Chief of Service, Finance

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Finance Division (FD) of the Office of Programme Planning, Finance and Budget (OPPFB), which is part of the Department of Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance (DMSPC) of the United Nations. The organization is dedicated to ensuring effective financial management and compliance within the UN system, supporting various committees and the General Assembly in financial negotiations and assessments. The Contributions and Cost Recovery Service plays a crucial role in establishing policies and guidelines for cost recovery, ensuring timely assessments, and monitoring compliance with financial regulations. The UN operates globally, with a mission to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations, and employs thousands of staff across various countries to achieve its objectives.

Job Overview:
The Chief of Service, Finance is responsible for overseeing the Contributions and Cost Recovery Service, which is integral to the financial operations of the UN. This role involves formulating and implementing the work programme of the service, managing shared cost recovery funds, and ensuring that activities are executed efficiently and in alignment with UN policies. The Chief will coordinate with various UN bodies and external organizations, providing oversight on cost recovery issues and representing the Controller in relevant working groups. This position requires a strategic approach to financial management, ensuring that the outputs produced by the service meet high-quality standards and comply with organizational mandates. The Chief will also play a key role in liaising with Member States regarding assessed contributions and will be involved in preparing reports for intergovernmental bodies, thereby influencing budgetary and programmatic decisions at the highest levels.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Chief of Service will be tasked with a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Formulating and implementing the work programme of the Contributions and Cost Recovery Service.
• Managing the UN Secretariat shared cost recovery funds for Regular Budget and Peacekeeping operations.
• Overseeing the management of activities undertaken by the Service and ensuring timely execution of programmed activities.
• Leading and supervising the work programme of the Service, coordinating efforts across different work units and UN agencies.
• Providing oversight and guidance to service providers on cost recovery-related issues.
• Representing the Controller in UN Secretariat working groups on cost recovery.
• Reviewing and approving cost recovery rates for inclusion in the UN consolidated service catalogue.
• Monitoring financial activities to ensure compliance with guidelines and policies.
• Supporting the work of the Committee on Contributions and preparing reports for intergovernmental bodies. 1
• Liaising with Permanent Missions and capitals of Member States regarding assessed contributions. 1
• Ensuring high-quality outputs from the Service and compliance with relevant mandates. 1
• Assisting the Director in resource allocation and work programme preparation. 1
• Managing administrative tasks necessary for the Service's functioning, including budget preparation and staff evaluations. 1
• Recruiting staff while considering geographical balance. 1
• Fostering teamwork and communication among staff. 1
• Organizing meetings and seminars on substantive issues. 1
• Participating in international meetings and providing expertise on financial matters.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in business or public administration, finance, accounting, law, social sciences, or a related area. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) combined with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of financial management principles and practices, particularly in the context of international organizations.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as business administration, finance, accounting, law, or social sciences. A first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) may be considered if accompanied by additional relevant work experience, specifically two years of experience in a related field.

Experience:
A minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible experience in financial management, budgeting, or a related field is required. This includes at least five (5) years of experience managing organization-wide cost recovery policies and practices. Candidates should have experience servicing the work of the Committee on Contributions or similar financial committees and managing collections of assessed contributions from Member States. Experience in managing finance teams at the international level is desirable, as is experience dealing with intergovernmental or similar governing body reviews.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this position, proficiency in English is required. Candidates should refer to the UN Language Framework for specific language skill requirements.

Additional Notes:
The job does not specify a deadline for applications, nor does it mention the contract duration or seniority level. However, it is implied that the position is full-time and may involve international recruitment, given the nature of the UN's operations. Compensation and benefits details are not provided in the job description.