Project Control Officer
Job Description
Hardship Level
A (least hardship)
Family Type
Family
Family Type
Family
Residential location (if applicable)
Grade
PR3
Staff Member / Affiliate Type
Professional
Reason
Regular > Regular Assignment
Remote work accepted
No
Target Start Date
2023-02-28-08:00
Job Posting End Date
March 16, 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.
– 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.
(Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential)
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 operations budget in 2023 is approximately USD 27 million. In 2023, UNHCR Egypt signed a total of 11 partnership agreements to implement interventions pertaining to Protection as well as, Livelihood, Health Care, Education, and assistance programs. During 2023, it is estimated that the office will provide protection and assistance to over 300,000 refugees & asylum seekers across the country (Greater Cairo & North Coast). UNHCR selected 7 NGOs (3 international & 4 national), and one UN agency to assist in the implementation of its protection and assistance programs in 2023. The Project Control Officer supervises 2 national staff. The desired profile would ideally have a prior experience in the MENA region. Speaking and understanding Arabic would be a distinct asset. The candidate must possess excellent spoken and written English skills.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
,
Desired languages
Arabic
,
Operational context
The Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was established in 1950 by the United Nations General Assembly. The agency is mandated to provide protection, assistance and seek durable solutions for refugees and stateless persons. UNHCR has also been involved under certain circumstances in enhancing protection and providing humanitarian assistance to internally displaced persons.
Egypt is a signatory State to the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol, as well as the 1969 OAU Convention Governing Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa. In accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding of 1954 concluded between UNHCR and the Government of Egypt, all activities pertaining to registration, documentation and refugee status determination are carried out by UNHCR. UNHCR in Egypt has Offices in Greater Cairo (6th October City and Zamalek district) as well as a Field Office in Alexandria.
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:
The majority of Egypt is at Security Level 2 (Low) with the exception of the Western Desert (Security Level 3, Moderate) and the North Sinai (Security Level 5, High). UNHCR currently operates only in Low to Moderate security level areas. The security situation is relatively stable; however there have been a number of attacks on security (police and military) forces and on rare occasions religious and tourism sites. Civil unrest since 2015 is low, there are very rarely large demonstrations or public disorder incidents. The crime rate in the country is moderate with some incidents particularly in the crowded neighbourhoods of large cities (Cairo and Alexandria) such as thefts, burglary and robbery (e.g. bag snatchers especially against females). Sexual harassment against women and girls is high in the country targeting both Egyptian and foreigners. Hazards are the most challenging safety issue. Road accidents are common in Egypt, due to poor road conditions, dangerous driving and non-enforcement of traffic laws. Fires in apartments are a hazard, with electricity standards low causing electrical fires. Vulnerability to staff is exacerbated by disregard of safety advisories, such as installing smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in their residences.
Nature of Position:
The operations budget in 2023 is approximately USD 27 million. In 20223, UNHCR Egypt signed a total of 11 partnership agreements to implement interventions pertaining to Protection as well as, Livelihood, Health Care, Education, and assistance programs. During 2023, it is estimated that the office will provide protection and assistance to some 300,000 refugees & asylum seekers across the country (Greater Cairo & North Coast). UNHCR selected 7 NGOs (3 international & 4 national), and one UN agency to assist in the implementation of its protection and assistance programs in 2023. The Project Control Officer supervises 2 national staff. The desired profile would ideally have a prior experience in the MENA region. Speaking and understanding Arabic would be a distinct asset.
Living and Working Conditions:
Cairo is a family, category A duty station, has good residential areas and offers multiple touristic sites and locations to visit and enjoy. Cairo also offers excellent and frequent air connections to a wide range of international destinations. When it comes to accommodation, food, furniture and clothing, there is variety of choice withs the costs depending on the preferences of the incumbent. International banks and a wide variety of private health facilities are available, even though some international staff members opt to seek specialized medical services abroad. Bilingual and international schools are many, but some colleagues have experienced overt discrimination on the basis of nationality when trying to register their children into certain schools. Some international staff have experienced difficulties importing or exporting private vehicles as the customs-clearance process is cumbersome. Also, some staff members have experienced significant delays in the customs clearance of their personal belongings, leading to high demurrage and storage charges. Heavy traffic, air & noise pollution, and long commuting hours are often mentioned as challenging aspects of living in Cairo.
Additional Qualifications
Skills
Education
BA: Accounting, BA: Business Administration, BA: Economics, BA: Finance, BA: Management, BA: Public Administration
Certifications
Work Experience
Number of Persons of Concern Served, Workforce to Supervise, Working with Persons of Concern: Asylum Seekers, Working with Persons of Concern: Refugees
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. 3 to Bi-annual Compendium 2022 – Part B
Additional Information
Functional clearance
This position requires Functional Clearance
