Project control associate

The Representation of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees UNHCR in Algeria was accredited on 27 September 1984 under the Accord de Siege concluded between the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria desiring to continue and strengthen their long-standing cooperation in the field of protection and assistance to refugees in Algeria.
UNHCR operation in Algeria operates through its two offices serving two different caseloads; BO Algiers deals with the Representation and the urban refugees and asylum seekers mainly Syrians, while the Sub-Office in Tindouf deals with camps situation providing protection and assistance to vulnerable Saharawi refugees living in Tindouf area. The above Local-Support position is part of the Refugee program of SO-Tindouf.
In Tindouf, Sahrawis have been recognized as refugees by Algeria on a prima facie basis within the framework of the 1969 African Union Convention, UNHCR continues to provide protection and assistance to Sahrawi refugees, who have been living in a protracted displacement situation in five camps near Tindouf for 43 years. UNHCR’s Sub-Office in Tindouf provides protection and assistance to Saharawi refugees living in five camps in a remote location in the southwest of the country, near Algeria’s borders with Western Sahara, Mauritania and Morocco. The people UNHCR serves in Tindouf are the organization’s longest standing refugee population. For nearly 50 years the Saharawi refugees have contended with the remote, desert landscape with frequent sandstorms and floods. UNHCR’s multi-year strategy 2025-2027 which is complemented by a Refugee Response Plan set out in a single document the work of all partners in all areas. Owing to the protracted nature of the situation and the hyper political sensitivity concerning the Saharawi refugee population, it has been difficult for UNHCR to attract and sustain attention to the operation and sufficient resources for it.
The Associate Project Control which will based in Algiers BO will contribute to reviewing and monitoring the internal control systems of implementing partners to ensure compliance with UNHCR’s rules, policies, and procedures, as well as alignment with Country Operation Plans. This includes verifying the accuracy and consistency of Partners’ Financial and Performance Reports, ensuring that funds committed under agreements permit further payments or disbursements, and supporting timely project closures. The Associate will also maintain complete records for all projects, review and analyse financial and performance reports, and flag any significant variances in budget execution or project quality to supervisors. The role involves maintaining professional relationships with IPs, keeping up to date with relevant UNHCR regulations, and escalating issues as needed. Additionally, the Associate will be involved in the reconciliation of Cash-Based Interventions (CBI) to ensure financial accuracy and compliance.
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 instalments.


Contact implementing partners for project related matters.


Have unlimited access to financial and operational records relating to projects.


Perform other related duties as required.


Minimum Qualifications :
Education & Professional Work Experience
Years of Experience / Degree Level


Years of Experience / Degree Level: 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


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 applicable

Desirable


Not applicable


Functional Skills


IT-Computer Literacy;


MG-Project Management;


PC-Quality Assurance/Control;


MG-Risk Management;


FI-Auditing practical experience;


UN-UN/UNHCR Financial Rules and Regulations and Procedures;


IT-ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) Functional Knowledge;


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
Managing Resources.

Cross-Functional Competencies:


Planning and Organizing


Political Awareness


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.
Eligibility:
Candidates must meet the essential minimum requirements of the position and candidates not citizens of the country must comply with all eligibility requirements for employment in line with the prevailing legislative prerequisites in the country.
Remuneration:
A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, please visit the portal of the International Civil Service Commission at: http://icsc.un.org
Submission of Applications:
Interested internal candidates should apply on Workday through Career App (please search by Job Requisition number, Location or by title). Please make sure to update your career profile with all required information before applying.
Interested external applicants are also invited to apply online through the external UNHCR website Careers (myworkdayjobs.com) or by clicking on the button Postuler
Candidates will be shortlisted against position requirements set out in the job description, they will be assessed on the base of their qualifications and experience as well as performance during the hiring process. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a complementary test prior to the interview.
UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing or any other fees). Applications will be accepted only via the online portals. Please do not send application via email.
Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.
UNHCR strongly encourages qualified female applicants for this position. UNHCR seeks to ensure that male and female employees are given equal career opportunities. UNHCR is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.
UNHCR has a zero-tolerance policy against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA). SEA is unacceptable behaviour and prohibited conduct for UNHCR personnel. It constitutes acts of serious misconduct and is therefore grounds for disciplinary measures, including dismissal.
Refugees – who cares? We Do