JOB DESCRIPTION

Deadline for Applications

November 9, 2025

Hardship Level

D

Family Type

Non Family with Residential Location

Family Type

Non Family with Residential Location

Residential location (if applicable)

Addis Ababa,Eth Fed Dem Rep

Grade

GS6

Staff Member / Affiliate Type

General Service

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

Target Start Date

2025-12-01

Standard Job Description

Project Control Associate

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 installments.
– Contact implementing partners for project-related matters.
– Have unlimited access to financial and operational records relating to projects.

– 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

Education & Professional Work Experience
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For G6 – 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
Accounting;
Auditing;
Business Administration;
Finance;
Project Management;
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Not specified.
Desirable
Not specified.

Functional Skills
FI-Financial Accrual Accounting under internationally accepted standards (IFRS,IPSAS,etc)
FI-Financial auditing
MG-Project Management
PM-Project Assurance
RM-Risk Management
IT-ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) Functional Knowledge
IT-Microsoft Office Productivity Software
IT-Computer Literacy
(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 should possess extensive knowledge and proven experience in project control, performance monitoring, and financial management and verification of projects and programs. It is important to note that the experience may not necessarily be within humanitarian settings.
The candidate must have worked in complex environments where financial transactions, partners’ implementation activities, and accessibility to operational areas face contextual challenges
Moreover, the candidate should have relevant experience working on projects implemented by or in coordination with government counterparts, local NGOs, and local communities including authorities.
Demonstrated ability to cross-validate financial transactions against the delivery of outputs are essential.
The candidate will be expected to oversee, support, and guide partners during project implementation while building capacity when necessary.
Additionally, experience and proven capacity in effectively operating within politically sensitive and fragile contexts are crucial.
Strong leadership qualities, along with excellent interpersonal, social, and teamwork skills, are highly desirable.

Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):

,

,

Desired languages

,

,

Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

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

Nature of Position:

The Project Control Associate reports directly to the Head of Sub Office (HoSO) and plays a critical role in the oversight, monitoring, auditing, and control of projects and programs funded by UNHCR. This position ensures that all activities are conducted with strict adherence to performance standards and accountability measures.

In addition to providing substantive support and guidance on the management of the Enhanced Framework for Implementing with Partners, the incumbent is also responsible for overseeing direct implementation efforts. This includes conducting thorough risk assessments related to partnerships and direct implementation, maintaining an up-to-date risk register, ensuring compliance with policies, and identifying operational gaps.

The Project Control Associate is tasked with making technical recommendations or decisions that align with the principles of the Framework, as well as UN/UNHCR’s financial rules, policies, and the operational context. Project control functions are especially vital to our operation as they ensure compliance, offer reasonable assurance that partner funds are properly monitored, coordinate audits, and continuously collaborate with teams to review and improve internal controls. By enforcing compliance and recommending necessary improvements, the incumbent helps uphold the highest standards of governance.

Furthermore, the Project Control Associate actively promotes partnership integrity and safeguarding mechanisms to ensure sound stewardship and accountability of funds, whether entrusted to partners or managed through direct implementation arrangements such as contracts for procurement of goods and services. The goal is to guarantee that resources are used efficiently and effectively to deliver the best outcomes for persons of concern.

This role also fosters dialogue and consultation to strengthen partnerships and maintains frequent communication with UNHCR colleagues, particularly project control and program staff both on the ground and at the country office. The incumbent may also engage with external stakeholders including UNHCR-funded partners, auditors, oversight bodies, and local government representatives on partnership-related matters.

Living and Working Conditions:

The conflict in Tigray, which erupted in November 2020 between the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF), had profound ramifications on the lives of the people, particularly in Western, Northwestern, Eastern and Southern Tigray. The war resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands to various Woredas in the northwestern and central regions of Tigray. Following the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (COHA) signed between the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) and the TPLF in Pretoria in November 2022, more than 144,000 individuals returned voluntarily, facilitated by humanitarian organizations, while an additional 1.5 million returned spontaneously.

Currently, the area of responsibility encompasses over 500,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) and 3,000 urban refugees and asylum seekers. There are 50 IDP sites in Shire AoR, with 35 managed by UNHCR and 17 IDP sites within Mekelle AoR managed by UNHCR. The Project Control Associate will make sure that, planned project and intended outputs are implemented and achieved in line with the Partnership agreement and project workplan in all AoRs.

As of 2023, the Tigray region is run by the Interim Regional Administration of Tigray, General Tadesse Wered is the Interim president of the Tigray region.

“Shire” is a city located in the Tigray region of Northern Ethiopia. It is the capital city of the Northwestern Zone of Tigray and is situated approximately 1,065 kilometers north of Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia.

“Shire” is a vibrant and rapidly growing city, with a population of over 300,000 people. It serves as a major economic and administrative center for the Tigray region, with various commercial activities, government offices, and institutions.

The city is known for its rich history and cultural heritage. It is home to several historical sites, including ancient churches, monasteries, and archaeological remains, plus mining sites.

“Shire” is also known for its diverse ethnic and cultural communities. Economically, Shire plays a crucial role in the region. It serves as a major trading hub, connecting various parts of Tigray with the city of Aksum and neighboring countries. Agriculture is a significant economic activity in the surrounding areas, with crops like teff, wheat, barley, and maize being cultivated.

Overall, Shire is a fascinating city with a rich history, cultural diversity, and economic importance in the Tigray region of Ethiopia.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

FI-Financial Accrual Accounting under internationally accepted standards (IFRS,IPSAS,etc), FI-Financial auditing, IT-Computer Literacy, IT-ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) Functional Knowledge, IT-Microsoft Office Productivity Software, MG-Project Management, PM-Project Assurance, RM-Risk Management

Education

Certifications

Accounting – Other, Auditing – Other, Business Administration – Other, Finance – Other, Project Management – Other

Work Experience

Competencies

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

UNHCR Salary Calculator

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

Compendium

Additional Information

 Position is opened to ONLY Ethiopian nationals
 Women are strongly encouraged to apply in order to promote gender-balance within UNHCR.
 Candidates may be subjected to assessment (written or oral interview).

Functional clearance

This position doesn”t require a functional clearance