Deputy Chief Financial Officer & Director Finance Group

Copenhagen

Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
Location: Copenhagen
Grade: Senior Executive level - D-1, Director - Internationally recruited position
Occupational Groups:
- Banking and Finance
- Managerial positions
Closing Date: Closed

Background Information - FG

Finance Group

Finance Group (FG) is a critical strategic business unit in UNOPS and serves as an authoritative and integrated partner in the organization on matters related to strategic financial planning and budgeting, business strategy and practices, financial analysis and risk assessment, financial management services and treasury management.

As the steward of resources of a self-financing UN entity, FG is accountable for setting and executing financial management standards and frameworks for UNOPS, ensuring timely cost recovery, maintaining the integrity and transparency of financial management of resources in accordance with the highest standards of ethics and organizational/international accountability framework and the accurate and transparent financial reporting to partners, governing bodies, clients, partners and stakeholders.

Background Information - Job-specific

The role reports to the Chief Financial Officer and Director for Administration. The Deputy CFO and Director FG advises the Chief Financial Officer and Director for Administration on developing an ambitious and innovative vision for the financial management for the organization. Furthermore, the Deputy CFO and Director FG provides the strategic and operational leadership of the Finance Group and is responsible for developing, maintaining and continually improving UNOPS financial policies and procedures to ensure they meet the emerging needs of the organization.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape new ideas, lead the Finance Group through a number of corporate transformational changes and through an evolution of its own, in the effort to develop and mature UNOPS financial management practices.

The Deputy CFO and Director FG directly impacts UNOPS ability to continually evolve its practices and drive progress through transformational leadership. It also directly impacts the effective financial management and integrity of UNOPS through the stewardship of organizational standards, resources, maintaining appropriate controls and integrity of financial management in accordance with relevant international standards, enabling prudent management and growth of financial assets and building an informed and shared management engagement on financial issues in support of the UNOPS overall strategy.

Functions / Key Results Expected
A summary overview of the functions the DCFO will deliver includes:

Strategic financial advice and insights
Finance Group and organizational financial management leadership
People leadership
Financial information management and reporting
Knowledge management and innovation

Functional Responsibilities

1. Strategic financial advice and insights

Under the guidance of the Chief Financial Officer and Director of Administration contribute to the formulation of UNOPS overall strategies and policies through advisory services to the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and participation in the senior management group on current and future business operations and strategy development and planning

Advise the Chief Financial Officer and Director for Administration on developing an ambitious and innovative vision for financial management for the organization.

Drive the development and oversee the implementation of the finance strategy for UNOPS. Ensure the strategic alignment of financial management policies and services with the organizational goals of UNOPS, sustaining the organization's ability to adapt and respond to the external environment.

Serve as a principal internal advocate for prudent financial management and growth of assets and build an informed and shared management engagement on financial issues, by advocating the value of linking financial and operational information for decision-making purposes

Provide the Chief Financial Officer and Director for Administration and the SLT with timely and accurate management reports, strategic advice and proposals to ensure the immediate and longer term implications, opportunities and risks of business decisions are fully considered, and aligned with the organization’s financial strategy

Support the Chief Financial Officer and Director for Administration in ensuring the SLT is kept informed of issues, trends, and changes which are relevant to the operation of an efficient finance function. Provide financial and other information to support the SLT decision making.

2. Finance Group and organizational financial management leadership

Develop the strategy and establish priorities for the Finance Group, aligned with the vision of the Chief Financial Officer and Director for Administration.

Under the guidance from the Chief Financial Officer and Director for Administration, lead and empower the Finance Group in the evolution, design and delivery of an integrated platform of services, which ensures highly responsive service to clients, management and project personnel while safeguarding the integrity of financial systems and resource liquidity in accordance with UNOPS policies.

Lead the FG in the delivery against its plans and objectives, reporting on progress to the Chief Financial Officer and Director for Administration. Ensure services and priorities are aligned, integrated, high quality and responsive.

Lead the direction of transformational projects, under the guidance from the Chief Financial Officer and Director for Administration in areas of financial systems development, Global Treasury, and other areas to be determined.

Lead the FG in becoming an enabler for the rest of the organizational entities in achieving their goals and organizational alignment, by providing financial guidance, robust tools and solutions. Implement financial policies that capture developments in financial management, promoting the comparative advantage of UNOPS and demonstrating effective stewardship of resources to clients and donors.

