UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency
Family Type
Family
Residential location (if applicable)
Grade
PR3
Staff Member / Affiliate Type
Professional
- Staff members will not normally serve in International Professional positions in the country of their nationality. In addition, in case of a first appointment upon recruitment, the assignment must be outside the staff member’s country of nationality.
In practical terms this means that you are not eligible to apply for International Professional vacancies advertised in the country where you are national of.
Reason
Regular > Regular Assignment
Remote work accepted
No
Target Start Date
2024-01-01
Job Posting End Date
December 21, 2023
Standard Job Description
Project Control Officer
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The 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 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.
- Participate in the development and implementation of partnership management objectives aligned with UNHCR’s strategy and priorities.
- 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.
- Support a coherent approach in the application of the Enhanced Framework for Implementing with Partners and compliance with its policies, principles, and procedures to ensure effective partnerships, as well as sound stewardship and accountability for the funds entrusted to partners.
- Pursue high-quality partnerships and integrity culture in UNHCR, among partners and UNHCR’s contractors to mitigate misuse and wastage of resources, fraud and corruption, sexual abuse and exploitation, and other forms of misconduct; including recommendations to put in place safeguarding mechanisms and measures for detection, prevention, reporting, and addressing fraud, and other forms of partnership/ contractors misconduct.
- Ensure UNHCR management (country/bureau/global) and offices have access to high-quality and timely analytical insights and advice for enabling evidence-based operational decisions and accountability on project control, partnership and direct implementation management.
- Provide first-line support for project control, external and internal audit, evaluation, and other reviews pertaining to partnership and direct implementation management, and assist in gap analysis, establishing, measuring, and taking appropriate actions for addressing queries, recurrent weaknesses, and other findings.
- Ensure coherent practices of analysis and critical reviews of risk exposure and establishment of linkages of risk management with monitoring, financial management, project control, audit, and other processes related to partnership management and direct implementation to enhance effective delivery and optimum use of funds through partnerships or through direct implementation.
- Foster constructive dialogue and consultations with partners, UNHCR’s contractors and other stakeholders to strengthen partnerships, interagency collaborations, and harmonisations.
- Contribute to strengthening the capacity of UNHCR and partners on partnership and direct implementation management.
- Seek innovative approaches in enhancing partnership and direct implementation management, gathering experiences, and sharing best practices and lessons learned among operations and partners.
- Contribute with inputs on reviews and enhancements of policies, procedures, and practices governing the framework for Implementing with Partners and the management of direct implementation.
- 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 duties related to financial management as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Education & Professional Work Experience
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P3/NOC – 6 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 5 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 4 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree
Field(s) of Education
Accounting Business Administration; Economics; Finance
Public Administration Management or other relevant field.
Certificates and/or Licenses
Not specified
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Experience in financial management, accounting, project management, internal control assessment, internal audit and/or external audit, risk management and demonstrated experience in field operations. Demonstrated experience in effective partnership management and multi-stakeholder coordination in humanitarian, emergency or development contexts. Good knowledge and understanding of UNHCR/UN rules, policies, and regulations regarding partnership and financial management, oversight and compliance. Proven analytical skills, and abilities for identification of gaps and finding solutions. Good level of computer literacy in particular, experience in computerized systems and software. Experience in communicating, building capacities, coordinating consultative processes and building consensus. Ability to contribute in policy and process reviews.
Desirable
Innovation and technology skills in financial, risks and fraud management. Professional qualification in accounting (CPA, CMA or CA, CFE, ERM, or equivalent). Training in UNHCR’s protection and management learning programmes. Capacity building skills.
Functional Skills
- MG-Resource Management
BU-UN/UNHCR Budgetary cycle
BU-Budgeting
(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 ideal candidate for the Project Control Officer position should possess a well-rounded profile that seamlessly integrates expertise, continuous learning, management of big teams, risk management and a proactive approach to addressing multifaceted challenges within the realm of project control and partnership management. The candidate’s profile should reflect a consistent commitment to enhancing organizational performance through a holistic understanding of project management and partnership dynamics, as outlined in the following key areas:
Comprehensive Expertise: The candidate should have a comprehensive and diverse background in project control, financial and risk management, and partnership oversight. This background should be substantiated by demonstrated experience in managing projects, conducting risk assessments, ensuring policy compliance, and implementing operational practices within complex organizational frameworks. The candidate should showcase a proven track record of making informed decisions that positively impact project outcomes.
Continuous Learning and Certification: Evident proof of continuous learning and certification in project management, financial regulations, and partnership governance is crucial. The candidate’s profile should highlight a commitment to ongoing education, showcasing certifications and training in various specialized areas relevant to project control, risk management, and partnership integrity.
Team Management: Experience in managing teams involved in project control and partnership management is essential. The candidate should demonstrate effective management, strategic delegation, and a track record of fostering a collaborative and high-performance work culture within a multi-functional team. The ability to inspire, motivate, and mentor team members while achieving project and partnership excellence is a key attribute.
Effective Communication and Stakeholder Engagement: Excellent communication skills and a track record of effective stakeholder engagement are imperative. The candidate should demonstrate the ability to interact with internal and external stakeholders, including colleagues, partners, auditors, oversight bodies, and government officials. The candidate should be adept at representing the organization, providing comprehensive updates, and facilitating dialogue to strengthen partnerships.
Analytical and Decision-Making Skills: The candidate should possess strong analytical skills to support the assessment of risks associated with partnerships and direct implementation. The ability to make informed technical recommendations or decisions in line with organizational frameworks and operational context is crucial. The candidate should contribute to evidence-based operational decisions and accountability in project control and partnership management.
Risk Management: The candidate should be adept at identifying and managing risks, maintaining risk register, seizing opportunities, and ensuring decision-making is risk-based within the functional area of work. The ability to raise risks, issues, and concerns to supervisors or relevant colleagues is essential for effective project control and partnership management.
This desired candidate profile seeks an individual with a passion for excellence, a commitment to continuous improvement, and a proactive mindset in navigating the complexities of project control and partnership management within the UNHCR’s operational context.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
,
,
Desired languages
,
,
Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:
Amman is the home to many top-end hospitals and clinics. Due to Jordanian healthcare’s international appeal, nearly all doctors and many support staff speak English. Healthcare here is also very accessible and affordable.
Nature of Position:
The Jordan operation is a protracted refugee operation providing support to some 730,000 refugees from close to 50 different nationalities. The majority is from Syria, while other main nationalities include Iraq, Yemen, Sudan and Somalia. UNHCR manages 2 out of 4 camps in the country. Yet, the vast majority of refugees live outside of camps. UNHCR has one country office in Amman, a sub-office in Mafraq (covering Zaatari camp), and two field offices in Azraq camp and Irbid. The operation has around 500 staff. The operation has some 20 partnership agreements, with a total of 26 partners including the government, international and national organizations.
A summary of the operation’s multi-year strategy can be found online: Document – UNHCR Jordan Multi-Year Strategy 2023-2025 Summary
The Project Control Officer heads the Project Control unit, which is based in Amman and consists of 5 staff members (4 national, 1 international). The incumbent reports to the Representative.
The Jordan operation is an innovative operation with partnerships with both national and international organizations relating to for example CBI, shelter, health, electricity, protection services & online learning. These partnerships all come with their unique programmatic challenges and require rigorous oversight. There is a strong regulatory framework and banking system in place, which provides the opportunity to the project control team to focus on other areas of risk in partnerships. UNHCR Jordan works with partners for the implementation of projects which absorb a considerable portion of the operations budget.
Living and Working Conditions:
Jordan has a total population of 9.4 million people. Amman houses 42% of Jordan’s population, 4.008 million, making it the populous city in the country. Amman is categorized as (A) duty station. Rent in Amman can vary depending on the size of the property itself, number of bedrooms and the area of Amman in which it is located. Renting a 3-bedroom apartment can range from 1100 – 2500 USD per month. Amman tends to have a Mediterranean climate; summers are mildly hot, winter usually starts around the end of November and continues until mid-March, there is occasional snowfall. The medium for teaching in international schools is English, however there are a few French language schools as well. There is a plethora of institutions for children of all ages from pre-school to high school as well universities. The majority of international educational institutions are in Amman.
Skills
Additional Qualifications
Education
Bachelor of Arts (BA): Accounting, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Economics, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Finance, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Management, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Public Administration
Certifications
Work Experience
Competencies
Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Managing performance, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Teamwork & collaboration, Technological awareness
UNHCR Salary Calculator
https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales
Compendium
Add. 2 to Bi-annual Compendium 2023 – Part B
Additional Information
Functional clearance
This position requires Functional Clearance
To apply for this job please visit unhcr.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com.