Chief Financial Officer (CFO) & Director of Finance and Administration

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 by the United Nations General Assembly as part of the UN reform agenda to enhance gender equality and women's empowerment. The organization merges the resources and mandates of four previously distinct parts of the UN system, focusing on the elimination of discrimination against women and girls, the empowerment of women, and the achievement of equality between women and men. UN Women operates globally, with a mission to support the implementation of international standards and commitments on gender equality and women's rights, ensuring that women and girls are empowered and can participate fully in all aspects of life. The organization employs a diverse workforce and is committed to creating an inclusive environment that respects diversity and promotes mutual respect among its employees.

Job Overview:
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) & Director of Finance and Administration (DFA) at UN Women is responsible for providing strategic leadership and oversight of all finance and administration functions within the organization. This role involves managing financial resources, budgeting, procurement, travel, facilities management, information technology operations, and safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security-services" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security services. The CFO & Director ensures compliance with UN Women regulations and international standards while driving organizational transformation through innovative financial tools and streamlined processes. The position requires collaboration with senior leadership and representation of UN Women in high-level intergovernmental and inter-agency forums. The CFO & Director leads a diverse team within the DFA, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and operational excellence, while fostering a culture of performance, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The CFO & Director of DFA has a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Leading and managing the personnel and operations of the Division of Finance and Administration, ensuring strategic alignment with organizational goals.
• Overseeing financial management, budgeting, procurement, travel, facilities management, information technology, and safety and security services.
• Ensuring strong financial controls and compliance with UN Women regulations and international standards.
• Providing strategic advice to senior leadership on finance, budget, administration, procurement, and IT matters.
• Representing UN Women in high-level intergovernmental and inter-agency forums.
• Developing and implementing finance and administration strategies, policies, and systems.
• Overseeing the maintenance of robust accounting and financial control systems.
• Leading the development of comprehensive budget frameworks and ensuring transparency and credibility in budget submissions.
• Supervising procurement processes and ensuring compliance with UN Women’s procurement policies. 1
• Designing and implementing innovative financial tools to enhance program delivery and optimize cost recovery strategies. 1
• Promoting knowledge sharing and best practices across the organization. 1
• Building financial and administrative capacities through targeted training and guidance.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong foundation in financial management, including expertise in accounting principles, financial reporting, compliance, and risk management. They should have a proven track record in leading financial operations in large international organizations, with experience in implementing major corporate change management programs. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of financial technology and its application in enhancing organizational efficiency. Strong negotiation skills and the ability to communicate financial information effectively to both finance and non-finance stakeholders are essential. Candidates should also demonstrate adaptability to changing business conditions and a commitment to fostering a culture of performance and accountability.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree or equivalent in finance, accounting, management, or a related discipline is required for this position. Additionally, having a CPA or comparable national/international professional accounting qualification will be considered an asset. This educational background ensures that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to manage complex financial operations effectively.

Experience:
The position requires over 15 years of progressively responsible experience in senior financial management roles within large international organizations. Candidates should have a history of implementing major corporate change management programs in complex environments and experience in designing and implementing computerized financial systems. Experience in managing large teams and familiarity with international development and the UN system is desirable, along with experience in developing countries, which will provide valuable insights into the challenges faced in diverse operational contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary working language of UN Women. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is desirable and would enhance the candidate's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and based in New York. UN Women is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employment decisions are made based on qualifications, competence, integrity, and organizational needs. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct that is incompatible with its aims and objectives, including discrimination and harassment. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history. Applicants must ensure that all sections of the application form are completed to avoid disqualification from the recruitment process.