Project Control Associate

Job Description

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.

Skills and 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.

How to apply
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 ideal candidate for the Project Control Associate position should possess a university degree in Accounting, Finance, or Auditing, with at least three years of relevant work experience. She/he should demonstrate relevant experience in analyzing financial reports for decision-making purposes and identifying gaps in internal control systems. The candidate should propose implementable solutions to safeguard the organization’s resources and have hands-on experience in handling Risk management, Project Control, and/or project audit matters. The ability to use ERP and data management systems relevant to the position, such as Cloud ERP, PROMS, and CIMS (Contractor Information Management Systems), is an added advantage.
The candidate should possess the desired skills and competency set on the job requisition and should demonstrated good understanding of accrual Accounting and United Nations financial rules and procedures to be able to guide and train partners and UNHCR colleagues on UNHCR financial management, Programme, supply, and other procedural controls. The candidate should be team player and should be able to promote cohesive work environment through collaboration with other members.
Given the hardship duty station with related security challenges, the incumbent should be flexible and adaptable, capable of working under stress while maintaining good interpersonal and communication skills to ensure solid team spirit. The candidate should have previous field experience working with diverse stakeholders and funded partners, with the ability to maintain productive working relationships among them.