Project Control Associate

at  United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees UNHCR

Grade
GS6
Staff Member / Affiliate Type
General Service
Reason
Temporary > Temporary Assignment/ Appointment
Hardship Level
A (least hardship)
Family Type
Family

Residential location (if applicable)
Target Start Date
2025-01-01
Target End Date
2025-06-30
Deadline for Applications
November 25, 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
The Project Control Associate should have the resilience to thrive under pressure, a strong analytical mindset, and a results-oriented approach to monitor, guide, and support the 13 Operations across the region. The candidate should possess a proactive attitude toward continuous learning, ensuring full alignment with UNHCR’s high standards in project oversight, and the flexibility to adapt to new systems and evolving organizational needs.
Key qualifications include a solid background in project control, financial management, and risk analysis. The successful candidate will demonstrate expertise in monitoring project agreements, audit processes, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering strong partnerships with funded partners.
Experience with accrual accounting (IPSAS/IFRS), Oracle systems, and International Financial Rules and Regulations will be advantageous. Additionally, the candidate should embody UNHCR’s core values of professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity, and have the ability to work harmoniously in a multicultural environment while upholding the highest ethical standards.
Furthermore, this role demands a commitment to knowledge sharing and capacity building. The candidate must be prepared to provide guidance and training to regional teams, enhancing overall project control practices. Familiarity with Microsoft Office tools and Oracle systems will support efficient operations in the role.
The ideal candidate will also be motivated by the opportunity to make a significant impact within UNHCR, leveraging their decision-making abilities and commitment to continuous learning to contribute to the stabilization of new systems and institutional oversight. With a strategic focus on client and result orientation, they will bring a high level of accountability, team collaboration, and a proactive approach to political awareness and organizational needs.
Candidates must be nationals or legal residents of Panama. The candidates who are not nationals of Panama but are legally residing in the country must demonstrate a proof of residency and work permit at the time of application.
Functional Clearance
This position doesn’t require a functional clearance
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level)
English
,
Spanish
,
Desired languages
,
,
Additional Qualifications
Skills
FI-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
Certifications
Accounting - Other, Auditing - Other, Business Administration - Other, Finance - Other, Project Management - Other
Work Experience
UNHCR Salary Calculator
https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales
Other informatio

• 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