Controller, Chief Financial Officer and Director

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNHCR, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which was established in 195

• UNHCR's mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people. The organization operates in over 130 countries and employs thousands of staff members dedicated to providing protection and assistance to those in need. UNHCR works to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and it strives to promote durable solutions for refugees and displaced persons.

Job Overview:
The position of Controller, Chief Financial Officer, and Director at UNHCR is a senior leadership role that involves providing strategic oversight and direction for the organization's financial management framework. The incumbent will serve as the principal advisor to the High Commissioner and the Senior Executive Team on all financial matters, including budget management, resource allocation, accounting, and financial reporting. The Controller will lead the development and implementation of financial policies and governance frameworks that promote transparency and efficiency while ensuring compliance with international financial standards. This role requires a strong focus on operational delivery and accountability to stakeholders, including forcibly displaced individuals and donors. The Controller will also be responsible for modernizing financial and administrative functions through digital transformation and innovative service delivery models, ensuring that UNHCR's financial systems evolve to meet the needs of a complex humanitarian environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Controller include advising the High Commissioner and Senior Executive Team on financial strategies, leading the development and implementation of UNHCR's financial management framework, overseeing global budgeting and resource allocation, ensuring compliance with financial regulations, and managing treasury operations. The Controller will also direct the development of financial policies and procedures, promote the use of data analytics for decision-making, and represent UNHCR in external forums related to financial governance. Additionally, the incumbent will manage a globally distributed workforce, ensure effective workforce planning, and lead risk assessments to proactively manage financial risks. The role requires collaboration across various divisions and operations to ensure consistent application of policies and best practices.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess extensive leadership experience in financial and administrative management within large international organizations, with at least 10 years of experience in an international capacity. A strong understanding of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and/or International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) is essential, along with demonstrated experience in statutory reporting and financial governance. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills are required, as well as a proven ability to lead organizational transformation initiatives. A professional qualification in accounting (such as CPA or CA) is desirable, along with knowledge of UNHCR's mandate and protection principles.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an undergraduate degree in Finance, Business Administration, Accounting, or a related field. A graduate degree or doctorate in a relevant discipline is preferred, as it demonstrates a higher level of expertise and understanding of complex financial management issues.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 18 years of relevant experience for candidates with an undergraduate degree, 17 years with a graduate degree, or 16 years with a doctorate. This experience should include progressively responsible leadership roles in financial management, particularly within international organizations, and significant experience at the headquarters level.

Languages:
Knowledge of English is mandatory, and proficiency in a UN working language of the duty station is required if not English. For national professional jobs, knowledge of the local language is also necessary. Candidates should demonstrate at least a B2 level of overall ability in the required languages.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a professional role with a regular assignment and is expected to start on August 1, 202

• The role is categorized under hardship level H, indicating no hardship, and is designed for family residential arrangements. The Controller will be expected to manage human, financial, and technological resources effectively, ensuring talent development and succession planning within the division. The position does not require a functional clearance.