Senior Project Control Associate

February 8, 2026

H (no hardship)

FamilyFamily

GS7

General Service

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2026-04-01

Senior 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 Senior 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 normally supervises 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, analyzing 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 installment or a disbursement, confirming the status of installments already paid.
- Support timely project closure in coordination with the programme unit.
- Contribute to tracking the management of project risks in collaboration with the programme unit, and report major risks to senior management.
- Monitor, track and verify that expenditure for direct implementation by UNHCR is in line with the approved budget.
- 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.
- Recommend acceptance or non-acceptance of IPRs and payment of instalments.
- Advise on improvements related to project management and internal controls.
- Contact implementing 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 G7 - 4 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
Excellent computer skills, in particular in MS Office applications. Excellent communication skills.

Desirable
Good knowledge of United Nations financial rules and procedures. Good understanding of accrual accounting (such as IPSAS or IFRS). Working experience with ERP financial modules (such as PeopleSoft, Oracle or SAP).

Functional 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
RM-Risk Management
IT-Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
(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.

Operational Context
The full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation on 24 February 2022 triggered one of the fastest-growing displacement and humanitarian crises on record, forcing millions of people into internal displacement and across borders in search of safety. Since the onset of the crisis, a total of 199,538 refugees have been granted temporary protection in Romania as of 30 November 2025, according to data from the Government of Romania. UNHCR, together with other UN agencies and non-governmental organizations, supports the Government of Romania’s response through inter-agency coordination of the Regional Refugee Response Plan (RRP) 2025–2026, in line with the Refugee Coordination Model. Implemented under government leadership, the RRP sets out strategic priorities and activities aimed at ensuring the protection, inclusion and long-term solutions for refugees from Ukraine who are beneficiaries of temporary protection in Romania. UNHCR in Romania addresses the needs of refugees through its Country Office in Bucharest and a field presence at the Emergency Transit Centre (ETC) for refugees in Timișoara. In 2025, however, UNHCR closed its two field offices in Constanța and Suceava and reduced its staffing levels in Romania by nearly 50 per cent due to severe funding constraints. These closures and staffing reductions paired with a significant reduction of its overall budget, have significantly affected UNHCR’s operational capacity, including its ability to maintain a sustained presence in northern and eastern parts of the country. Consequently, direct support to refugee communities has been reduced, especially in the areas related to inclusion and self-reliance, while engagement with local authorities and partners to address complex protection and integration challenges has become more limited. Despite these constraints, UNHCR remains committed to supporting refugees through continued coordination and engagement from its presence in Bucharest. Key figures as of end of 2025: 199,538 refugees obtained temporary protection in Romania (as of 30 November 2025). 9 UNHCR partners operating in 15 counties implementing a wide range of programmes and activities (reduced to 6 partners operating in 7 counties by the end of 2025). 46,580 refugees supported with 190,295 core relief items (CRIs). 11,857 refugees provided with protection counselling services and legal support. 5,903 refugees supported with livelihood and employment services. 43 Refugee Response Plan partners including 33 national NGOs under the 2025 RRP appeal. In 2025, UNHCR implemented projects through nine national and international partner NGOs across 15 counties in Romania, later reduced to six partners operating in seven counties as a result of funding limitations. Furthermore, UNHCR has supported 12 refugee and community led organizations in 9 counties to support their grassroot activities both with the refugee and host communities.


DESIRED CANDIDATE PROFILE

The desired candidate will hold a degree in economic studies, accounting, business administration, finance, and must have a minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience in project monitoring within challenging and complex emergency situations, either within the United Nations system or humanitarian organizations; demonstrate skills, competencies and experience related to financial management, risk management and/or development of internal control frameworks. The candidate must demonstrate significant expertise in monitoring project implementation and financial management by various partners, in accordance with UNHCR procedures. The incumbent will be expected to collaborate effectively and manage daily financial and administrative activities. Strong coordination skills are essential to oversee the actions of all partners within the area of responsibility. The incumbent must possess excellent computer skills, including advanced Excel proficiency and other data analysis tools, as well as strong drafting and reporting skills; ability to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines. They must also have a working knowledge of UN financial regulations and rules, systems and procedures, good understanding of the Framework for Implementing Partnership (FIP). The incumbent is expected to pay particular attention to all aspects compliant with the UN and UNHCR Code of Conduct, rules, policies, and financial regulations.

Romanian and English are required.
Candidates may be invited to sit for a written test.

Romanian

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English

,

,

,

Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

Nature of Position:

Living and Working Conditions:

 

Additional Qualifications

Skills

FI-Financial Accrual Accounting under internationally accepted standards (IFRS,IPSAS,etc), FI-Financial auditing, IT-Computer Literacy, IT-Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), IT-ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) Functional Knowledge, RM-Risk Management

Certifications

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

Competencies

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

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

Compendium

Additional Information

Candidates may be invited to sit for a written test.

The English version is considered original and authoritative, translation to other language(s) serve the purpose of advertisement of local positions where applicable but are not considered as official translations

Candidates may be invited to sit for a written test.

This position doesn't require a functional clearance