Head of Global Shared Services

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is a global organization dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of refugees and displaced persons. Established in 1950, UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, employing thousands of staff members who work tirelessly to provide assistance and support to those in need. The organization's mission is to safeguard the rights of refugees, ensure their safety, and help them rebuild their lives. UNHCR is committed to promoting durable solutions for refugees and displaced persons, advocating for their rights, and providing humanitarian assistance in times of crisis.

Job Overview:
The Head of Global Shared Services (GSS) at UNHCR is a pivotal leadership role responsible for overseeing the organization's shared services operations across various key functions, including Human Resources, Payroll, Finance, Supply, and IT. This position requires a strategic mindset and a commitment to continuous improvement, ensuring that services are delivered efficiently and effectively to meet the needs of UNHCR's global operations. The incumbent will report directly to the Deputy High Commissioner and will play a crucial role in advancing the organization's transformation and service delivery model. The Head of GSS will lead efforts to standardize processes, implement automation, and enhance operational excellence, all while maintaining compliance with UNHCR's policies and procedures. This role is essential for ensuring that UNHCR can respond effectively to evolving operational demands and deliver high-quality services to its staff and stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Head of Global Shared Services will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to: leading the operational delivery of global shared services across HR, Payroll, Finance, Procurement, Supply, IT, and global support services; ensuring alignment with performance expectations and service level agreements; monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) and ensuring timely and accurate transaction processing; defining and implementing the GSS operating model and service delivery strategy; managing the GSS budget and resources; establishing and maintaining the service catalogue and governance; leading automation and digitalization initiatives; ensuring business continuity and data protection; overseeing personnel administration for staff; supervising core financial processes; managing procurement services; overseeing IT services; supervising a multi-channel contact center; and leading risk assessments and discussions to proactively manage risks.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 17 years of relevant experience with an undergraduate degree, or 16 years with a graduate degree, or 15 years with a doctorate. Essential qualifications include extensive experience in shared services or centralized business services delivery, with at least 5 years in a senior management role. Candidates should demonstrate a track record of transitioning services into a shared services center, establishing service management frameworks, and managing large teams across multiple locations. Strong interpersonal skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to influence stakeholders are crucial for success in this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a degree in Business Administration, Economics, law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">International Law, Finance, Accounting, Human Resources Management, Supply Chain Management, Information Systems, Operations Management, Political Science, International Relations, or a related field. Relevant certifications such as Lean Six Sigma, ITIL, or a professional accounting designation (CPA, ACCA, CIMA) are also essential for candidates.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in shared services or centralized business services delivery, with significant experience at a senior management level. This includes experience leading global or regional multi-function shared services centers and managing geographically dispersed teams. Proven experience in business process transformation and change management is also essential.

Languages:
Knowledge of English is mandatory, along with proficiency in the UN working language of the duty station if not English. For candidates, knowledge of French and/or Spanish is considered desirable and beneficial for the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a Professional Staff Member at the DI1 grade level. The role is full-time and is intended for candidates who are not nationals of Hungary. The target start date for this position is January 1, 202

• The position is part of a regular assignment and is not subject to hardship conditions. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to a safe and empowering work environment, adhering to UNHCR's core values and competencies.