Head, Treasury

Geneva

  • Organization: WHO - World Health Organization
  • Location: Geneva
  • Grade: Senior level - P-5, International Professional - Internationally recruited position
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Operations and Administrations
    • Banking and Finance
    • Managerial positions
  • Closing Date: 2026-01-15

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The Treasury unit is part of the Finance Department whose objectives are to follow best practices in financial management within a sound internal control framework coupled with integrity and transparency, providing effective and efficient support for budget and financial administration across the Organization for all sources of funds inaccordance with applicable regulations and resolutions with relevant financial reporting at all levels, both internally and externally. The Treasury unit is responsible for management of bank accounts, investments and foreign exchange risks for the Organization. The unit manages cashflow liquidity globally,ensuring that funds are available in the right location and currency in accordance with local disbursement needs.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The incumbent is responsible for the following functions on an Organization-wide level:

  1. Leads, develops and applies the Organization's policies on investments, banking and currency management operations.

  2. Manages the investment portfolios of the Organization's funds, and also of the Organization's Staff Health Insurance Plan.

  3. Leads the cash and foreign exchange management services for WHO.

  4. Leads the foreign exchange hedging programmes to minimize the foreign exchange risks arising from foreign exchange expenditure and receivables.

  5. Manages headquarters liquidity including receipts and payments.

  6. Advises regional offices on cash management, banking and liquidity management.

  7. Responsible for the establishment and maintenance of all bank accounts, and monitors compliance with risk limits.

  8. Develops and maintains financial risk policies and procedures in respect of investments, cash and foreign exchange risk for WHO.

  9. Supervises the work of the Treasury unit.

  10. Performs other duties as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Master's degree in Finance or a certified accounting qualification from an internationally recognized institute with designation letters such as CPA, FCA, ACA, ACCA, FCCA, CA, CMA, CGMA, FCMA, CPFA, FCPFA.
Desirable: A formal educational qualification in Treasury, Cash Management or Banking, with designation letters such as CFA, MCT, FCT, ACI, CTP.

Experience

Essential:

  • A minimum of ten years of relevant experience in a corporate treasury operation, including accounting and risk management in an international context, experience in ERP treasury / cash management systems, treasury dealing, spot and forward FX (foreign exchange transactions) and deposit placements, electronic banking systems.

  • Demonstrated experience at an international level.

Desirable:

  • Experience in the UN or in other international or multinational organizations.

  • Experience in the use of a Treasury Management System (TMS), electronic FX dealing platforms, accounting in a multi-site, multi-currency ERP environment in Treasury, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable or General Ledger.

Skills

  • International Banking & Investment Management: In-depth knowledge of global banking systems, investment management, cash management, and related accounting rules and procedures.

  • Accounting Standards & IT Systems: Strong understanding of IAS and/or IPSAS, with experience using integrated IT applications such as Oracle for financial operations.

  • Capital Market Instruments: Expertise in fixed income, derivatives, and loans, including risk and performance metrics and valuation tools (cash flow, present value, duration, interest rate risk).

  • Liquidity Management: Ability to manage liquidity planning, investments, and portfolio reporting.

  • Financial Process Management: Skilled in managing financial processes such as reporting, treasury, investment, securities trading, and cash management.

  • Strategic, Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Exceptional ability to analyze and synthesize complex data, identify strategic opportunities, and deliver creative, sustainable solutions.

  • Leadership & Performance Management: Proven ability to lead teams, set clear goals, mentor staff, and foster a positive environment aligned with organizational values.

  • Communication & Negotiation: Strong ability to simplify technical concepts for diverse audiences and negotiate effectively with public and private sector partners.

WHO Competencies

  • Teamwork

  • Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences

  • Communication

  • Ensuring the effective use of resources

  • Driving the Organization to a Successful Future

  • Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French.

REMUNERATION

WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 101,540 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 7709 per month for the duty station indicated above. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • Staff members who have been separated as a result of the 2025 Prioritization and Realignment Process will be given special consideration.

  • This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level.

  • Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

  • A written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment may be used as a form of screening.

  • In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.

  • According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.

  • Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and eManual.

  • The Director-General retains the discretion to not make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade, or to make an appointment with a modified job description, including shortening the duration of the appointment.

  • Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.

  • WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.

  • Persons with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations (modifications or adjustments to the application or recruitment process) to support their participation in the application and recruitment process. Please send an email to reasonableaccommodation@who.int with your full name, the vacancy number you are applying for, and specific details of the accommodation needed in your request.

  • An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.

  • WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.

  • Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with WHO and an underlying premise of the international civil service. Candidates appointed to a fixed-term position in the International Professional category (Grades P1-D2) are eligible for Geographical Mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.

  • WHO also offers wide range of benefits to staff, including parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work-life balance and to allow all staff members to express and develop their talents fully.

  • The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65 years. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.

  • Please note that WHO's contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment, except where a medical condition does not allow such vaccination, as certified by the WHO Staff Health and Wellbeing Services (SHW). The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence related to this condition. A copy of the updated vaccination card must be shared with WHO medical service in the medical clearance process. Please note that certain countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit. For example, official proof /certification of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly at shws@who.int.

  • WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

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Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify.
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