Project Control Associate

November 19, 2026

A (least hardship)

Family

GS6

General Service

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2027-02-01

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.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate solid experience in project control, programme monitoring, budget management, and results-based management within humanitarian, development, governmental, or international organizations. The incumbent should possess strong analytical skills and attention to detail, with the ability to monitor project implementation, track expenditures, identify risks, and support the timely delivery of programme objectives.

A key requirement for this position is the ability to work in close collaboration with Programme colleagues, partners and maintain continuous engagement with relevant stakeholders to ensure alignment between project implementation, financial resources, and operational priorities. The candidate should be proactive in monitoring guidance issued by the Regional Bureau and Headquarters, ensuring that best practices, policy updates, reporting requirements, and corporate deadlines are consistently observed and effectively incorporated into the operation's planning and monitoring processes.

The successful candidate should demonstrate excellent organizational and coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while ensuring compliance with UNHCR procedures, donor requirements, and accountability standards. Strong communication skills in both English and Portuguese are essential, as the role requires regular interaction with colleagues across functional units, field locations, implementing partners, and external stakeholders.

Previous experience with project monitoring tools, financial tracking, data analysis, reporting, and performance management systems will be highly valued. The incumbent should be solutions-oriented, capable of identifying challenges early, proposing practical corrective actions, and contributing to a culture of continuous improvement, timely delivery, and operational excellence.

English

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Portuguese

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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:

Brazil hosts an expansive and diverse refugee population, with more than 1 Million individuals requiring international protection. The country serves as a vital entry point for refugees primarily from Venezuela, entering through the state of Roraima, and from countries such as Afghanistan, Haiti, Syria, and Ukraine, arriving via humanitarian visas through São Paulo international airport. There has been a notable increase in the number of Cuban asylum-seekers, highlighting Brazil's evolving refugee demographics.

UNHCR collaborates closely with the Brazilian government alongside civil society, academia, private sector, and development actors, to facilitate access to basic rights and promote socio-economic integration for refugees. This includes bolstering national and local policies for receiving, protecting, and integrating refugees and other individuals in need of protection. UNHCR's protection efforts extend across the country, targeting vulnerable groups such as survivors of gender-based violence, indigenous populations, and unaccompanied children.

Despite Brazil's robust legal framework granting refugees equal rights and unrestricted access to public services, practical challenges remain. Refugees face barriers such as language differences, limited local service capacity, and status-specific impediments affecting their full economic participation. National strategies like Operation Welcome address these challenges, setting standards for reception and assistance, and facilitating relocation across Brazil to foster integration, particularly for the Venezuelan population.

Special attention is required for indigenous refugees from Venezuela, who experience significant socio-economic integration obstacles. Tailored initiatives are essential to support their transition from emergency shelters while respecting cultural rights.

With the recent influx of Afghan refugees, particularly following the humanitarian visa policy, the local systems in São Paulo are adapting to manage increased arrivals and new community dynamics. Similarly, the growing Cuban refugee population poses challenges requiring UNHCR's continued support in documentation and integration.

The Multi-Year Multi-Partner Strategy for Brazil (2026–2029) aims to enhance local integration as a priority, leveraging Brazil's leadership in refugee protection to fortify access to rights through the forthcoming National Policy on Migration, Asylum, and Statelessness. However, challenges such as housing precarity, organized crime vulnerabilities, and socio-economic barriers for women and girls remain significant obstacles that need addressing to ensure successful integration.

UNHCR's vision is that by 2029, forcibly displaced and stateless people in Brazil will enjoy a safe, inclusive, and sustainable environment, with fully protected rights and pathways to self-reliance and societal integration.

The Project Control Associate position is based in Brasília and supports the effective planning, monitoring, implementation, and reporting of UNHCR programmes and projects across Brazil. Operating within a dynamic and complex operational environment, the incumbent contributes to ensuring that projects are implemented in compliance with UNHCR rules, donor requirements, and organizational priorities, while supporting the efficient use of financial and operational resources.

Brazil continues to host and assist a diverse population of refugees, asylum-seekers, stateless persons, and other persons of concern, including Venezuelan, Afghan, Haitian, and other displaced populations. The operation involves a broad network of government counterparts at federal, state, and municipal levels, UN agencies, non-governmental organizations, and implementing partners. The incumbent will support project control activities related to these interventions, including project formulation, budget monitoring, financial tracking, implementation oversight, data analysis, compliance reviews, and results-based management processes.

The Project Control Associate will work closely with programme, protection, supply, finance, and field colleagues, as well as with implementing partners, to ensure accurate project data, timely reporting, and effective monitoring of project performance. The role requires the ability to manage multiple priorities, monitor project expenditures against approved budgets, identify implementation risks, support corrective actions, and contribute to evidence-based decision-making.

Given the nature of the Brazil operation and the diversity of stakeholders involved, strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively in both Portuguese and English are essential. Familiarity with UNHCR systems, results-based management principles, project monitoring methodologies, and donor-funded programme implementation will be valuable assets. The incumbent is expected to contribute to maintaining high standards of accountability, transparency, and operational excellence in support of UNHCR's protection and solutions objectives throughout Brazil.

Living and Working Conditions:

Brasília, the capital of Brazil, is classified as A family duty station and offers a high standard of living compared to many locations in the region. As the seat of the Federal Government and host to numerous embassies, international organizations, and UN agencies, the city provides a stable and professional working environment. 

The city has well-developed infrastructure, including reliable utilities, internet connectivity, public transportation, and access to a wide range of commercial and banking services. Housing is readily available, with options ranging from apartments in the city center to family homes in residential neighborhoods. Rental prices vary depending on location and size but are generally higher in central areas. 

Brasília offers high-quality healthcare through both public and private facilities. Several internationally recognized hospitals and medical centers are available, and a wide range of specialists can be accessed. International and bilingual schools are also available, making the city suitable for staff members relocating with family. 

The security situation is generally stable. As in any large urban center, standard security precautions are recommended, particularly regarding personal belongings and movement in certain areas after dark. However, Brasília is considered safer than many other major Brazilian metropolitan areas. 

The climate is tropical savanna, characterized by a dry season from May to September and a rainy season from October to April. Temperatures remain generally mild throughout the year, typically ranging between 15°C and 30°C. 

The working environment is professional and multicultural, with frequent interaction among government institutions, diplomatic missions, international organizations, civil society, and development partners. English, Portuguese, and Spanish are commonly used within the international community. 

Brasília offers a good quality of life, with extensive green spaces, recreational facilities, cultural events, restaurants, and sports opportunities. The city's unique architecture, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, contributes to a pleasant living environment and a strong sense of community among expatriates and national staff. 

Overall, Brasília provides comfortable living conditions, reliable services, quality healthcare and education, and a conducive environment for both professional and family life. 
 

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

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

This position doesn't require a functional clearance