Hardship LevelD
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 Candidate should have solid experience working in Project Control with UNHCR, and managing a range of partners. An understanding of operations with remote field locations, plus the ability to work in Arabic are definite advantages for the position.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level): French
,
,
Desired languages
,
,
Operational context
UNHCR Mauritania has a Representation in Nouakchott overseeing a Field Unit in Nouadhibou as well as a Sub Office in Bassikounou, along with a Field Unit in Nema opened in 2023. The total refugee population in Mauritania exceeds 115,000, the highest on record, and is concentrated in the border region with Mali, Nouakchott and Nouadhibou. The majority of refugees in Mauritania are from Mali.
When conflict erupted in Mali in 2012, UNHCR and the Government of Mauritania established the refugee camp of Mbera near the Malian border in Hodh Chargui region (next to Bassikounou). Today, this region hosts more than 100,000 refugees, the majority in camp, although UNHCR registered for the first time 8,400 out-of-camp Malian refugees in 2022. Malians benefit from prima facie refugee status in Hodh Chargui whereas UNHCR conducts mandate refugee status determination in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou for all nationalities, including Malians.
Due to insecurity throughout Mali, there are limited prospects for large-scale return of Malian refugees in the immediate future, and growing risks of mass displacement from Mali into Mauritania in 2024. Preparedness measures and a yearly contingency plan are being put in place in the event of a large-scale refugee influx focusing increasingly on an out-of-camp response given Mbera camp’s limited capacity to host more refugees. Meanwhile, UNHCR and partners have oriented programmes towards enhancing the resilience of refugees and host communities, and fostering peaceful coexistence, including through climate action. The Government of Mauritania has, at the same time, committed to a generous policy of inclusion, enabling refugees to access healthcare, education and employment on par with nationals. This policy of inclusion is supported in turn by the World Bank’s refugee and host community sub-window (IDA 18) and corresponding multiyear projects for social protection, health, urbanization, and WASH. Alongside the World Bank, UNHCR works side by side with other development partners such as GIZ and the International Labour Office. The overall response to refugees in Hodh Chargui, including within the humanitarian-development-peace nexus, is assured through the refugee coordination mechanism, activated in 2012 and led by UNHCR.
The role of the Associate Project Control Officer is to complement programme management, provide oversight of projects with partners, and advise and support Senior Management in matters of oversight (including matters that can increase audit risks). It is therefore crucial that the incumbent of the post be fully conversant with rules and regulations pertaining to Supply, Programme and Finance, including IPSAS.
The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Deputy Representative
Living and Working Conditions:
Mauritania is a stable country security-wise but is impacted by the overall unstable regional security environment. Living conditions for international staff are generally acceptable, with a reasonable amount of houses and apartments available, often with nice gardens and pools. Educational facilities exist but are limited, and staff with school-age children are advised to enquire first on the available schooling. The main nuisances in Nouakchott are the warm weather year-round, the dust (Nouakchott being a city built in the desert) and the habits of drivers. Medical facilities are limited and staff requiring medication should bring such medication with them. Recreational facilities are very limited and the consumption of alcohol in restaurants and other public places is prohibited and not available. Bank facilities and cash points (ATM) are available.
Willingness and ability to undertake missions to Bassikounou (E duty station) is an operational requirement.
Nouakchott is currently security level 2. Guards are provided to all international staff, and UNDSS carries out an assessment of security features of the residences of international staff.
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