising prices and a strain on public finances. The inflation for April 2023 was 31.8%, driven by rising food prices (40.5%) and devaluations of the Egyptian Pound. Against the backdrop of the socio-economic challenges in the country, a National Dialogue was launched in May 2023, providing space to various stakeholders, including different societal parties and NGOs, to contribute to discussions on wide-ranging issues organized into three tracks – Political, Social and Economic.

Regionally, Egypt plays a critical role in facilitating aid and supporting the mediation efforts related to the current war in Gaza. Egypt is also involved in discussions with Ethiopia and Sudan on an agreement on the operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Recent developments in neighboring countries have also impacted Egypt, including the outbreak of the conflict in Sudan, which has led to an influx of over 500,000 refugees and asylum-seekers into Egypt, further increasing the strain on its resources.

The UN Resident Coordinator’s responsibilities include ensuring the coordination of the UN’s development activities, creating a platform of coordinated delivery, promoting the enhancement of national capacities and ensuring effective advocacy of UN values, standards, principles and activities on behalf of the UN with the highest level of Government.

This UNV assignment is part of the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office. As the designated representative of the UN Secretary-General in Egypt, the UN Resident Coordinator guides the UN’s engagement in development activities in the country.

The UNV will closely work with the Head of Office at the RCO. S/he will support programme design and implementation, analysis and policy engagement in areas related to governance, inclusion of migrants and refugees, human rights, transparency, rule of law, humanitarian-development-peace (HDP) nexus, Women, Peace and Security (WPS) and Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) among others.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the Head of RCO, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:
• Supports the design, coordination and implementation of joint programmes, particularly in areas related to migrants and refugees, human rights, and the humanitarian-development-peace nexus; ;
• Supports in the preparation of presentations, briefs, and reports, incl. for the UNCT;
• Support the mapping and identification of key stakeholders;
• Assists in the development of talking-points, speeches;
• Carries out other functions as outlined by the supervisor.

Skills and experience

• At least 6 months of professional or volunteer work experience working on issues related to international relations or international development. Experience working in the UN or other international development organization is an asset.
• Excellent oral and written skills (English); excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;
• Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing;
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development;
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;
• Savvy with the use of social media platforms;
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment;
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight dead-lines;

Competencies and values

• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Client Orientation
• Commitment and Motivation
• Communication
• Creativity
• Planning and Organizing
• Professionalism
• Technological Awareness
• Working in Teams

Living conditions

Cairo, Egypt is a family duty station with a wide range of services (health, education and leisure) and good living conditions. It has long been a center of the region’s political and cultural life, with high levels of tourism. Like other similar cities, Cairo offers good quality of life in terms of access to shopping centers, banks, medical services, educational facilities, cultural events, etc. The Arab Republic of Egypt has a unique geographical position in Northeast Africa, at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, on the Mediterranean and Red Sea, and its connection to Sub Saharan Africa through the Nile Valley. Note: The UNV will be responsible for finding their own accommodation.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.