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

B

Family

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, financial management and risk management within UNHCR or comparable humanitarian operations, particularly in large and complex contexts with elevated fraud and compliance risks.
• Demonstrated field experience in programme and project oversight at country office level.
• Strong knowledge and application of UNHCR corporate tools and systems, including COMPASS, Cloud ERP and PROMS.
• Proven experience supporting remote operations, with ability to provide oversight and undertake missions to field locations as required.

Desirable Attributes
• Experience serving as Project Control Officer in comparable operational contexts.
• Experience designing and delivering capacity building activities for UNHCR staff, government counterparts and implementing partners.

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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:

The Somalia operation operates in a complex, high-risk humanitarian context marked by protracted displacement and capacity-constrained institutional environments. Programme implementation relies heavily on a wide network of partners, requiring strong oversight to ensure accountability, efficient resource use, and compliance with UNHCR and donor requirements. Heightened donor scrutiny, particularly concerning fraud and aid diversion, reinforces the importance of robust internal controls and risk management systems.

Within this setting, the Associate Project Control Officer supports key oversight, compliance, and risk management functions under the supervision of the Deputy Representative. The role is central to strengthening accountability and enabling effective Programme delivery.

The incumbent serves as the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) focal point, supporting risk identification, assessment, monitoring, and reporting. The position also leads efforts in fraud and corruption prevention, promotes adherence to internal controls, and oversees aid diversion reporting in line with donor requirements.

Additionally, the role coordinates audits with OIOS and the Board of Auditors, represents UNHCR in inter-agency risk forums, supervises the Project Control Associate, and supports capacity building in financial management, risk management, and internal controls.

Living and Working Conditions:

Nairobi is in UN Security Phase 1 however politically instigated demonstrations and riots can occur at any time. There is general crime similar to that in large cities and a high sense of vigilance and alertness is required.

Despite the security concerns mentioned above, Nairobi is a very good duty station for families. It has good medical facilities and the recreational facilities, schools and hotels are of international standards. It has an excellent climate, and comfortable houses and other forms of accommodation are available as are good banking facilities, unlimited access to all forms of communications such as internet, telephone Sim cards, etc.

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