Comptroller and Director of Finance

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on April 7, 1948, WHO's mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of more than 7,000 employees. WHO's work is guided by the principles of equity, inclusiveness, and respect for diversity, aiming to ensure that everyone, everywhere can attain the highest level of health.

Job Overview:
The Comptroller and Director of Finance is a senior leadership position within WHO, tasked with providing strategic and substantive financial advice to the Director General, Assistant Directors General, Regional Directors, and other key stakeholders. This role is pivotal in ensuring that WHO's financial management practices are aligned with best practices and risk-based approaches. The Comptroller oversees the administration of WHO's investments, annual expenditures, and the preparation of financial statements and reports. This position also involves managing accounting functions, including payables and receivables, statutory financial reporting, treasury operations, insurances, and payroll for the organization and its hosted entities. The role requires a strong focus on integrity and transparency, ensuring that financial policies and procedures are effective and efficient.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversee and manage the financial accounting, reporting, income, and treasury management for WHO, ensuring compliance with international accounting standards and providing certified statutory financial reporting to Member States.
• Lead the provision of pension and staff health insurance services, establishing strong internal controls for efficient and accurate processes.
• Analyze and forecast financing availability using modern analytical tools, providing transparent reporting to senior management.
• Monitor organizational expenditures and ensure the financial system is efficient and integrated with the ERP system.
• Manage WHO's liquidity and cash flow to meet operational requirements within approved investment risk parameters.
• Coordinate and implement investment strategies for financial reserves to ensure long-term financial stability.
• Regularly review and maintain financial policy frameworks to enhance asset stewardship and minimize risk.
• Oversee financial functions of the Global Services Center, ensuring accurate processing of payroll and accounts.
• Provide strategic financial policy recommendations to senior management and perform risk management duties. 1
• Chair the Financial Management Council, briefing management on performance indicators and necessary improvements. 1
• Advise regional offices on financial management issues and assist in staff selection and objective setting. 1
• Establish relationships with Member States and UN partners on financial matters. 1
• Represent WHO externally on financial policy issues. 1
• Coordinate with the External Auditor for statutory audits and timely resolution of issues. 1
• Plan and evaluate departmental work within the budget. 1
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Essential qualifications include an advanced university degree in financial management, business administration, or a closely related field, or a first-level degree in these areas combined with a professional certification such as CA or CPA. Desirable qualifications include additional professional certifications and studies in management approaches and IT developments relevant to financial management.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in financial management, business administration, or a closely related field. Alternatively, a first-level degree in these areas along with a professional certification such as CA or CPA is acceptable. Additional professional studies in management and IT developments are desirable.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 15 years of relevant and progressive experience in financial management, with at least 10 years at a senior decision-making level within a large multinational or international organization. Significant experience in managing financial reform, planning, risk management, and internal controls is essential, along with demonstrated success in implementing global financial management systems.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is essential for this position. Intermediate knowledge of French is desirable, reflecting the multilingual environment of WHO and its operations.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a competitive salary starting at USD 130,477, with additional benefits including a variable post adjustment based on the cost of living, 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependents, home leave, and an education grant for children. The role is subject to WHO's Staff Regulations and Rules, and candidates must confirm vaccination status as required by WHO. The organization is committed to diversity and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States.