Finance Officer

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 objectives include providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical support to countries, and monitoring and assessing health trends.

Job Overview:
The Finance Officer position is critical within the Department of Finance, which aims to support Country Offices, Regional Offices, and Headquarters in all financial matters. The role involves ensuring precise and timely financial services, including accounting, financial policy and reporting, treasury, investments, and managing staff health insurance and pensions. The Finance Officer will be responsible for providing project management and coordination support to financial management initiatives, advising on financial management strategies, and ensuring compliance with expenditure policies and procedures. This position requires a proactive approach to improving financial management practices and facilitating effective communication with various stakeholders within the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Officer will perform a variety of duties, including tracking and analyzing incoming requests for clearance, preparing special analyses and correspondence, responding to queries from staff, maintaining and administering electronic databases, preparing reports and statistics regarding the caseload, and liaising with various internal and external stakeholders. The officer will also provide project management support, monitor and analyze financial requests, and assist in the periodic closure processes. Additionally, the Finance Officer will be expected to propose policy recommendations to improve procurement practices and ensure compliance with international financial standards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in finance, accounting, or business administration, along with a professional accounting qualification such as CA, CPA, ACCA, or CIPFA. Essential qualifications include a minimum of seven years of progressive financial managerial experience in large, complex international organizations, preferably with decentralized operations. Familiarity with International Public Service Accounting Standards (IPSAS) or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) is also required. Candidates should demonstrate integrity, discretion, and the ability to maintain effective working relationships in a multicultural environment.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in finance, accounting, or business administration is essential for this position. Additionally, candidates should hold a professional accounting qualification such as CA, CPA, ACCA, or CIPFA, which is considered a formal qualification in the field of finance and accounting.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of progressive financial managerial experience, ideally within large and complex international organizations. Experience with decentralized operations is preferred, as is familiarity with IPSAS or IFRS. Candidates should also have demonstrated experience at the international level, which is crucial for understanding the global financial landscape and the specific challenges faced by international organizations.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is essential for this role, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization. Intermediate knowledge of French is desirable, as it may facilitate communication with French-speaking stakeholders and enhance collaboration within the organization.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a competitive salary starting at USD 86,027, along with a variable post adjustment reflecting the cost of living in Lyon. Additional benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children. The WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. Candidates should be aware that WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of tobacco. The organization also emphasizes the importance of integrity and ethical standards in its workforce.