Assess the performance and efficacy of financial services and in consultation with the Chief Financial Officer and Director for Administration make decisions changes and/or alignment in operations.

Ensure that systems and processes for financial administration, financial control and protection of the organization’s resources and assets are in place and designed in conformity with appropriate ethical standards and monitor their continuing effectiveness in practice.

Responsible for the oversight of the treasury function, with specific emphasis on investments, bank accounts and large value payments.

Review and maintain a well-organized, competent organizational structure of the Finance Group.

Ensure the maintenance of an effective financial management infrastructure that extends to all Regions and is responsive and adaptable to the varied business initiatives pursued by UNOPS.

Champion financial risk management by promoting innovation in financial controls, policies and risk mitigation mechanisms. Engage with the wider UN system and the external financial management fora for exchanges on lessons learned and innovation.

Provide recommendations based on analysis of various audit and other information to enhance financial policies and to implement necessary changes that will strengthen the financial capacity and controls throughout the organization.

Act as Officer-in-charge (OIC) in the absence of the Chief Financial Officer and Director for Administration including representation activities within the UN system and with partners.

3. People leadership

As a member of UNOPS global leadership, role model UNOPS values and behavioral competencies, and contribute to the strategic leadership in delivery and in organizational culture development, in order for UNOPS to build a motivated workforce and an inclusive, collaborative and agile work environment, conducive to enhancing organizational capacity for UNOPS to serve and to prosper.
Promote teamwork and collaboration by providing the FG team with clear direction, objectives and guidance to enable them to perform their duties responsibly, effectively and efficiently.
Plan, recruit and develop a diverse and flexible workforce with the values, skills and competencies needed to ensure optimum performance in line with UNOPS culture.
Foster a positive work environment, respectful of all, and ensure appropriate focus on team wellbeing, empowerment, diversity, inclusion, and that the highest standards of conduct are observed.

4. Financial information management and reporting

Partner with and support the Chief Financial Officer and Director for Administration in leading the development and implementation of the UNOPS strategic budgeting process, ensuring appropriate guidance, support, analysis and input to stakeholders is provided throughout, articulating important financial issues and proposing appropriate solutions
Oversee the consolidation to the overall budget for UNOPS, guiding and influencing organizational decision making, to focus available resources on the most critical strategic priorities for the organization.
Monitor, evaluate and communicate budgetary performance through quarterly reporting to the SLT, and through the interim review processes.
Provide oversight of UNOPS financial accounting and reporting activities, including annual budget development and implementation.
Ensure statutory financial statements are accurate and prepared in compliance with the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS)
Review and recommend for endorsement by the Chief Financial Officer and Director for Administration all financial reports submitted to senior management, including reports submitted to legislative bodies and for certification by the United Nations Board of Auditors, in compliance with all applicable financial regulations, rules, procedures and accounting standards
Drive improvements to the organization’s overall financial system to support automation of standard financial processes and to ensure that the maximum benefit of management information is obtained.

5. Knowledge Management and innovation

Lead the development and introduction of innovation in financial management practices, to ensure UNOPS is continually incorporating best practices approaches in the delivery of project services.

Ensure the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for corporate development planning and knowledge building

Establish priorities, in consultation with the Chief Financial Officer and Director for Administration and the SLT, for targeted investments in growth and innovation.

As a member of the UNOPS global leadership team, contribute to identification and implementation of innovation and continuous improvement in support of organizational excellence and world-class performance

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education Requirements

Master’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or other related field is required

A Bachelor degree (or equivalent) combined with 2 additional years of relevant work experience can be accepted in lieu of the Master’s degree (total of 17 years of experience).

A professional accounting qualification from an internationally accredited institution of accountancy is highly desirable.

Experience Requirements:

A minimum of 15 years of experience with an exceptional track record of progressively responsible leadership experience in financial management and accounting, including large team management.

International experience is required.

Proven extensive leadership experience in a self-financing business environment is an asset.

Demonstrated experience in transformational leadership is an asset.

Operational management or project delivery experience in the non-HQ environment is highly desirable

Knowledge of IPSAS, IFRS or GAAP is required

Experience in the UN or INGO is desirable.

Language Requirements:

Full working knowledge of English is required.

Knowledge of another official UN language, in particular, Spanish, is an asset.

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.

Additional Considerations

Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

This vacancy is now closed.
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