MD Chief of Finance - (Internally only)

Organizational Context

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is a UN agency established in 1949, mandated to assist and protect approximately 5.8 million registered Palestine refugees. It provides essential services including education, healthcare, and social services across Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank, and Gaza. As the largest UN operation in the Middle East, UNRWA relies on voluntary contributions and seeks dedicated professionals to make a tangible difference.

Job Purpose

The MD Chief of Finance is responsible for standardizing and ensuring adherence to the organization's financial, accounting, and treasury policies and procedures, in compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), International Accounting Standards (IAS), and UNRWA's technical instructions. This role involves overseeing financial projection, planning, and cash flow management to meet operational funding needs. The Chief acts as a key member of the executive management team, contributing to strategic decisions and reporting on financial matters to senior management, donors, and other stakeholders. The position also focuses on managing and developing the Finance and Accounts Management staff across headquarters and field offices, fostering teamwork, and ensuring the efficient and effective performance of the finance division.

Responsibilities

The MD Chief of Finance is accountable for standardizing and enforcing financial, accounting, and treasury policies and procedures in accordance with IFRS, IAS, and UNRWA regulations. This includes managing financial projections, planning, and monitoring cash flows and liquidity to ensure timely operational funding. The role involves participating in executive management decisions and reporting financial aspects to high-level management, donors, and stakeholders. Responsibilities extend to overseeing the performance, capacity development, and training of Finance and Accounts Management staff, promoting collaboration and shared goals. The Chief leads agency-wide capital and asset management, including registry and resource allocation, and monitors donated and revolving loan funds. Additionally, the position is responsible for developing, monitoring, and mitigating financial risks and liabilities, safeguarding assets, producing annual and quarterly financial statements, and managing relationships with banks and other stakeholders for smooth operations.

Work Experience

A minimum of 10 years of experience in finance management, supervision, administration, and development within a microfinance or financial institution is required. Five of these years must be at a senior level within a large governmental or international organization. Experience with IAS, IFRS, and CGAP standards, portfolio quality analysis, and credit policy formulation is essential. Proficiency in both written and spoken English and Arabic is also required.

Skills

Core Competencies: Communication, Working with People, Drive for Results. Functional Competencies: Deciding and Initiating Action, Leading and Supervising, Planning and Organizing, Relating and Networking, Analyzing, Managing Complexity and Change, Delivering Results. Additional skills include proficiency in English and Arabic, and experience in developing and conducting training courses.

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