Comptroller And Director Of Finance

Organizational Context

The World Health Organization (WHO) Finance Department seeks a Comptroller and Director of Finance to provide strategic financial advice. This role is crucial for ensuring the integrity, effectiveness, and efficiency of WHO's financial management, including investments, expenditures, reporting, and oversight of accounting, treasury, payroll, pensions, and insurance services.

Job Purpose

The Comptroller and Director of Finance serves as a key advisor to senior leadership, including the Director General and Regional Directors, on all aspects of financial management. This role is responsible for developing and implementing best-practice, state-of-the-art, and risk-based financial strategies. The purpose is to ensure the sound administration of WHO's finances, maintain transparency, and safeguard the organization's financial stability through effective accounting, reporting, treasury, and insurance services, while leading the provision of essential services like pensions and staff health insurance.

Responsibilities

Oversee and manage financial accounting, reporting, income, and treasury functions, including certified statutory financial reporting. Lead the provision of pension and staff health insurance services, ensuring efficient and accurate processes. Analyze and forecast financing availability, providing timely reports to senior management. Monitor expenditures and ensure the financial system is integrated with the ERP. Manage liquidity and cash flow to meet operational needs. Coordinate and implement investment strategies for financial reserves to ensure long-term stability. Regularly review and update financial policies and procedures to enhance asset stewardship and internal controls. Oversee financial functions at the Global Services Center, including payroll, accounts payable, and receivables. Provide strategic recommendations on financial policy and perform risk management duties. Chair the Financial Management Council and advise regional offices and hosted entities on financial management. Represent the Organization externally on financial matters and coordinate with external auditors.

Work Experience

A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in financial management is required, with at least 10 years in a senior decision-making capacity within a large international organization. Experience in financial reform, planning, risk management, change management, internal controls, and financial systems implementation (e.g., Oracle, SAP) is essential. Experience within the WHO or another UN agency is desirable.

Skills

Extensive knowledge of financial governance, management, treasury, and policy development. Expertise in managing financial and investment policies. Strong understanding of international accounting standards and auditing practices. Demonstrated managerial skills in negotiation, advocacy, judgment, integrity, tact, and discretion. Ability to manage detail accurately. Leadership, mentorship, and team-building capabilities. Ability to interact effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Explore related opportunities