Onsite
South Sudan
12 months
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1
assignment(s)

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General
Description of assignment title
Associate Project Control Officer

Assignment country
South Sudan

Expected start date
01/05/2024

Sustainable Development Goal
16. Peace, justice and strong institutions

Volunteer category
International UN Volunteer Specialist

Host entity
UNHCR

Type
Onsite

Duration
12 months
(with possibility of extension)

Number of assignments
1

Duty stations
Jam-Jang

Details
Mission and objectives
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 well-being 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.

During times of displacement, we provide critical emergency assistance in the form of clean water, sanitation and healthcare, as well as shelter, blankets, household goods and sometimes food. We also arrange transport and assistance packages for people who return home, and income-generating projects for those who resettle.

Context
The South Sudan Operation is a very complex and high-risk operation in which all 4 Pillars of UNHCR are being implemented. The perception of fraud and corruption is very high with most of the regions outside the capital not having required infrastructure that provide assurances of prudent financial management and value for money.
to fully support financial transactions. UNHCR relies on the multi-functional team approach to conduct monitoring of project financial and performance reports. The Associate Project Control Officer is part of the multi-functional team. In coordination with DFAM’s Implementation Management and Assurance Service, 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, she/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 prompts 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 in the most efficient and effective manner to attain the best results for persons of concern.

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.

The incumbent works under the direct supervision of the Head of Office with technical support and guidance from the Senior Project Control Officer based in Juba.

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

• Fill in the duties for this assignment
• 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
Programmed Unit and MFT.
• Participate in the development of the direct implementation monitoring plan in collaboration with
the Programmed Unit and other relevant functions.
• Support Programmed and other relevant functions in the selection of implementation modalities.
• Track the management of project and direct implementation risks in collaboration with the
Programmed 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,
Programmed Unit and escalate to management as required.
• Prepare project control reports with the status of programme implementation and financial status.
• Support out timely project closure in coordination with the programme unit.
• Provide input to the mid- and end-year programmed 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 programmed 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 Programmed 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.

Eligibility criteria
Age
27 – 80

Nationality
Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.

Requirements
Required experience
3 years of experience in professional work experience at the national and/or international level in
accounting, finance, or risk management, or other relevant programmed; experience with project
monitoring and international auditing standards is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or
other international development organization;
• Other desired/mandatory required technical knowledge
• 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.
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment, ability to
work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel.
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel,
Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology
equipment.

• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.
• Desirable: valid national driver’s license and proven ability to drive manual gear 4×4 over rough
terrain; (if not applicable, delete)
• Sound security awareness;
• Have affinity with or interest in volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the
UN System.

Area(s) of expertise
Business management

Driving license
–

Languages
English, Level: Fluent, Desirable

Required education level
Bachelor degree or equivalent in a relevant area, e.g. Accounting, Auditing, or area related to Risk
Management; an associate chartered certificate accountant in addition to a bachelor’s degree in
any

Competencies and values
•Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNHCR; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNHCR 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 UNHCR 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 UNHCR’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Other information
Living conditions and remarks
The UNHCR operation in South Sudan provides protection and support to refugees, IDPs, and statelessness. The conflict that broke out in Sudan’s South Kordofan and Blue Nile States in 2011 led to widespread displacement of civilians to Upper Nile State and Unity State in South Sudan. As a result, in 2019, South Sudan is hosting almost 300,000 refugees mainly from Sudan but also from DRC, Ethiopia, and CAR. In 2019, almost 1.9 million people have been displaced in South Sudan as a result of the civil war which has brought massive destruction and loss of life, as well as serious violations of human rights. Since the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) was signed on 12 September 2018, the security situation in South Sudan improved in most areas. Throughout 2018 there was a steady increase in the number of spontaneous refugee returns. Juba is classified as an E, non-family duty station.

R&R cycle for all duty stations in South Sudan is 6 weeks and all international staff resides at UNHCR provided accommodation. UN curfew is from 19:00 to 06:00. There are limited medical facilities in Juba and other cities in the country. In all UNHCR compounds, regardless of the location, accommodations are equipped with all the necessary furniture. All rooms are provided with in-house services. In addition, most locations are equipped with a gym or some sports equipment. Food supply varies depending on the season. In addition, all UNHCR staff has the option of eating at a cafeteria.

Security Situation:
The security situation in South Sudan as of 1 April 2019, though generally stable remains fragile and fluid in a complex and unpredictable environment. The security situation is characterized by low intensity and localized armed conflict in some areas, high levels of crime across the country, Inter and Intra communal conflict over a diverse range of issues and regular civil unrest in refugee and IDP operations and host community. The signing of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) in September 2018 represents an important milestone for South Sudan and the security environment has improved in most areas but big challenges remain ahead.
The security level in South Sudan is assessed as substantial (security level 4) in most areas.
Security Risk Management measures in place:
• UN Curfew is in force across the country, but timing differs from one SRM Area to another.
• International staff must request and receive security clearance for official and non-official travel. National personnel must request and receive security clearance for all official travel
• International staff on mission must stay in either a UN facility or UN approved commercial lodging for staff members.
• All UNSMS female staff must be accommodated in UNSMS residential compounds
• Safe and Secure Approaches in Field Environment (SSAFE) to be conducted in areas with HIGH Risk level and above
• All international staff, including UNVs and International Contractors working for UNSMS, and national staff are issued with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and VHF radios

However, South Sudan is a unique country and Jamjang Operation 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.

Inclusivity statement
United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements
This UNV assignment is subject to proof of vaccination against Covid-19 with WHO approved vaccine, unless the UNHCR Medical Service approves an exemption from this requirement on medical grounds