Chief Financial and Performance Officer (CFPO) & Controller

Organizational Context

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is a UN agency primarily funded by private sector fees for IP services. This unique financial model exposes WIPO to global economic and financial risks. WIPO's mandate includes shaping the global IP system and supporting economic development through IP. The organization emphasizes effectiveness, efficiency, and a results-based management approach integrated with risk management.

Job Purpose

The Chief Financial and Performance Officer (CFPO) & Controller provides strategic executive leadership and financial stewardship for WIPO’s planning, performance, risk management, and financial operations. This role ensures the Organization’s long-term financial sustainability and leads the development and tracking of its results-based management framework, investment management, customer experience for fee-paying clients, and corporate controlling functions. The CFPO & Controller drives customer-centric operations and digital/ERP transformation to enhance organizational performance, agility, and value creation within WIPO’s fee-for-service business models. By integrating planning, budgeting, risk management, and finance, and systematically monitoring results against targets, the position provides strategic leadership and drives operational excellence.

Responsibilities

The incumbent will provide strategic financial leadership and controlling, acting as the principal advisor on financial sustainability, performance, investments, resource allocation, cost management, and enterprise risks. They will enable WIPO’s growth strategy, advocate for prudent financial management, and ensure cost efficiencies. The role facilitates medium-term and biennial planning processes, driving effectiveness through Results-Based Management and risk management. A key responsibility is transforming the department into a customer-centric operation focused on value creation, collaborating with global IP services to modernize service delivery. The CFPO & Controller will also serve as Secretary to the Program and Budget Committee, facilitating dialogue with Member States, and lead engagement with audit and oversight bodies. They will co-own WIPO's ERP transformation, championing AI and advanced analytics integration for improved financial processes. Strategic partnerships will be built to safeguard and diversify WIPO's income. Leadership involves empowering a high-performing department, fostering accountability, collaboration, and innovation, and developing staff capabilities. Global representation and UN inter-agency coordination are also key duties.

Work Experience

Minimum 15 years of progressive executive leadership experience in finance, budget, enterprise performance, governance, risk management, and strategic planning. Significant experience in large, complex international organizations is required. Extensive experience in financial planning, budgeting, performance management, organizational transformation, and digital modernization is essential. Demonstrated experience in establishing enterprise risk management and internal control frameworks is also necessary.

Skills

Executive Leadership & Change Management, Financial, Risk & Governance Expertise, Stakeholder Engagement & Influence, Digital Transformation, Executive Judgment & Integrity, Leadership & Organizational Development. Desirable: Ecosystem Knowledge of the UN system and IP landscape.

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