Associate Project Control Officer

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

The Office of the UNHCR was established on 14 December 1950 by the UN General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and wellbeing of refugees. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country (www.unhcr.org).

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Project Control Officer or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Associate Project Control Officer will:

• Participate in the annual assessment and planning cycle.
• Review that project agreements are in conformity 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, analyze and verify Financial and Performance Partner Reports (PFR and PPR), and check accuracy and consistency between PFR and PPR, in accordance with partnershipa greements.
• 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. - Perform other related duties as required.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

 Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day);  Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;  Provide annual and end of assignment self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.  Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;  Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers;  Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;  Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority;  Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues;

Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.  Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities;

 Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;

 Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary;  Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values

Accounting and Audit or area related to Project/Financial management;

Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;  Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing;  Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development

Mozambique has a total population of about 29 million people and Maputo is its capital city. The total area of Mozambique is 799 380 Km square from North to South. It is tropical hot and humid. The hottest and wettest months are December to February, when the average daily minimum temperatures are around 22°c and the average daily highs of 30°c. The rain season is between October and April. Winters (June to August) are mild with the average daily temperature ranging from 13°c to 24°c. Nampula is a C, Family duty-station where the security level is considered low (2). Traffic accidents are common in Mozambique due to the poor condition of the roads and poor driving and vehicle standards. Overland travel on public transport can be hazardous due to poor vehicle and road conditions and is not recommended. The metical is the local currency and exchange rate stands at USD 1 equivalent to about 68.3 (MZN) as per April 2022. Other than meticais, US dollars and South African rand are the main exchange currencies. Major international credit cards (VISA, MasterCard, and Amex) are accepted (hotels, restaurants, and some shops) in all major towns. The public healthcare system in Mozambique is basic and limited. Private clinics can be found in Maputo and larger cities in Mozambique.

Mozambique lies in a malaria zone, so the necessary precautions should be taken: Avoiding mosquito bites by using nets, candles and sprays is recommended. Vaccinations for diphtheria, hepatitis A, tetanus and typhoid are recommended. Tap water in Mozambique is not safe to drink, so bottled or boiled water should be used instead. Communication and transport services are available at various costs. The security situation in area north, Nampula and Niassa provinces are relatively calm. The biggest concern is criminality in the main urban centres of Nampula, Nacala, and Niassa where there are many medium and high-income individuals and business activities. In Nampula, basic health facilities and food shops/restaurant are available.

Accommodation can be found through house renting from the private sector. Mozambique is a unique country and is a unique (humanitarian) operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.