Hardship LevelA (least hardship)
Family TypeFamily
Residential location (if applicable)
GradePR2
Staff Member / Affiliate TypeProfessional
ReasonRegular > Regular Assignment
Remote work acceptedNo
Target Start Date2024-01-01
Job Posting End DateDecember 21, 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 In the context of working with different Government and NGOs in several countries, the candidate should demonstrate leadership qualities, cultural sensitivity, tact, and pro-activeness in engaging with different stakeholders. The ability to work under pressure is essential, as well as the proven ability to work with very different PPA partners who have varying degrees of expertise and compliance with UNHCR procedures, while maintaining a calm and balanced demeanor.
The candidate should also have a proven track record in financial management, accounting, budget management, internal control assessment, and internal/external audit coordination. Knowledge and understanding of UNHCR/UN financial and procurement rules, policies, and IPSAS is a requirement. Ability to provide analytical briefs to senior management is crucial e.g. trend analysis, cost benefit analysis, procurement analysis, financial risk assessments, fraud mitigations strategies, etc.
The incumbent will supervise one G6 staff in Lima and provide guidance to another G6 staff in Buenos Aires. S/he will be the risk and audit focal point, therefore, willingness to engage on such issues and previous experience doing so is preferred. The incumbent will also be the focal point for other oversight activities, not limited to OPS budget, PAs or Programme related activities. Experience with oversight of direct implementation activities is a plus. Spanish is essential for this position as many of the partners do not speak other language but Spanish.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level): Spanish
,
,
Desired languages
,
,
Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:
Nature of Position
With over 1.5 million Venezuelans, out of which 532,000 are asylum-seekers, Peru is the second destination country for Venezuelan nationals, only after Colombia, and the first host country for Venezuelan asylum-seekers worldwide. Lima city constitutes the third city globally with the largest number of Venezuelans, after Caracas and Maracaibo (the last two in Venezuela).
UNHCR and partners have so far supported over 90.000 persons in 2023 with legal assistance, psychosocial support, core relief items, multipurpose cash grants, access to shelter and safe spaces for people with specific needs, especially survivors of SGBV, and economic inclusion projects among others.
Besides, UNHCR advocacy efforts with authorities for regularization paths and access to proper documentation remains a high priority .
UNHCR supported the Special Commission for Refugees (CEPR) and works closely with the Ombudsperson's Office and the judicial system to guarantee and promote access to international protection.
UNHCR Peru operates with a Country Office in Lima, a Field Office in Lima, a Field Office in Tumbes, a Field Unit in Tacna, and antennas in Arequipa and Trujillo.
This position covers (Peru) and support Argentina MCO which covers five countries (Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay) with very diverse realities. Some of these operations have NO officers but others do not. Likewise, some countries have Programme staff and / or partners but this is not the case for all.
The current setup is that the incumbent reports to the Deputy Representative in Peru, but the Associate Project Control Officer will be also receiving instructions from the Deputy representative of Argentina and mostly be working to support Peru and Chile, and with oversight and project control tasks.
The incumbent of this position will be responsible for:
- responding to specific requests for assistance and support from operations including on developing robust SOPs;
- participating in and sometimes leading processes to harmonize & standardize responses within AOR and with other operations in the region;
- undertaking regular in-person and remote verification exercises (financial and otherwise);
- liaising closely with Programme staff about PPAs, project monitoring, PSEA checklists etc.
- be part of the MFT for Peru and Chile
- deal directly with the task of Chile, where no Project Control G staff is allocated.
- acting as focal point for audits, including partner audits, OIOS, BoA as applicable;
- risk focal point for Peru operation.
- capacity building / coaching of staff
Living and Working Conditions
Despite the security concerns mentioned below and the current stranded health situation, Lima is an \"A\" family duty station having good medical services.
Recreational facilities, schools, and hotels are of international standards. There are possibilities of renting private accommodation, as well as good banking and currency exchange facilities available at the airport terminal, local banks, shopping malls, and main hotels; there is also unlimited access to communication options such as the internet, telephone sim cards, etc. Lima is a modern city with a great variety of commercial, economic, cultural, and industrial activities.
Besides COVID-19 3rd vaccine set is mandatory, no other vaccinations are required to enter the country; however, it is important to check if the itinerary of the incumbent includes endemic areas of malaria, dengue, or yellow fever to take precautionary prevention measures.
February is the hottest month in Lima with an average temperature of 24°C and the coldest is August at 17°C.
Lima is considered of Low-Security level according to the security Level system methodology.
The most frequent crimes reported nationwide are violent assaults in the streets occurring at night, extortion robberies in hotels, restaurants, and malls.
Traffic accidents have become a public health issue nationwide due to driving negligence, low road safety as well as climatic factors.
It is strongly advised to avoid using ATMs or banking services without basic precautions and, if necessary, use of credit and debit cards, which should never leave one sight, to prevent possible fraud through cloning. Also, avoid withdrawing large amounts of cash, use cashier cheques as much as possible or electronic transactions.
Social unrest is frequently reported in the city of Lima, due to its media impact with demonstrations; however, these are also registered in other cities of the coastal regions. These actions, mainly related to socio-environmental conflicts, cause roadblocks and demonstrations in Lima tending to happen at the historical downtown area near the Congress and in areas where the main government buildings are located, showing a recent tendency towards localized violence, thereby stressing the government crowd control mechanisms.
Additional Qualifications
Skills
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
CertificationsAccounting - Other, Association of Chartered Certified Accountant - ACCA, Auditing - Other, Certif. Practicing Accountant - Other, Chartered Accountant (CA) - Other, Chartered Institute of Management Accountants - CIMA, Institute of Management Accountants - Other
Work Experience
CompetenciesAccountability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Teamwork & collaboration
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Additional Information
Functional clearanceThis position requires Functional Clearance