Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees provides international protection under the auspices of the United Nations, to refugees and other persons of concern, including stateless and internally displaced persons. UNHCR follows policy directives from the General Assembly or the Economic and Social Council.
The organization’s finances are regulated by the United Nations Financial Regulations and Rules, and in respect of the Voluntary Funds administered by the High Commissioner for Refugees, by its Financial Rules which are promulgated by the High Commissioner. In terms of programme planning and budgeting, the organization applies the Results Based Management method, and its accounts are recorded in line with the International Public Sector Accounting Standards. The Organization has adopted a global management accountability framework and a decentralised operating model to achieve its global strategic goals.
In this context, the Division of Financial and Administrative Management (DFAM) establishes and maintains the framework within which UNHCR can make optimal use of the financial resources at its disposal and is responsible for maintaining and improving the Organization’s financial and management controls.
The Deputy Controller deputizes the Controller and assists him/her in discharging the responsibilities of the Division in respect of all financial management issues. This includes corporate controlling, financial reporting, financial services, policy, and the financial internal control framework. The incumbent will lead teams located at Headquarters in Geneva as well as those based in UNHCR’s Global Service Centre (GSC) in Budapest.
The Deputy Controller must possess demonstrated qualities of leadership as well as relevant experience and qualifications in financial management, corporate controlling, and in the design and implementation of enhanced financial data analytic systems and structures.
The assigned responsibilities of this position include regular liaison with senior management within UNHCR (i.e., High Commissioner, Deputy High Commissioner, Directors, Representatives, and other staff at Headquarters and in the field), as well as within the UN system.

All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR’s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties
– Support the overall financial governance and control framework for UNHCR. This includes development of a forward thinking ‘future of finance’ operating model. This includes guidance and advice, to the Controller and to executive management on the formulation of systems, tools, processes, and policies.
– Review and maintenance of the Financial Internal Control Framework (FICF) with the goal of delivering Organization wide cost efficient and effective controls.
– Prepare and deliver necessary reports and presentations to governing bodies and donors on financial matters.
– Provide accurate and timely financial information leveraging business intelligence tools and other reporting platforms. Oversee data analysis to identify cost and efficiency savings. Drive data driven decision making strategy. This includes design and implementation enhanced data analytic tools, reporting and visualization of results.
– Lead the business process re-engineering efforts under the areas of responsibility with aims to drive further standardization, efficiencies, and automation.
– Develop innovative solutions to analyse, monitor, and evaluate financial data, implementation rates, and other administrative indicators using modern financial techniques.
– Respond to formal and ad hoc requests for information and analysis relating to UNHCR financial management, including reporting on UNHCR operational and administrative budgets for Headquarters and the field.
– Coordinate with other Services in UNHCR on revenue projection, cash flow and expenses to facilitate comprehensive and accurate resource allocation advice.
– Represent the Organization in inter-agency and other external fora relating to financial matters.
– Lead the production of statutory and management of financial information, for UNHCR’s legislative bodies and for certification by the United Nations Board of Auditors, in compliance with IPSAS and applicable financial regulations, rules and procedures. This requires systems maintenance, support, and data processing functions for budget and financial modules of the enterprise resource planning tools.
– Provide accurate financial data, and any other information as required, to oversight bodies (internal and external auditors).
– Ensure that recommendations by oversight bodies pertaining to the Accounts and Financial Service, as accepted by UNHCR, are implemented in time.
– Ensure the integrity and smooth functioning of the financial accounting workflows and processes.
– Oversee the year end closure process managed by the Accounting Service.
– Manage the human and financial resources in the Services.
– Act as an alternate chair to the Controller for the Headquarters Committee on Contract.

– Lead risk assessments and discussions with team(s) to proactively manage risks and seize opportunities impacting objectives. Ensure that risk management principles are integrated in decision-making both at strategic and operational levels. Allocate resources for planned treatments with resource requirements in Strategic Plans. Ensure that risks are managed to acceptable levels and escalate, as needed. If a Risk Owner, designate the Risk Focal Point and certify that the annual risk review is completed and ensure that the risk register is updated during the year, as needed.
– Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Years of Experience / Degree Level
For D1 – 17 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 16 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 15 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education
Business Administration; Accounting; Finance;
or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses
*Accounting
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Minimum 10 years of supervisory experience in corporate finance, controlling or accounting in an international, decentralized and/or multinational environment. Excellent ability in conducting financial analysis feasibility studies, including trend and ratio analysis. Hands on experience with design and implementation of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. Ability to design and implement a financial governance framework including policies and procedures which are adapted to the operational needs of the Organization. Demonstrated ability to innovate and design policies, structures and systems which improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Organization. Experience with process automation would be an asset. Excellent knowledge and experience with budgeting, financial and reporting systems a must. Ability to effectively present complex information to management, donors and to governing bodies. Excellent understanding and solid work experience of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Good communication and strong interpersonal skills. Proficiency in English with excellent drafting skills. Accounting qualification from an internationally recognized Institute of Accounting.

