Associate Programme CBI Officer

Deadline for ApplicationsMarch 9, 2026

Hardship LevelB

Family TypeFamily

Family TypeFamily

Residential location (if applicable)

GradePR2

Staff Member / Affiliate TypeProfessional

ReasonRegular > Regular Assignment

Target Start Date2026-02-13

Standard Job Description

Associate Programme CBI Officer

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships

The Associate Programme CBI Officer is an active member of the bureau/field operation/division and is normally supervised by a professional member who manages and oversees the UNHCR cash assistance programmes. The incumbent supports to ensure that operations are compliant with the technical guidance and administrative instructions on CBI, use CBI coherently and strategically and are adequately monitored.

S/he normally receives guidance and direction from the Senior Programme CBI Officer - or Programme CBI Officer - or Programme Officer or other more senior staff. S/he may maintain close links with CBI staff in UNHCR HQ.

Internally the Associate Programme CBI Officer will also liaise with UNCHR field offices and country offices. Externally s/he will liaise with Implementing and Operational Partners, National Governments, line ministries and UN agencies.

The incumbent is expected to work in line with the multi-functional team (MFT) approach as defined within the Program Manual, ensuring the participation of relevant stakeholders in all phases of the Program Management Cycle.

All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties

- Support the strategic and coherent use of CBI's in the operations, assisting to ensure that CBI is maximised in assistance and service provision, strongly linking it to CRRF, MYMP and development, including linkages with Social Protection and Financial Inclusion.

- Support the review of and assist in coordinating the final clearance with DRM of the CBI Standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the operations, with support from more senior staff.

- Support the development of cash assistance programmes and support the senior management to ensure that CBI is fully, effectively integrated into the country operations plan for protection and solutions and Annual Program Planning and COP.

- Assist in ensuring compliance to HALEP and that CBI is included in the preparedness and response planning and be a first responder to new emergencies/ and returns situations to ensure operations are using CBI as a modality, in collaboration with more senior staff.

- Support the effective and coordinated procurement and contracting of Financial Service Providers by procurement/supply and finance.

- Provide technical support on planning and assist in policy making on activities within the area of CBIs as an integral part of UNHCR programmes including assessments, planning and budgeting, technical choices, legal and regulatory aspects, implementation modalities and coordination.

- Support and collaborate with sectors to increase the use of CBI in education, shelter, livelihoods and where applicable in health and WASH programmes.

- Support the adequate inter-agency coordination mechanisms on CBIs and assist in building and maintaining strong relations with partners, regional entities and represent UNHCR in CBI coordination, with support from more senior staff.

- Support the establishment of a sound monitoring process for cash assistance, with proper collection, use and monitoring of baselines, standards and indicators needed to measure and analyse CBI's performance. Analyse trends and target interventions including CBI expenditure, upstream and downstream activities.

- Assist in assessing the technical soundness of the operations and generate data for evidence-based decisions.

- Assist in fulfilling CBI related reporting requirements.

- Support the use of UNHCR corporate tools and systems.

- Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).

- Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Years of Experience / Degree Level

For P2/NOB - 3 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 2 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 1 year relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education

Economics;

Social or Political Science;

Business Administration;

Social Economics;

or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses

Not specified.

Relevant Job Experience

Essential

Experience in working in cash based assistance programmes and/or humanitarian programming. Knowledge and technical skills in set up, design, implementation and monitoring of CBIs.

Desirable

Not specified.

Functional Skills

PG-UNHCR's Programmes

CB-Cash-based Programming/Managing/Planning

(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Language Requirements

For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.

For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.

For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.

All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.

As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.

Desired Candidate Profile Essentials:

• Proven experience in the design and implementation of Cash-Based Interventions (CBI), while understanding the humanitarian cash standards and policy frameworks, including Cash Working Group (CWG), inter agency cash coordination, Grand Bargain commitments on cash, and UNHCR’s corporate policies, guidance, and compliance requirements related to cash assistance. Previous experience in managing the full CBI programme cycle—including planning, design, implementation, monitoring, reporting, and results based analysis to translate operational needs into effective cash assistance responses is required.

• Proven programme management competencies and advanced data management and analytical skills, with demonstrated proficiency using UNHCR and inter-agency tools such as COMPASS, Kobo/ODK, PRIMES, and other relevant digital data platforms. Demonstrated experience in ensuring data quality, perform trend analysis, support evidence based decision making, and maintain robust information systems that underpin accountability and protection outcomes in cash programming.

• Experience in coordinating with a wide range of actors, including implementing and operational partners, financial service providers (FSPs), relevant government authorities, and other stakeholders involved in the delivery and oversight of cash assistance. Strong negotiation, partnership-building, and problem solving skills are essential to support harmonized approaches and ensure high quality cash interventions aligned with protection and operational priorities.

