Job Description

Please note that this vacancy is only open to eligible staff members who have been individually notified of their eligibility to apply for positions advertised in the Accelerated Posting Compendium.

June 12, 2026

D

Non Family with Residential LocationDanger Pay

Nairobi (CO), Kenya

PR2

Professional

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2026-05-26

Associate Project Control Officer

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships

The Associate Project Control Officer is part of the multi-functional team. In coordination with the Division of Resource Management (DRM), 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 promotes 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 most efficiently and effectively to attain the best results for forcibly displaced and stateless persons.

The Associate 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.

• Review that project agreements conform with Country Operation Plans and UNHCR’s rules, policies and procedures.

• Formulate and implement a performance project monitoring plan in collaboration with the Programme Unit and MFT.

• 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.

• Track the management of project and direct implementation risks in collaboration with the Programme Unit, and report major risks to senior management.

• Review, analyse and verify Financial and Performance Partner Reports (PFR and PPR), and check accuracy and consistency between PFR and PPR, in accordance with partnership agreements.

• Undertake missions within the geographical area of responsibility.

• Monitor, track and verify that expenditure for direct implementation by UNHCR is in line with the approved budget.

• Conduct reviews of the internal control systems of partners and provide advice as required.

• Provide feedback and recommendations of identified variants, risks and issues to the partner, Programme Unit and escalate to management as required.

• Prepare project control reports with the current status of programme implementation and financial status.

• Carry out timely project closure in coordination with the programme unit.

• Provide input to the mid- and end-year programme review process on issues related to project control and risk management.

• Maintain professional relationships with partners and UNHCR’s contractors.

• Keep up-to-date with all UNHCR rules, regulations and procedures necessary to perform these duties.

• Report on financial and operational performance and risks related to projects and activities under direct implementation, and escalate issues to senior management.

• Recommend acceptance or non-acceptance of Partner Reports and payment of instalments.

• Advise on improvements related to implementing partnership and direct implementation management and internal controls.

• Contact partners for project-related matters.

• 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

Years of Experience / Degree Level

For P2/NOB - 3 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 2 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 1 year relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education

Business Administration; Economics; Management;

or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses

Accounting; Auditing; Associate Chartered Certificate Account

Chartered Inst. Of Management Account Institute of Mgmt Accountants

Chartered Accountant Certified Practising Accountant

(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience

Essential

Good knowledge of international auditing standards.

Desirable

Working experience of at least one year in an intergovernmental organization (United Nations or similar). Good understanding of the workflows of major Enterprise Resource Planning financial modules (such as PeopleSoft, SAP or Oracle). Working experience with accrual accounting (such as IPSAS or IFRS).

Functional Skills

PC-Project Control

FI-International Auditing Standards

FI-Auditing practical experience

MS-Monitoring & Evaluation

MS-Data Collection and Analysis

MS-Reporting skills

UN-UN/UNHCR Financial Rules and Regulations and Procedures

(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

Competency Requirements

All jobs at UNHCR require six core competencies and may also require managerial competencies and/or cross-functional competencies. The six core competencies are listed below.

Core Competencies

Accountability

Communication

Organizational Awareness

Teamwork & Collaboration

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Client & Result Orientation

Managerial Competencies

Judgement and Decision Making

Empowering and Building Trust

Managing Resources

Cross-Functional Competencies

Analytical Thinking

Negotiation and Conflict Resolution

Planning and Organizing

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.

