Associate Project Manager

Costa Rica has a strong tradition of protecting asylum-seekers and refugees. However, a sharp rise in asylum applications -especially from Nicaragua and Venezuela- has strained national systems. UNHCR works closely with the Government of Costa Rica to strengthen asylum procedures, institutional capacity, case management, and coordination.

The Associate Project Manager will coordinate a UNHCR-supported project to reinforce Costa Rica’s asylum system. The role ensures effective planning, implementation, monitoring, reporting, and partnership with key government entities, particularly the Migration Authority.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management

• Lead project planning, organization, and implementation.
• Develop and update work plans, schedules, and resource planning.
• Ensure delivery within scope, budget, and standards.
• Manage risks and adjust plans as needed.
• Coordinate budgets and ensure financial compliance.

Government Coordination

• Maintain regular coordination mechanisms with government counterparts.
• Support authorities in defining priorities and strengthening ownership.
• Align the project with national initiatives and international cooperation.
• Contribute to improvements in case management and digital systems.

Monitoring & Reporting

• Maintain results frameworks and indicators.
• Analyse project data and recommend adjustments.
• Prepare high-quality internal and donor reports.
• Support evaluations, learning activities, and documentation of lessons.
• Maintain communication with donors and support visibility efforts.

Additional Duties

• Provide briefings to senior management and government bodies.
• Perform other tasks related to project delivery and UNHCR operations.

Profile Requirements

• At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects or programmes, preferably in asylum systems, refugee protection, migration governance, justice sector reform, institutional strengthening, public administration reform or related areas.
• Master's degree in economics, international relations, political science, public administration, social sciences, development studies, project management, law or another relevant field.
• Languages: Fluent English and Spanish

Required Skills:

• Strong RBM experience (planning, budgeting, reporting).
• Experience partnering with government, civil society, and international organizations.
• Familiarity with donor-funded project requirements.
• Excellent analytical and drafting skills in English and Spanish.
• Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.
• Solid IT skills (Microsoft Office, databases).

Desirable:

• Experience working with public institutions in Costa Rica or Latin America.
• Knowledge of UNHCR systems and project management tools.

Volunteer Living Allowance: currently US$ 2,600 to US$ 3,050

UN Volunteers serve full-time in their professional expertise, supported by a benefits package, including a monthly living allowance to ensure a secure standard of living at their duty stations. These allowances are not intended as compensation, reward, or salary for the volunteer's service.

Check out UNV's Entitlement Calculator on UVP, the Unified Volunteer Platform, and learn more.