Deputy Director (Finance)

Deputy Director (Finance)

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
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 and 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 Director (Finance) deputizes for the Controller along with the Deputy Director with responsibility for Budget, and assists him/her in discharging the responsibilities of the Division in respect of financial management issues.

The Deputy Director (Finance) plays a key role in strategy and policy formulation. The incumbent also:
- Oversees the implementation of audit recommendations related to areas under his/her direct responsibility.
- Oversees PeopleSoft financials enhancements so that they support UNHCR strategic management goals.
- Advises on the development of appropriate training and learning tools for all staff with financial management roles in the field and at Headquarters.
- Supervises the use of resources allocated to the units under his/her responsibility.
- Provides advice and guidance to the DFAM team on financial matters.
- Acts as alternate chairperson of the Headquarters Committee on Contracts.
- Supervises the general services section, change management and systems administration.

Within the supervisory management responsibility of the position, the incumbent will be responsible for direct supervision of three P5 positions.

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.

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT
Accountability
- Policies and standards developed and implemented in the area of financial management, accounting and reporting in adherence with financial regulations and rules, including to ensure compliance throughout the Organization.
- Priorities of the Division are properly implemented, monitored and controlled by the sections/services under his/her supervision in order to meet established objectives and to comply with decisions taken at governing bodies e.g. Standing Committee, Executive Committee and Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ).
- Financial management and management accounting reports are prepared, including statutory financial statements in accordance with adopted standards.
- Financial reports are analysed in order to obtain insights for improving the Organization¿s financial management.
- Adequate systems of internal controls and accounting are in place for HQ and field operations.

Responsibility
- Provide advice on financial and administrative matters to senior management and staff.
- Ensure that adequate systems of internal controls and accounting are in place for HQ and field operations.
- Ensure standardization of application of finance and accounting policies and procedures.
- Direct the work of the sections under supervision to ensure compliance with established parameters, targets, rules, procedures and International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).
- Advise on the development of a comprehensive financial management training strategy, plan and materials to ensure that adequate formal and informal mechanisms are available to staff at Headquarters and in the field to optimize the use of the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, and to strengthen administrative and financial capacity and control throughout the Organization.
- Ensure that all finance business requirements are taken into consideration in the ERP system so that meaningful reports and financial information is available to managers, UNHCR governing bodies and the donor community.
- Assessing impact of new IPSAS Standards on UNHCR; and if applicable, coordinate, monitor and report to the senior management on the adoption of new/revised IPSAS Standards in close coordination with the Accounting Service in Budapest.
- Periodically conduct risk assessments on the financial management of the Organization as well as at the DFAM level, and propose mitigating actions to the Controller.
- Ensure that sufficient measures are in place to prevent financial fraud (procedures, systems, DoA, training).
- Deputize for the Controller as requested.
- Any other responsibilities/functions or projects as required or requested by the Controller.

Authority
- Propose new and/or revised policies and procedures relating to financial management.
- Ensure compliance with UN and UNHCR financial rules, regulations and policies.
- Certify financial expenditure reports to donors, on behalf of the Controller.
- Participate in the Headquarters Committee on Contracts as member and Alternate Chairperson.
- Act as the Controller¿s first alternate member in the Budget Committee.
- Attend meetings as required, including Standing Committee, Executive Committee, ACABQ, United Nations Board of Auditors (BoA) on audit of financial statements, IPSAS Task Force, FB Network, etc.

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Accounting, Finance or closely related field, such as an accounting qualification from an internationally recognized Institute of Accounting.
- Minimum of 20 years in accounting and/or in financial management at headquarters level in an international, decentralized and/or multinational environment, out of which at least twelve years in a supervisory position and five years in a UN system organization.
- Knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) OR International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and their application in Enterprise Resource Planning systems.
- Demonstrated experience in statutory reporting and management reporting.
- Demonstrated mastery of management practices/standards and processes, with exposure to provision of support services in an international organization, preferably within the UN.
- Good communication and strong interpersonal skills.
- High IT affinity: excellent computer skills and working knowledge in MS office software, ERP systems and their related change management implementation.
- Proficiency in English with excellent drafting skills.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES
- Good knowledge of UN Financial Regulations and Rules, procedures and processes.
- Knowledge of Oracle/PeopleSoft financials modules.
- Exposure to UN field operations.
- Exposure to humanitarian operations.
- Good knowledge of French.