Essential Attributes
• Proven experience in project control, partnership management, financial verification and risk-based monitoring within humanitarian or development operations.
• Strong knowledge of UNHCR programme, finance, supply and partnership management rules, policies, procedures and compliance frameworks.
• Demonstrated experience in audit preparation, compliance monitoring, internal controls and risk management, including development and maintenance of risk registers.
• Proven experience in partner oversight, including project verification, risk assessments and monitoring of direct implementation activities.
• Strong analytical, drafting and reporting skills, including preparation of verification reports, audit follow-up matrices and analytical outputs; proficiency in relevant systems and tools (e.g. Cloud ERP, PROMS, RBM).
• Experience in capacity building, including delivery of training and structured support to UNHCR personnel and partners.
• Proficiency in French language

Desirable Attributes
• Experience in emergency or high-risk operations, including contexts with multiple implementing partners and large-scale direct implementation.
• Familiarity with UNHCR risk management, compliance and partnership frameworks.
• Experience supporting complex operations with evolving procedures, priorities and stakeholder environments.
• Experience delivering training and facilitation in programme, compliance or partnership management areas.
• Experience in hardship duty stations and field-based operations, including missions to remote locations.
• Experience leading a Project Control function, including accounting and auditing activities.

French

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position:

Eastern DRC continues to grapple with one of the most complex humanitarian crises globally, characterized by recurring conflict, widespread displacement as well as emergency and protracted protection challenges. Together with other humanitarian stakeholders, UNHCR supports governmental authorities in North Kivu in responding to the needs of over 1 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) and 2 million IDP returnees as well as nearly 160,000 refugees and asylum seekers through a broad protection and solutions-oriented strategy that integrates emergency response, transitional support and durable solutions.

UNHCR Goma, through its Project control Unit, is working mainly with both international and local partners which need capacity building due to the high turnover and increasing more monitoring and oversight. UNHCR Goma has also responsibility for day-to-day oversight of Direct Implementation activities rests with the Project Control Team at country operation level.

In addition to usual project control duties, the Associate Project Control Officer in Goma will also serve as the focal point for risk management and compliance, supporting the operation in conducting systematic risk assessments and implementing mitigation measures, strengthening risk information management, and promoting a strong risk culture. The incumbent also contributes to building the capacity of UNHCR personnel and partner staff on risk management principles, controls, and compliance requirements.

The Associate Project Control Officer reports directly to the Head of Sub-Office. The incumbent directly supervises a Senior Project Control Assistant based in Goma and provides technical oversight and support to the Offices in Bukavu, Beni, Bunia and Kalemie.

Considering the ongoing significant changes to UNHCR systems and procedures, including those affecting project and partnership management, the position requires strong training and facilitation skills to ensure continuous capacity building and effective knowledge transfer to partner staff.

Living and Working Conditions:

It is important to note that most of the travel in the DRC is by air, with road journeys generally difficult, long and often discouraged for both logistical and security reasons.
Housing/accommodation: Available through UN-approved providers.

Healthcare: Available but limited, thus cases requiring advanced treatment are referred to Kinshasa, South Africa or Kenya.

Ongoing Ebola outbreak

Education: Limited international schooling options in Goma but international schools are available in Kinshasa.

Security: Goma is classified as category D non-family with residential location and danger pay. 6-week cycle for rest and recuperation. Goma experiences insecurity due to armed group activities in surrounding areas. Movement is subject to UNDSS protocols and staff must remain security conscious.

Other Services: Other basic services are available in Goma except banking services that are currently suspended.

Access to utilities (Internet, electricity and water) can be limited in certain time

Banking: Goma is under rebel control. All banks are closed for the time being. Both local currency (Francs Congolais) and US$ are accepted. But one need to cross border to cash money in Gisenyi in Rwanda. The banking operation may require at least 2 to 3 hours including cross-border formal* ities.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

Bachelor of Arts: Accounting, Bachelor of Arts: Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts: Economics, Bachelor of Arts: Finance, Bachelor of Arts: Public Administration

Certifications

Accounting - Other, Association of Chartered Certified Accountant - ACCA, Auditing - Other, Certif. Practicing Accountant - Other, Chartered Accountant (CA) - Other, Chartered Institute of Management Accountants - CIMA, Institute of Management Accountants - Other

Competencies

Accountability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Teamwork & collaboration

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Accelerated Posting Compendium 2026 - Part B

Additional Information

This position doesn't require a functional clearance