Hardship LevelE (most hardship)
Family TypeNon Family with Residential Location
Family TypeNon Family with Residential LocationDanger Pay
Residential location (if applicable)
Nairobi (CO), Kenya
GradeGS6
Staff Member / Affiliate TypeGeneral Service
ReasonRegular > Regular Assignment
Target Start Date2025-01-01
Deadline for ApplicationsDecember 23, 2024
Standard Job Description
Project Control Associate
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The primary functions of project control are to complement programme management and provide support for oversight of projects including the formulation of a monitoring plan, quality assurance, and verification. Other activities of project control include: review of project agreements, project audit, monitoring that there is synchrony between financial and operational performance, participation in multi-functional monitoring activities and reviews, tracking project risk management, and supporting project closure.
It is essential to maintain segregation of duties between project control and programme functions for effective accountability and oversight. Where there is no Project Control Officer, General Service staff performing project control functions should report directly to the Head of Office.
The Project Control Associate receives general guidance and work plans from the supervisor. They work independently on regular assignments under the supervision of the Project Control Officer or to the same management level as programme. The incumbent may supervise other general service staff.
Project Control staff play a very important role in maintaining harmonious and effective partnerships, and often interact with implementing partners. As a result, incumbents need to be very mindful of all dimensions of partnerships in their interaction with partners (in accordance with the Principles of Partnership, the Code of Conduct and other relevant documents).
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
- Contribute to reviewing the internal control systems of implementing partners.
- Contribute to reviewing that IP agreements are in conformity with Country Operation Plans and UNHCR's rules, policies and procedures.
- Monitor that a complete record is maintained for all projects.
- Contribute to reviewing, analysing and verifying Financial and Performance Implementing Partner Reports (Part I-IPFR and Part II-IPR), and to checking accuracy and consistency between IPFR and IPR, in accordance with project agreements.
- Ensure that the funds obligated under an IP agreement permit the payment of the next instalment or a disbursement, confirming the status of instalments already paid.
- Support timely project closure in coordination with the programme unit.
- Bring to the attention of supervisors and programme officers any significant variances at the office level in: budget execution, percentage of project execution, time schedule, and quality of projects against specifications or terms and conditions.
- Maintain professional relationships with implementing partners.
- Keep up to date with all UNHCR rules, regulations and procedures necessary to perform these duties.
- Escalate IP issues to supervisors.
- Recommend acceptance or non-acceptance of IPRs and payment of installments.
- Contact implementing partners for project-related matters.
- Have unlimited access to financial and operational records relating to projects.
- 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 G6 - 3 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher
Field(s) of Education
Not applicable.
Certificates and/or Licenses
Accounting;
Auditing;
Business Administration;
Finance;
Project Management;
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Not specified.
Desirable
Not specified.
Functional Skills
FI-Financial Accrual Accounting under internationally accepted standards (IFRS,IPSAS,etc)
FI-Financial auditing
MG-Project Management
PM-Project Assurance
RM-Risk Management
IT-ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) Functional Knowledge
IT-Microsoft Office Productivity Software
IT-Computer Literacy
(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 Desired Candidate Profile
The ideal Project Control Associate is a resilient professional capable of thriving under pressure, particularly in conflict-affected or volatile contexts. s/he brings a strong analytical mindset and a results-oriented approach to effectively support and oversee operations in the Darfur region. Committed to continuous learning, this candidate upholds UNHCR’s rigorous standards in project oversight while demonstrating adaptability to evolving systems and organizational needs.
The candidate demonstrates strong expertise in project control, financial management, and risk analysis, ensuring effective program execution. s/he has substantial experience in monitoring project agreements, overseeing audits, maintaining regulatory compliance, and building collaborative environment with UNHCR partners. s/he should have solid understanding in accrual accounting standards (IPSAS/IFRS), ERP systems, PROMS, and international financial regulations to manage complex financial operations effectively and efficiently.
With a comprehensive understanding of the UNHCR program cycle, the candidate excels in identifying and addressing potential challenges, demonstrated by their ability to prepare clear and actionable verification reports. The combination of technical expertise, strategic insight, and adaptability ensure that s/he can meet the demands of this dynamic and impactful role. The candidate must exemplify UNHCR’s core values—professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity—and excel in a multicultural environment while upholding the highest ethical standards.
Additional Requirements
• Knowledge of refugee and IDP operations is highly desirable.
• A strong commitment to knowledge-sharing and capacity-building, including training and mentoring regional teams and partners to enhance project control practices.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools and other systems to improve operational efficiency.
• A solid background in audit, accounting, and internal control.
• Experience working with UN/UNHCR, INGOs, or international accounting firms.
• A university degree in Finance, Accounting, Audit, or related fields.
• Knowledge in risk management.
• Ability to leverage technologies for remote work.
Asset:
• Proficiency in local languages and understanding of the cultural and political context of the Darfur region.
This role offers an opportunity to significantly impact UNHCR’s mission by contributing to stabilization efforts, enhancing institutional oversight, and advancing strategic initiatives, all while fostering accountability, collaboration, and operational excellence
The incumbent is expected to join the duty station upon their appointment.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
,
,
Desired languages
,
,
Operational context
Additional Qualifications
SkillsFI-Financial Accrual Accounting under internationally accepted standards (IFRS,IPSAS,etc), FI-Financial auditing, IT-Computer Literacy, IT-ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) Functional Knowledge, IT-Microsoft Office Productivity Software, MG-Project Management, PM-Project Assurance, RM-Risk Management
Education
CertificationsAccounting - Other, Auditing - Other, Business Administration - Other, Finance - Other, Project Management - Other
Work Experience
CompetenciesAccountability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Judgement & decision making, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Political awareness, Teamwork & collaboration
UNHCR Salary Calculator
https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales
Additional InformationFemale candidates are encouraged to apply.
Functional clearanceThis position doesn't require a functional clearance