Hardship LevelE (most hardship)
Family TypeNon Family with Residential Location
Residential location (if applicable)
Nairobi (CO), Kenya
GradePR2
Staff Member / Affiliate TypeProfessional
ReasonRegular > Regular Assignment
Remote work acceptedNo
Target Start Date2023-10-13
Job Posting End DateNovember 9, 2023
Standard Job Description
Associate Project Control Officer
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Associate Project Control Officer is part of the multi-functional team. In coordination with DFAM's Implementing Partnership Management Service, s/he is responsible and accountable for providing substantive support, guidance, and oversight on the effective management of the Enhanced Framework for Implementing with Partners (the Framework) as well as oversight on the effective management of Direct Implementation.
Complementary to programme management, s/he will support and conduct analysis and assessment of risks associated with partnerships and direct implementation, policy compliance, operational practices, mitigation measures and gaps and make technical recommendations or decisions in line with the principles of the Framework, of UN/UNHCR's financial rules, policies and regulations and operational context.
The incumbent prompts partnership integrity and other safeguarding mechanisms for ensuring sound stewardship and accountability of funds entrusted to partners or through direct implementation arrangements (e.g. contracts for the procurement of goods and/or services) to ensure resources are used in the most efficient and effective manner to attain the best results for persons of concern.
The Associate Project Control Officer will promote dialogue and consultations for strengthening partnerships and have frequent contacts with UNHCR colleagues, particularly project control and programme staff. S/he may have contact with external stakeholders, such as UNHCR-funded partners, auditors, oversight bodies, and host governments on matters related to partnerships. The incumbent will be mindful of all dimensions of partnerships in accordance with the Principles of Partnership, the Code of Conduct, UN/UNHCR's financial rules, policies and regulations and other relevant documents.
In the Regional Bureaux, the incumbent works under the supervision of the Regional Controller. In the Country and Multi-Country Offices, the incumbent normally works under the direct supervision of the Representative or Deputy Representative, Head of Office or (Senior) Project Control Officer, as applicable.
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
- Participate in the annual assessment and planning cycle.
- Review that project agreements are in conformity with Country Operation Plans and UNHCR's rules, policies and procedures.
- Formulate and implement a performance project monitoring plan in collaboration with the Programme Unit and MFT.
- Participate in the development of the direct implementation monitoring plan in collaboration with the Programme Unit and other relevant functions.
- Support Programme and other relevant functions in the selection of implementation modalities.
- Track the management of project and direct implementation risks in collaboration with the Programme Unit, and report major risks to senior management.
- Review, analyse and verify Financial and Performance Partner Reports (PFR and PPR), and check accuracy and consistency between PFR and PPR, in accordance with partnership agreements.
- Undertake missions within the geographical area of responsibility.
- Monitor, track and verify that expenditure for direct implementation by UNHCR is in line with the approved budget.
- Conduct reviews of the internal control systems of partners and provide advice as required.
- Provide feedback and recommendations of identified variants, risks and issues to the partner, Programme Unit and escalate to management as required.
- Prepare project control reports with the current status of programme implementation and financial status.
- Carry out timely project closure in coordination with the programme unit.
- Provide input to the mid- and end-year programme review process on issues related to project control and risk management.
- Maintain professional relationships with partners and UNHCR's contractors.
- Keep up-to-date with all UNHCR rules, regulations and procedures necessary to perform these duties.
- Report on financial and operational performance and risks related to projects and activities under direct implementation, and escalate issues to senior management.
- Recommend acceptance or non-acceptance of Partner Reports and payment of instalments.
- Advise on improvements related to implementing partnership and direct implementation management and internal controls.
- Contact partners for project related matters.
- 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
Education & Professional Work Experience
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
Business Administration; Economics; Management;
or other relevant field.
Certificates and/or Licenses
Accounting; Auditing; Assc Chartered Certificate Account
Chartered Inst. Of Management Account
Institute of Mgmt Accountants
Chartered Accountant
Certif. Practising Accountant
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Good knowledge of international auditing standards.
Desirable
Working experience of at least one year in an intergovernmental organization (United Nations or similar). Good understanding of the workflows of major Enterprise Resource Planning financial modules (such as PeopleSoft, SAP or Oracle). Working experience with accrual accounting (such as IPSAS or IFRS).
Functional Skills
PM-Project Monitoring
FI-International Auditing Standards
EL-Monitoring and Evaluation
DM-Data Collection and Analysis
CO-Reporting skills
FI-Financial auditing
(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 The preferred candidate should have the required academic and on job training in Business Administration, Economics and management.
S/he should be results oriented. Knowledge of Finance tools, ERP Cloud, oversight of partner, experienced multifunctional team.
S/he should have experience in leading a Project Control Unit, and in capacity Accounting and Auditing.
Considering the challenging work environment, the incumbent is expected to possess strong analytical and drafting skills, a pro-active mature attitude to address complex and dynamic audit in his/her area of responsibility.
