Deputy Controller

Before submitting an application, UNHCR staff members intending to apply to this Job Opening are requested to consult the Recruitment and Assignments Policy (RAP, UNHCR/HCP/2017/2 and the Recruitment and Assignments Administrative Instruction (RAAI), UNHCR/AI/2017/7 OF 15 August 2017.

Deputy Controller

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) 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 budget management issues, the production of financial statements, based on the accounting standards adopted by UNHCR, i.e. the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS). The incumbent is leading two Services, the Programme Budget Service (PBS) located mostly in Geneva, and the Accounts and Financial Services (AFS), based in UNHCR¿s Global Service Centre (GSC) in Budapest.

The Deputy Controller must possess demonstrated qualities of leadership, relevant experience and qualifications in financial and budget 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

- Develop, implement and provide advice to the Controller and senior management on the formulation of budgetary, accounting and financial policies, procedures and methodology, consistent with UN/UNHCR Financial Regulations and Rules, IPSAS and relevant organizational guidelines and rules governing programme planning.
- Review periodically the Financial Internal Control Framework (FICF) and the relevant sections of Chapter 6 of UNHCR Manual, and propose revisions to the Controller if necessary.
- Prepare UNHCR¿s budget proposals, budget performance reports and other reports on budgetary matters for governing bodies.
- Provide accurate and timely financial information, based on analysis of financial reports, recommend improvements to the Organization¿s overall accounts structure/system, and ensure that the maximum benefit of management information is obtained from that source.
- Design and implement enhanced data analytic tools for decision making at all levels of the organization including for resource allocation processes.
- Lead the business process re-engineering efforts under the areas of responsibility with aims to standardize, improve efficiency, and automate.   
- Analyse and present budget issues to the Budget Committee, and act as Secretariat to the Budget Committee.
- Develop innovative solutions to analyse, monitor, and evaluate budget, implementation, and results information using modern financial techniques.
- Effectively communicate budgetary and financial information across the Organization and to external stakeholders such as the GA, ACABQ, the Standing Committee, ExCom, ECOSOC and donors.
- Respond to formal and ad hoc requests for information and analysis relating to UNHCR financial management, including reporting on all 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.
- Prepare and disseminate appropriate budgetary and spending authorisations to operations as necessary.
- Review and monitor staffing levels related to effective management of the central staffing table.
- Contribute budgetary information and analysis to the annual programming instructions.
- Represent the Organization in inter-agency and other external fora relating to budgetary matters.
- Lead the production of statutory and management financial information, for UNHCR¿s legislative bodies and for certification by the United Nations Board of Auditors, in compliance with IPSAS and all applicable financial regulations, rules and procedures. This requires systems maintenance, support and data processing functions for budget and financial modules of PeopleSoft ERP (MSRP).
- Provide accurate financial data, and any other information as required, to oversight bodies (internal and external auditors).
- Ensure that all recommendations by oversight bodies pertaining to the Accounts and Financial Service, as accepted by UNHCR, are implemented in time.
- Contribute to strengthening the quality of financial management and control at Headquarters and in the field, by providing advice and support on financial matters including Accounts Payable/Receivable, and the General Ledger.
- Inform the Controller immediately when potential/presumptive financial fraud is detected, and advise on systems of internal control in respect of potential financial fraud.
- Ensure the integrity and smooth functioning of the financial accounting workflows and processes.
- Advise senior management, in close coordination with the Office of the Controller, on overall financial operations and the status of UNHCR¿s accounts, including recording of revenue.
- Provide clear financial instructions for the year-end closure and other such instructions.
- Manage the human and financial resources in the Services.
- Act as an alternate chair to the Controller for the Headquarters Committee on Contract.
- 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.
(Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Certificates and/or Licenses
*Accounting certificate/qualification from an internationally recognized institute of accounting;
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential:
Minimum 10 years of supervisory experience in corporate wide accounting and/or corporate controlling and financial management in an international, decentralized and/or multinational environment, out of which at least 5 years in a UN system organization. Excellent ability in conducting financial analysis feasibility studies, including trend and ratio analysis. Ability to translate financial regulations and rules into policies and procedures, appropriately adapted to the operational needs. Solid knowledge of Enterprise Risk Management techniques, capable to apply to day-to-day operations in the area of financial management. Demonstrated ability to innovate and design policies, structures and systems which improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Organization. Excellent knowledge and experience with budgeting, financial and reporting systems a must. Excellent knowledge of programme planning, resource allocation and budgeting within an Organization heavily funded from voluntary contributions. Ability to effectively present complex information to all levels of 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. 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.

Functional Skills
UN-UN/UNHCR Administrative Rules, Regulations and Procedures;
EX-Field experience;
FI-Finance/Accounting
FI-Finance-IPSAS (international Public Sector Accounting Standards);
BU-Budgeting;
FI-Treasury/Cash management/Banking/Investment/Foreign Exchange;
(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. C001L4 - Accountability Level 4
C002L4 - Teamwork & Collaboration Level 4
C003L4 - Communication Level 4
C004L4 - Commitment to Continuous Learning Level 4
C005L4 - Client & Result Orientation Level 4
C006L4 - Organizational Awareness Level 4
M001L4 - Empowering and Building Trust Level 4
M002L4 - Managing Performance Level 4
M006L4 - Managing Resources Level 4
M005L4 - Leadership Level 4
M003L4 - Judgement and Decision Making Level 4
M004L4 - Strategic Planning and Vision Level 4
X006L4 - Policy Development & Research Level 4
X001L4 - Analytical Thinking Level 4
X007L4 - Political Awareness Level 4

The UNHCR workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. UNHCR seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.

For those people applying for High Risk Duty Stations, we strongly encourage them – before deciding to apply- to read the country specific security and welfare country profiles which can be found on the Intranet under Support Services - Duty of Care (https://intranet.unhcr.org/en/support-services/duty-of-care.html). Ensuring staff are better informed is part of the increased attention UNHCR is paying to Duty of Care.

 

Staff after having applied to High Risk Duty Stations will have access to country specific information webinars with Field Safety Section (FSS) and Staff Welfare Section (SWS) colleagues and provided with a tool to test their psychological preparedness for serving in High Risk Duty Stations. Applicants who applied for a position in a High Risk country will receive, after the deadline for applications has expired, a joint invitation from the Staff Welfare Section (SWS) and the Field Safety Section (FSS) to participate in these webinars. During the Webinars, latest updates on security and well-being will be provided, and FSS and SWS will address questions raised by participants. Applicants are highly encouraged to benefit, when applicable, from all measures as they provide most up-to-date security and well-being information helpful to assess staff’s readiness to serve in a High Risk Duty Station. A Staff Welfare Officer will also be available, if and when required, to discuss with interested applicants the results of the psychological preparedness tool as well as readiness for assignment in High Risk Duty Stations.

 

Please note that the closing date for all vacancies in this addendum is Tuesday 25 June 2019 (midnight Geneva time).