Programme Support Officer

Background Information – ATscale, the Global Partnership for Assistive Technology

ATscale, the Global Partnership for Assistive Technology, is a cross-sectoral partnership with the goal of reaching 500 million additional people with assistive technology by 2030 to support them in participating in education, work, and everyday life.

Today, over 2.5 billion people need at least one form of AT, such as wheelchairs, eyeglasses, or hearing aids, but in low-income countries, 90% do not have access to the AT they require. The number of people who need AT is expected to grow to more than 3.4 billion people by 2050.

Access to appropriate AT enables people with loss of function, disabilities, non-communicable diseases, and the ageing population to participate in education, work, family, and community life. Lack of access to AT has significant consequences for individuals, their families, and the wider society. Without AT, individuals may experience isolation and exclusion from education, the labour market, and civic life. Lack of access to appropriate AT causes poorer health outcomes including premature death, deteriorating mental health, and increased risk of chronic health conditions and secondary complications, all of which lead to a higher burden on health systems. Increasing accessibility and affordability of AT unlocks unrealised economic potential and provides socioeconomic benefit for individuals, families, and countries by increasing productivity and participation in the workforce.

• A high school diploma is required and /or A Bachelor's degree in relevant fields such as finance, business, economy, public administration, international relations, social sciences or other relevant fields will be an asset

• A minimum of eight (8)  years of relevant  experience in working in development or disability-related projects or programmes, not-for-profit or private organisations,  with experience in project/programme management, administrative support and/or service delivery for applicants with a high school diploma. Applicants with a Bachelor's degree will require a minimum of four (4) years  relevant experience in the  fields above.
• The relevant experience requirements may be reduced for applicants whose need and use of AT is confirmed. 
• Previous experience of working in civil society organizations especially organizations of persons with disabilities is highly desirable.
• Lived experience as an AT user is highly desired.
• Experience in UN system organisations, preferably in a developing country is desirable, including experience with grants, contracting, procurement or finance.
• Previous experience working with UN/UNOPS programmes and command of oneUNOPS or similar ERP system is a strong asset.
• Previous experience working with global partnerships and the health or disability sector is desirable.

• Full working knowledge of English is essential.
• Knowledge of another official UNOPS language, particularly French, is an asset.

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.

• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.

• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures,  languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. 

• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.

• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process.  If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

• Geneva , Switzerland is a UN  family duty station

• AT Users  ( persons who currently require the use of assistive technology - assistive products and/or associated services - to be able to operate in a professional working environment. Assistive devices include but are not limited to wheelchairs, prosthesis, hearing aids, augmentative and alternative communication devices, etc.  ) are  strongly encouraged to apply

• People self-identifying as living with a disability are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

• UNOPS makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If an accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, please make us aware by sending an email to info@atscalepartnership.org

• All candidates should include a cover/motivation in their application

Terms and Conditions 

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post. 

• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.

• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.

• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.