The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is seeking a Programme Management – Senior Analyst to support strategic youth-focused initiatives within the United Nations Youth Office. The position is based in New York, United States, at the IP P-2 / ICS-09 level, with a nine-month staff contract. The vacancy opened on 21 August 2026 and closes on 4 September 2026.
About the Opportunity
The successful candidate will support the design, coordination and implementation of flagship programmes, strategic partnerships and high-level engagements aimed at strengthening meaningful youth participation across the United Nations system.
The role sits within the UNOPS New York Portfolio Office and supports work connected to the UN Development and Special Initiatives portfolio. The position will contribute to initiatives addressing youth participation, skills development, mental health and wellbeing, climate action and broader implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
UNOPS is implementing activities for the United Nations Youth Office, which serves as a system-wide anchor for youth affairs. The office works with governments, UN entities, civil society, philanthropy and the private sector to strengthen youth engagement and accelerate youth-centred action globally.
Key Responsibilities
The Programme Management – Senior Analyst will contribute to programme planning and delivery by supporting annual workplans, implementation schedules, operational workflows and strategic initiatives. The role will also support major global youth engagements, including high-level events associated with the UN General Assembly, ECOSOC Youth Forum and the annual UN Youth Townhall.
Stakeholder coordination will form a significant component of the position. The successful candidate will help manage relationships with youth-serving organisations, institutional partners and networks while supporting partnership deliverables focused on youth engagement, skills development and ecosystem strengthening.
The position will also contribute to the implementation of the UN Youth Compass, including the development of its global community of practice and network of youth-serving stakeholders. Duties will include stakeholder mapping, ecosystem analysis, development of engagement frameworks and coordination with related initiatives across the UN system.
Advocacy, Communications and Climate Engagement
The Senior Analyst will support advocacy initiatives covering youth mental health and wellbeing, youth skills and civic participation. Responsibilities will include coordinating engagement with young leaders, digital creators, youth advocates and public-facing partners, as well as preparing briefing notes, speaking points and other materials for senior leadership.
The role also includes youth climate engagement. The successful candidate will support coordination with UN climate partners and youth constituencies, including relevant stakeholders connected to UNFCCC, YOUNGO and COP processes. The position will assist with consultations, meetings, policy inputs and advocacy activities connecting youth priorities with climate and sustainability agendas.
Monitoring and Knowledge Management
The successful candidate will monitor programme milestones, deliverables and implementation progress across assigned workstreams. The role will involve maintaining stakeholder databases and coordination systems, preparing reports and donor updates, documenting lessons learned, and supporting evidence-based programme planning through data collection and analysis.
Strong capabilities in programme management, stakeholder engagement, strategic communications, event management, research, monitoring and evaluation, knowledge management and partnership development will therefore be important.
Education Requirements
Candidates must have either:
- A Master’s degree or equivalent in international relations, public policy, political science, development studies, social sciences or a related discipline, together with at least two years of relevant experience; or
- A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field, together with at least four years of relevant experience.
Professional Experience
Applicants are expected to have progressively responsible experience in programme management, youth affairs, partnerships, policy coordination or related areas.
Required experience includes supporting multi-stakeholder initiatives, coordinating diverse partner groups, organising events or strategic consultations, and preparing reports, concept notes, briefing materials or strategic communications products.
Experience working on youth issues within the UN system or international organisations is desirable. Additional advantages include experience in partnership development with civil society, philanthropic or private-sector organisations, youth climate advocacy, community building, digital engagement and influencer ecosystems.
Language Requirements
English fluency is required. Fluency in French, Arabic, Spanish, Russian or Mandarin Chinese is considered desirable.
Application Information
The application deadline is 4 September 2026, with applications required before midnight Copenhagen time on the closing date. UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes and does not charge candidates fees at any stage of recruitment.
The organisation promotes diversity, inclusion and equal employment opportunities. Only shortlisted candidates will proceed to subsequent assessment stages, and background checks are conducted for successful candidates.
The Programme Management – Senior Analyst opportunity offers an important platform for an experienced programme professional to contribute to global youth policy, partnerships, advocacy and strategic initiatives within the United Nations system.
