Controller, Chief Financial Officer and Director

Organizational Context

The Controller is the principal advisor to UNHCR's High Commissioner and Senior Executive Team on financial management, budget, accounting, treasury, and administrative functions. As Director of the Division of Resource Management, the Controller provides strategic leadership for UNHCR's global financial framework, ensuring resources support operational delivery and accountability to stakeholders.

Job Purpose

The Controller serves as the primary advisor on financial management, budget, resource allocation, accounting, financial reporting, treasury, and administrative functions. This role provides strategic leadership for UNHCR's global financial management framework, encompassing budgeting, accounting, treasury, financial reporting, resource allocation, internal controls, and financial systems. The incumbent ensures that financial and administrative resources effectively support operational delivery, organizational priorities, and accountability to displaced persons, donors, and governing bodies. Responsibilities include global facilities, travel, and fleet management, as well as leading initiatives to reduce the organization's carbon footprint. The Controller is instrumental in developing and implementing financial and administrative policies, strategies, and governance frameworks that promote transparency, efficiency, compliance, and value for money, while strengthening organizational resilience and enabling evidence-based decision-making through robust financial planning and analytics.

Responsibilities

Advise and assist the High Commissioner and Senior Executive Team on financial, administrative, and resource management strategies and policies. Lead the development and implementation of UNHCR's financial management framework, aligning it with organizational objectives. Provide strategic direction for global budgeting, resource allocation, financial planning, accounting, treasury, and financial reporting. Ensure the preparation and certification of annual financial statements in accordance with IPSAS and UN regulations. Lead the development and implementation of enterprise-wide financial governance, internal control, and accountability frameworks. Advise senior management on financial sustainability, funding risks, and strategic resource allocation. Oversee global treasury operations, liquidity management, banking relationships, and cash forecasting. Establish and maintain effective financial risk management practices and safeguard organizational assets. Direct the development and implementation of financial policies, procedures, and standards. Lead the modernization of financial and administrative management through digital transformation, process simplification, automation, and data analytics. Sponsor and oversee enterprise initiatives related to ERP systems, financial technology, and business process improvement. Promote the use of data and analytics for decision-making and organizational effectiveness. Foster a culture of efficiency, accountability, and prudent stewardship. Direct the preparation of financial analyses and strategic recommendations. Lead organizational responses to audit findings and ensure implementation of recommendations. Represent UNHCR in external forums on financial management and governance matters. Manage human, financial, and technological resources within the Division. Promote collaboration across all organizational levels to ensure consistent application of policies and best practices. Lead risk assessments and ensure integration of risk management principles in decision-making.

Work Experience

Extensive leadership experience in financial and administrative management within a large international organization, with at least 10 years in an international capacity and significant Headquarters-level experience. Knowledge of IPSAS/IFRS, financial governance, internal controls, and UN financial regulations is required. Experience in organizational transformation and digitalization is highly desirable.

Skills

Financial management Budgeting Accounting Treasury operations Financial reporting Internal controls Financial systems Digital transformation Data analytics Stakeholder management Leadership Strategic planning

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