Senior Project Control Associate

Deadline for Applications

June 15, 2026

Hardship Level

A (least hardship)

Family Type

Family

Residential location (if applicable)

Grade

GS7

Staff Member / Affiliate Type

General Service

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

Target Start Date

2026-06-01

Standard Job Description

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.

Desired Candidate Profile

This is a national position offered under a Fixed-term contract for an initial period of 1 year. Candidates applying to the position must be nationals of Panama or non-Panamanian already residing in the country with a valid work and residency permits which will be required to be attached to the application.

The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.

Levels of language knowledge:

A1-beginner,

A2-elementary,

B1-lower intermediate,

B2-upper intermediate,

C1-advanced/proficient,

C2-fluent

Candidates may be required to sit for a written test.

A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on United Nations salaries, allowances and benefits, visit the International Civil Service Commission web portal at http://icsc.un.org as well as https://careers.un.org/payandbenefits?language=en

The UNHCR Multi-Country Office (MCO) in Panama is responsible for overseeing operations across a diverse and geographically dispersed region, including Panama, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Belize, and the Eastern and Southern Caribbean, 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

Under the direct supervision of the representative, the incumbent will be the only staff that provide oversight of the financial management and compliance of the funded partners in the entire MCO Panama area of responsibility and as such has a heavy workload

Key Competencies & Experience:

- The desired candidate should have at least 4 years of demonstrate skills, competencies and experience related to financial management, risk management and/or development of internal control frameworks.

- Good knowledge of international standards of accounting (IFRS or IPSAS)

- Good knowledge and understanding of rules, policies and regulations regarding financial management, oversight and compliance, with experience within the UN system considered desirable

- Experience in preparing or reviewing financial reports and analyzing large volumes of data

- The ideal candidate should be highly organized, flexible, detailed-orientated, and stress resistant, and have strong communication and interpersonal skills. The candidate should also have a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Education & Technical Skills:

- Bachelor’s degree or a diploma in Accounting, Finance and Economics is desirable

- A recognized professional accounting qualification (ACCA/CMA/CPA or equivalent) is an advantage.

Additional Qualifications

- FI-Financial auditing, FI-International Auditing Standards, IT-Computer Literacy, RM-Risk Management,

Languages:

- Mandatory: Fluency in English and Spanish

- Desirable: Working knowledge of French

Required competencies:

- Accountability

- Client & Result Orientation

- Commitment to Continuous Learning

- Communication

- Judgement and Decision Making

- Managing Resources

- Organizational Awareness

- Planning and Organizing

- Political Awareness

- Teamwork & Collaboration

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

Spanish

,

English

,

Desired languages

French

,

,

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

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

Functional clearance

This position doesn't require a functional clearance