Desirable
Ability to innovate and find solutions to complex issues. Experience in fixed assets and inventory management. Experience in collaborating with partners to achieve outcomes. Excellent financial analysis, data management, and reporting skills. Good knowledge of UN Financial Regulations and Rules, procedures, and processes. Knowledge of Enterprise Resource Planning systems financial and grants/awards modules. Exposure to UN field operations and/or humanitarian operations. Good or working knowledge in French and/or in other UN language.

Functional Skills
UN-UN/UNHCR Administrative Rules, Regulations and Procedures
FI-Financial Accounting – Modified cash-based accounting as per international standards
FI-Financial Accrual Accounting under internationally accepted standards (IFRS, IPSAS, etc)
FI-Treasury/Global: Liquidity Management, Cash Flow forecasting, Foreign Exchange
BU-Budgeting
FI-Treasury/Finance Regulatory Compliance, Policy, Sanctions, AML, CTF, Central Bank rules
FI-Application of Financial Rules, Regulations and Procedures
SO-Interpersonal skills
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.

All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination, and abuse of power.
As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.

Desired Candidate Profile

• Expertise in overseeing and implementing complex financial systems, proven experience in overseeing the financial control framework and process design implemented within Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.
• Extensive supervisory experience in relevant fields, particularly in international, decentralized, or multinational environments. A seasoned understanding of global financial operations, experience in navigating compliance challenges.
• A strategic mindset to oversee the continuous improvement of accounting and financial processes and systems, capability of identifying opportunities for process enhancements, driving efficiency, and ensuring that the organization’s financial operations are robust and scalable.
• Critical leadership and diplomatic skills, the ability to represent financial positions convincingly to donors, member states, and oversight bodies requires not only financial acumen but also strong leadership and diplomatic skills.
• Technology savvy, familiarity with new technologies such as AI, machine learning can be a significant asset.

Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):

,

,

Desired languages

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link:

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position:

The Deputy Controller is a key leadership role within the Finance department, responsible for four teams that are located in Geneva, Budapest and Copenhagen: (1) Accounting and Financial Reporting Section, (2) Financial Shared Services Section (including the Accounts Payable Hub and the Bank Reconciliation Unit), (3) Policy and Audit Coordination Section (including the Committees of Contracts Secretariat), and (4) the Financial Systems and Analytics Section. The Deputy Controller also serves as the primary backup to the Controller, providing support across a broader range of financial and operational responsibilities when needed.

In September 2023, UNHCR successfully implemented a cloud-based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. which integrates and streamlines key functions such as financial management, contributions management, supply chain management, budget monitoring and reporting, and travel management. The Deputy Controller will play a crucial role in driving the ongoing optimization and automation of financial processes within the ERP system. The incumbent will lead initiatives to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and effectiveness of financial transactions, ensuring the organization fully leverages the capabilities of the Cloud ERP.

In parallel, the Deputy Controller also leads the optimization of the financial service delivery model in UNHCR’s operations, introducing innovative methods to drive efficiencies and controls while reducing burden of financial processing for operations.

Living and Working Conditions:

Additional Qualifications

Skills

BU-Budgeting, FI-Application of Financial Rules, Regulations and Procedures, FI-Financial Accounting – Modified cash-based accounting as per international standards, FI-Financial Accrual Accounting under internationally accepted standards (IFRS,IPSAS,etc), FI-Treasury/Finance Regulatory Compliance, Policy, Sanctions, AML,CTF, Central Bank rules, FI-Treasury/Global: Liquidity Management, Cash Flow forecasting, Foreign Exchange, SO-Interpersonal skills, UN-UN/UNHCR Administrative Rules, Regulations and Procedures

Education

Bachelor of Arts (BA): Accounting, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Finance

Certifications

Accounting – Other

Work Experience

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Leadership, Managing performance, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Policy research & development, Political awareness, Strategic planning & visions, Teamwork & collaboration

UNHCR Salary Calculator

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Flash Vacancy Notice

Additional Information

Functional clearance

This position doesn’t require a functional clearance