Controller, Chief Financial Officer and Director

Das ist der Job

Overview Controller, Chief Financial Officer and Director – Division of Resource Management (DRM).

Darum lohnt es sich

The Controller is the principal advisor to the High Commissioner and Senior Executive Team on all matters relating to financial management, budget and resource allocation, accounting and financial reporting, treasury operations, financial controls, administrative management, and the stewardship of organisational resources.

Responsibilities Advise and assist the High Commissioner and Senior Executive Team in the formulation of financial, administrative, and resource management strategies, policies, and priorities.

Lead the modernization of financial and administrative management through digital transformation, process simplification, automation, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and innovative business solutions.

Lead risk assessments and discussions with teams to proactively manage risks and seize opportunities impacting objectives, integrating risk‑management principles into decision‑making at both strategic and operational levels.

Extensive and progressively responsible leadership experience in financial and administrative management within a large international, decentralised and/or multinational organisation. At least 10 years of international experience in functional areas directly relevant to the position, including significant Headquarters‑level experience.

Proficient in organisational governance and corporate support service delivery in a large international organisation, preferably within the United Nations system.

Influential leader capable of guiding complex global functions through periods of change, inspiring diverse teams, and fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement.

Functional Skills Financial Accrual Accounting (IFRS, IPSAS, etc.) Budgeting and Finance Cross‑Cultural Communication General Financial Management Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) International Protection Concepts and Principles UN/UNHCR Management Practices/Standards and Processes Competencies Accountability Communication Organisational Awareness Teamwork & Collaboration Commitment to Continuous Learning Client & Result Orientation Empowering and Building Trust Judgement and Decision Making Leadership Managing Performance Managing Resources Strategic Planning and Vision Analytical Thinking Planning and Organising Change Capability and Adaptability Language Requirements Knowledge of English and the UN working language of the duty station if not English.

Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of UNHCR’s financial management framework, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives and humanitarian priorities.

Provide strategic direction and oversight for global budgeting, resource allocation, financial planning, accounting, treasury, financial reporting, and related management processes. Ensure the preparation and certification of UNHCR’s annual financial statements in accordance with IPSAS, United Nations regulations, and applicable financial policies.

Lead the development and implementation of enterprise-wide financial governance, internal control, and accountability frameworks. Advise senior management on financial sustainability, resource mobilisation implications, funding risks, and strategic resource allocation decisions.

Oversee global treasury operations, liquidity management, banking relationships, investments, and cash‑forecasting activities. Establish and maintain effective financial risk management practices and safeguard organisational assets and resources.

Direct the development and implementation of financial policies, procedures, standards, and guidance applicable across the Organisation. Sponsor and oversee enterprise initiatives related to ERP systems, financial technology, management reporting, and business process improvement.

Promote the use of data, analytics, and performance information to strengthen decision‑making, resource optimisation, and organisational effectiveness. Foster a culture of efficiency, accountability, service excellence, innovation, continuous improvement, and prudent stewardship throughout the Organisation.

Direct the preparation of financial analyses, management reports, and strategic recommendations for senior management, governing bodies, and donors. Lead organisational responses to internal and external audit findings and ensure the timely implementation of agreed recommendations.

Represent the Organisation in inter‑agency, donor, governmental, and external forums on matters relating to financial management, governance, accountability, and organisational performance. Exercise authorities delegated under UNHCR’s Financial Rules, Regulations, and Delegation of Authority framework.

Manage the human, financial, and technological resources entrusted to the Division and ensure effective workforce planning, talent development, succession planning, and staff engagement.

Promote collaboration across Headquarters, Regional Bureaux, Global Service Centres, and field operations to ensure consistent application of policies, standards, and best practices.

Allocate resources for planned treatments with resource requirements in Strategic Plans, ensuring risks are managed to acceptable levels and escalating where necessary. Designate Risk Focal Points, certify completion of annual risk reviews, and ensure ongoing updates of the risk register throughout the year.

Perform other related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications 18 years relevant experience with an undergraduate degree; 17 years with a graduate degree; or 16 years with a doctorate degree. Fields of study: Finance, Business Administration, Accounting, or other relevant fields. In‑depth knowledge of IFRS and/or IPSAS at Headquarters level.

Demonstrated experience in statutory reporting, management reporting, financial governance, and internal control frameworks. Excellent knowledge of United Nations financial regulations, rules, procedures and processes; and result‑based management methodologies.

Experience leading transformation, business‑process improvement, shared services, digitalisation, and change‑management initiatives. Strong communication, stakeholder‑management, negotiation and interpersonal skills across diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.

Strong digital acumen and strategic understanding of technology‑enabled business transformation, including enterprise platforms such as Oracle ERP. Proven ability to harness data, analytics, automation, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to improve organisational performance.

Ability to anticipate future trends, assess implications, and position corporate services to meet evolving needs. Professional accounting qualification (CPA, CA or equivalent) is desirable. Experience in a United Nations humanitarian or development assistance organisation is desirable.

Desired Qualifications Unaccomplished and forward‑looking executive who combines strategic vision with operational excellence. Strong judgement, political acumen and ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments while maintaining the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.

Trusted advisor to senior leadership, able to translate organisational priorities into effective corporate strategies and drive transformation that enhances performance, resilience and impact. For national positions, knowledge of the local language is also required.

EEO Statement 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr