Chief, Finance Branch, Division for Management Services (DMS)

The Chief, Finance Branch leads the Finance Branch within the Division for Management Services, overseeing global financial management, financial operations, accounting, treasury services, and financial reporting in accordance with IPSAS. The role involves managing a multidisciplinary team to ensure effective financial resource management and supporting UNFPA's strategic plans and financial sustainability.

Responsibilities

• Lead, support and oversee a multidisciplinary team of circa twenty-eight persons to manage UNFPA's financial resources and operations effectively and efficiently.
• Maintain the UNFPA financial framework including financial regulations, rules, policies and procedures to support strategic plans.
• Support the regular update of the UNFPA internal control framework in response to changes in the business environment and best practice.
• Contribute to risk management process activities as required.
• Enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of financial management processes aligning with best practice.
• Ensure effective first and second line controls over financial management processes.
• Provide support and advice on financial management matters to senior management.
• Manage UNFPA cash and bank positions, cash flows, investment portfolios and currency risk in coordination with UNDP Treasury department.
• Oversee the annual financial closure process and preparation of financial statements in accordance with IPSAS.
• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting including donor financial reports and internal management reports.
• Approve and monitor exceptions to financial management policies and procedures.
• Support UNFPA staff and management at field offices and HQ units on financial management activities.
• Support donor assessments and reviews related to financial management.
• Lead branch business efficiency and effectiveness innovations with emphasis on management by exception and technology solutions.
• Support resource mobilization and innovative financing initiatives.
• Support operationalization of UN reform and efficiency initiatives.
• Respond to information requirements and recommendations from auditors and oversight bodies.
• Represent UNFPA at conferences, meetings and inter-agency groups on financial matters.
• Participate in inter-divisional and inter-organizational working groups and project teams.
• Enhance skills and expertise of Finance Branch staff through learning and training.
• Support improvement of financial management capabilities of UNFPA finance personnel through training and capacity building.
• Carry out other duties as assigned by the Director, DMS.

Requirements

• An advanced university degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field is required.
• A fully qualified professional accounting qualification from an internationally accredited institute is required, and will be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree (e.g. ACA, ACCA).
• At least 15 years of progressive experience in financial management or accounting positions at multinational organizations (with a minimum of 10 years in supervisory roles).
• Detailed knowledge and experience complying with IPSAS or IFRS.
• Sound understanding of internal control and risk management frameworks and processes.
• In-depth understanding of financial management and operations processes in the United Nations.
• In-depth understanding of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, including financial management, accounting, and reporting functions.
• Experience in implementing or supporting complex Oracle Cloud ERP system implementations is a significant advantage.
• Experience in implementing corporate change management processes is a significant advantage.
• Analytical capabilities combined with strong leadership, interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Fluency in English is required.
• Fluency in French is a significant advantage.
• Working knowledge of other official UN languages is desirable.

Skills

• Finance Management
• Accounting
• Professional Accountancy Qualification
• IPSAS Compliance
• IFRS Compliance
• Internal Control Framework
• Risk Management
• United Nations Financial Operations
• Enterprise Resource Planning
• Oracle Cloud Fusion ERP
• Financial Reporting
• Treasury Services
• Corporate Change Management
• Financial Analysis
• Team Leadership
• Multinational Experience

Languages

English, French