UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees provides international protection under the auspices of the United Nations, to refugees and other persons of concern, including stateless and internally displaced persons. UNHCR follows policy directives from the General Assembly or the Economic and Social Council.
In this context, the Division of Financial and Administrative Management (DFAM) establishes and maintains the framework within which UNHCR can make optimal use of the financial resources at its disposal and is responsible for maintaining and improving the Organization’s financial and management controls.
The Deputy Controller deputizes the Controller and assists him/her in discharging the responsibilities of the Division in respect of all financial management issues. This includes corporate controlling, financial reporting, financial services, policy, and the financial internal control framework. The incumbent will lead teams located at Headquarters in Geneva as well as those based in UNHCR’s Global Service Centre (GSC) in Budapest.
The Deputy Controller must possess demonstrated qualities of leadership as well as relevant experience and qualifications in financial management, corporate controlling, and in the design and implementation of enhanced financial data analytic systems and structures.
The assigned responsibilities of this position include regular liaison with senior management within UNHCR (i.e., High Commissioner, Deputy High Commissioner, Directors, Representatives, and other staff at Headquarters and in the field), as well as within the UN system.
Duties
– Support the overall financial governance and control framework for UNHCR. This includes development of a forward thinking ‘future of finance’ operating model. This includes guidance and advice, to the Controller and to executive management on the formulation of systems, tools, processes, and policies.
– Review and maintenance of the Financial Internal Control Framework (FICF) with the goal of delivering Organization wide cost efficient and effective controls.
– Prepare and deliver necessary reports and presentations to governing bodies and donors on financial matters.
– Provide accurate and timely financial information leveraging business intelligence tools and other reporting platforms. Oversee data analysis to identify cost and efficiency savings. Drive data driven decision making strategy. This includes design and implementation enhanced data analytic tools, reporting and visualization of results.
– Lead the business process re-engineering efforts under the areas of responsibility with aims to drive further standardization, efficiencies, and automation.
– Develop innovative solutions to analyse, monitor, and evaluate financial data, implementation rates, and other administrative indicators using modern financial techniques.
– Respond to formal and ad hoc requests for information and analysis relating to UNHCR financial management, including reporting on UNHCR operational and administrative budgets for Headquarters and the field.
– Coordinate with other Services in UNHCR on revenue projection, cash flow and expenses to facilitate comprehensive and accurate resource allocation advice.
– Represent the Organization in inter-agency and other external fora relating to financial matters.
– Lead the production of statutory and management of financial information, for UNHCR’s legislative bodies and for certification by the United Nations Board of Auditors, in compliance with IPSAS and applicable financial regulations, rules and procedures. This requires systems maintenance, support, and data processing functions for budget and financial modules of the enterprise resource planning tools.
– Provide accurate financial data, and any other information as required, to oversight bodies (internal and external auditors).
– Ensure that recommendations by oversight bodies pertaining to the Accounts and Financial Service, as accepted by UNHCR, are implemented in time.
– Ensure the integrity and smooth functioning of the financial accounting workflows and processes.
– Oversee the year end closure process managed by the Accounting Service.
– Manage the human and financial resources in the Services.
– Act as an alternate chair to the Controller for the Headquarters Committee on Contract.
– Perform other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For D1 – 17 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 16 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 15 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree
Field(s) of Education
Business Administration; Accounting; Finance;
or other relevant field.
Certificates and/or Licenses
*Accounting
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Minimum 10 years of supervisory experience in corporate finance, controlling or accounting in an international, decentralized and/or multinational environment. Excellent ability in conducting financial analysis feasibility studies, including trend and ratio analysis. Hands on experience with design and implementation of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. Ability to design and implement a financial governance framework including policies and procedures which are adapted to the operational needs of the Organization. Demonstrated ability to innovate and design policies, structures and systems which improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Organization. Experience with process automation would be an asset. Excellent knowledge and experience with budgeting, financial and reporting systems a must. Ability to effectively present complex information to management, donors and to governing bodies. Excellent understanding and solid work experience of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Good communication and strong interpersonal skills. Proficiency in English with excellent drafting skills. Accounting qualification from an internationally recognized Institute of Accounting.
Desirable
Ability to innovate and find solutions to complex issues. Experience in fixed assets and inventory management. Experience in collaborating with partners to achieve outcomes. Excellent financial analysis, data management, and reporting skills. Good knowledge of UN Financial Regulations and Rules, procedures, and processes. Knowledge of Enterprise Resource Planning systems financial and grants/awards modules. Exposure to UN field operations and/or humanitarian operations. Good or working knowledge in French and/or in other UN language.
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.
Desired Candidate Profile
• Expertise in overseeing and implementing complex financial systems, proven experience in overseeing the financial control framework and process design implemented within Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.
• Extensive supervisory experience in relevant fields, particularly in international, decentralized, or multinational environments. A seasoned understanding of global financial operations, experience in navigating compliance challenges.
• A strategic mindset to oversee the continuous improvement of accounting and financial processes and systems, capability of identifying opportunities for process enhancements, driving efficiency, and ensuring that the organization’s financial operations are robust and scalable.
• Critical leadership and diplomatic skills, the ability to represent financial positions convincingly to donors, member states, and oversight bodies requires not only financial acumen but also strong leadership and diplomatic skills.
• Technology savvy, familiarity with new technologies such as AI, machine learning can be a significant asset.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
,
,
Desired languages
,
,
Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:
To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link:
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel
Education
Bachelor of Arts (BA): Accounting, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Finance
Certifications
Accounting – Other
UNHCR Salary Calculator
https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales
Compendium
Flash Vacancy Notice
Additional Information
Functional clearance
This position doesn’t require a functional clearance
How to apply
For a full job description and to apply, interested candidates are requested to
https://bit.ly/4efkmPp
The UNHCR workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. UNHCR seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Please note that UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, travelling, processing, training or any other fees).
Closing date of receipt of applications: 1 October 2024
To apply for this job please visit bit.ly.