The incumbent must be fluent in French and able to communicate clearly and effectively in English.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level): French
,
,
Desired languages
,
,
Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations
To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link:
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel
Nature of Position
Repeated cycles of violence and conflict in the Central African Republic (CAR) have had spillover effects in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) with the two countries sharing a 1,500km border. In 2021, UNHCR biometrically registered 73,645 CAR refugees and asylum-seekers who had fled violence and insecurity following the 2020 presidential election, seeking safety in northern DRC. Small population movements involving people fleeing ongoing disarmament operations by the CAR government and its allies, or inter-ethnic conflicts in some prefectures of CAR causing forced displacements continue to be reported by local authorities.
As of 31 31 August 2023, about 210,667 CAR refugees have found refuge in the DRC. About 25 per cent of all CAR refugees live in five camps, while 75 per cent are spread across remote and hard-to-reach border villages in the provinces of North Ubangi (114,792), Bas Uele (49,305) and South Ubangi (44,910), while about 400 others are in the capital - Kinshasa and a couple of other provinces.
In 2021, UNHCR and partners began implementing the alternative to camps policy that aligns with the Global Compact on Refugees. This policy seeks to strengthen protection and assistance to refugees as well as support the communities hosting them through a series of activities aimed at improving access to social and economic services. In line with this policy, UNHCR has identified 10 villages in North and South Ubangi provinces to serve as development hubs. Four of these hubs are progressively being operationalized. They are Sidi, Nzakara, Wenze and Modale to which a total of about 16,404 refugees have already been relocated.
The Sub-Office manages one Field Office in Libenge, one Field Office in Yakoma et one Field Unit in Bili with approximately 80 workforce.
The incumbent, experienced staff in Project Control, will be part of the multi-functional team in the Gbadolite’s Sub Office. In coordination with DFAM and Kinshasa Representation the incumbent implements Partnership Management Service, s/he is responsible and accountable for providing substantive support, guidance, and oversight on the effective management of the partnership.
She/he will support and conduct analysis and assessment of risks associated with partnerships and direct implementation in the areas of responsibility such as Gbadolite, Libenge, Bili and Yakoma.
The incumbent will maintain dialogue and consultations for strengthening partnerships and maintain frequent contact with UNHCR colleagues, especially project control and program staff in the operation and the region.
The incumbent will be the focal point for all audit and inspection exercises in the ex-Equateur Province.
Living and Working Conditions
Staff members may either live at UNHCR Guesthouse or in town where limited accommodation may be found. Gbadolite has a population of about 180,000 inhabitants (latest 2018 data) and is located 25 kilometers south of Mobayi which is a town established at the Ubangi River. The Ubangi is the border with the Central African Republic and Gbadolite is situated some 1,150 kilometers northeast of Kinshasa. Gbadolite was the ancestral home and residence of Joseph-Desire Mobutu (President of Zaire from 1965 to 1997) but also the area of Bemba. There is electricity thanks to the dam at Mbayi but it happens the electricity supply breaks down for some days or weeks and generator backup is required. The quality of the water is poor and most of the time is not available at night time. Housing opportunities are also very poor and expensive for rather low quality. The climate for most of the year is characterized by humid and hot temperatures while the rainy season brings into surface crawling reptiles and insects. There are very limited medical facilities in Gbadolite that are not equipped to deal with serious medical cases. Evacuation opportunities are limited since there are only 2 flights per week. However, air ambulance evacuation can be organized for life-threatening emergencies during day time. Candidates with conditions requiring regular treatment or medical supervision should be appropriately advised. Malaria is the most common disease. As a general advice, applicants for the post should be psychologically prepared for the aforementioned context. There is an R&R cycle of 8 weeks and as of January 2022 an Iqarus presence in the Office to support staff members.
There is one good banking facility at Gbadolite and a good network from the office, PAMA and Wifi.
Additional Qualifications
SkillsFI-ERP Financial Management (SAP, Oracle, PeopleSoft, Workday and other), FI-Financial auditing, FI-General Financial Management, FI-International Auditing Standards, MG-UN/UNHCR Management Practices/Standards and Processes, PG-Resource planning, PG-Results-Based Management, PG-Stakeholder management and coordination with Implementing Partners (Gov/NGO/Corporate), PG-UNHCR's Programmes, PM-Project Monitoring, RM-Risk Management, SC-Contract management
EducationBachelor of Arts (BA): Accounting, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Economics, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Finance, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Public Administration
CertificationsChartered Financial Analyst - Other, HCR Results_Based Management - UNHCR, HCR Risk Management and ERM for Managers - UNHCR
Work ExperienceAnnual Budget OL in Operation/Office, Number of Persons of Concern Served, Number of Workforce in Operation/Work Setting, Workforce to Supervise, Working with Persons of Concern: Refugees
CompetenciesAccountability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Teamwork & collaboration
UNHCR Salary Calculator
https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales
Additional Information
Functional clearanceThis position requires Functional Clearance