• French and English language proficiency (oral and written)

Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level): French

,

,

Desired languages

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

Candidates are encouraged to consult the eTA platform for official information on security and general conditions in Cameroon, in line with mission guidelines.

Nature of Position:

Cameroon continues to face one of the most complex and protracted displacement contexts in the Central Africa sub-region, hosting refugees from the Central African Republic, Nigeria, and Chad, alongside large numbers of internally displaced persons affected by insecurity in the Far North, North-West, and South-West regions. The humanitarian environment is further shaped by climate-related shocks, access constraints, and funding pressures, requiring increasingly efficient, accountable, and people-centred responses.

In line with UNHCR’s global strategic direction and the regional priorities articulated by the Regional Office for Central Africa and the Great Lakes (RoC), the Cameroon operation is progressively scaling up and institutionalising Cash-Based Interventions (CBI) as a core delivery modality across protection, basic needs, shelter, and livelihoods responses. CBI is positioned as a key tool to enhance dignity, protection outcomes, inclusion, and operational efficiency, while supporting local markets and national systems.

Based in Yaoundé, the Associate Programme CBI Officer supports the planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of cash-based interventions within the multi-year, multi-sectoral programme of MCO Cameroon, under the technical guidance and oversight of the RoC. The incumbent contributes to strengthening harmonisation of CBI approaches, tools, and standards across operations in the sub-region, ensuring alignment with UNHCR corporate policies, risk management frameworks, and results-based management principles.

The position plays a key role in ensuring that CBI activities are designed and implemented in compliance with national regulations, internal controls, and inter-agency coordination mechanisms, including active engagement with the Cash Working Group (CWG) and other relevant sector platforms.

The Associate Programme CBI Officer works closely with colleagues in Programme, Protection, Supply, Finance, ICT, and Livelihoods to promote integrated programming, mitigate operational and fiduciary risks, and enhance accountability to affected populations.

Regular coordination with government counterparts, UN agencies, NGOs, and financial service providers is required to strengthen delivery systems, promote interoperability, and support sustainable and scalable cash solutions. The role entails periodic field missions to refugee hosting areas and IDP-affected regions to provide technical support to partners, monitor implementation quality, build capacity, and ensure that CBI remains responsive to evolving needs and protection risks.

The operational context demands a high degree of flexibility, strong analytical and coordination skills, and the ability to adapt CBI programming to rapidly changing humanitarian, security, and funding environments, while contributing to regional learning and innovation under the RoC framework.

Living and Working Conditions:

Cameroon is a family duty station with a relatively calm, though occasionally volatile, political environment. The climate is tropical, with two rainy seasons—April to May and September to October—and an average temperature of 25 C. Most international staff reside in neighborhoods such as Bastos and Golf, which are located about 10 to 15 minutes from the UNHCR office. Travel times may vary slightly due to school traffic. While having a personal vehicle is useful for commuting and errands, reliable alternatives such as taxis and the Yango ride-hailing app are widely used, with fares ranging from 500 to 5,000 XAF (approximately $1 to $8), depending on the distance. The office may assist with access to UN plates if needed.

Housing options in Yaoundé are varied, with one- to three-bedroom apartments available across the city. Monthly rents typically range from 400,000 to 1,200,000 XAF (approximately $670 to $2,000), depending on location and amenities. Electricity and water are generally available, and most residences and hotels are equipped with backup generators and water storage systems to manage occasional outages.

Staff are advised to complete all required medical formalities before arrival and to bring adequate medical supplies. Vaccinations required or recommended include yellow fever (mandatory), COVID-19, polio, rabies, tetanus/diphtheria, MMR, and malaria prophylaxis. UN staff have access to a fully operational UN medical clinic during office hours, and several reputable health facilities are available in the city.

The average monthly cost of living for international staff is around $2,000, excluding car-related expenses. With a vehicle, costs may increase due to fuel and maintenance. Fresh produce is seasonal but generally available, and staple goods are accessible in supermarkets. Yaoundé offers a variety of reasonably priced restaurants with good hygiene standards. In more remote areas, food quality and hygiene may vary, and availability of certain items may be limited or seasonal. Standard precautions are advised when eating out, such as avoiding raw salads, drinking bottled water, and ensuring meat is thoroughly cooked. Minor stomach upsets are common and should be expected at some point

Additional Qualifications

Skills

EducationBachelor of Arts: Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts: Economics, Bachelor of Arts: Political Science, Bachelor of Arts: Social Economics, Bachelor of Arts: Social Science

Certifications

Work Experience

CompetenciesAccountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Political awareness, Stakeholder management, Teamwork & collaboration

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Additional Information

Functional clearanceThis position requires Functional Clearance

JR2664580