Deadline for Applications
August 4, 2026
H (no hardship)
Family
Residential location (if applicable)
DI2
Staff Member / Affiliate Type
Professional
Reason
Regular > Regular Assignment
2026-09-01
Controller, Chief Financial Officer and Director
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Controller is the principal advisor to the High Commissioner and Senior Executive Team on all matters relating to financial management, budget and resource allocation, accounting and financial reporting, treasury operations, financial controls, administrative management, official travel, facilities and premises management, fleet management, and the stewardship of organizational resources. The Controller reports to the Deputy High Commissioner and, on matters related to the Financial Rules, directly to the High Commissioner.
As Director of the Division of Resource Management (DRM), the Controller provides strategic leadership and oversight of UNHCR's global financial management framework, including budgeting, accounting, treasury, financial reporting, resource allocation, internal controls, financial systems, and related administrative management functions. The Controller is responsible for ensuring that the Organization's financial and administrative resources are managed in a manner that supports operational delivery, organizational priorities, and accountability to forcibly displaced and stateless people, donors, governing bodies, and other stakeholders.
As head of administration, the Controller has responsibilities for global facilities management, travel, and fleet management. As an effort to reduce the carbon footprint of the Organization, the Controller is also responsible for the “greening the blue” global activities.
The Controller leads the development and implementation of financial and administrative policies, strategies, and governance frameworks that promote transparency, efficiency, compliance, and value for money across the Organization. The incumbent plays a central role in strengthening organizational resilience and enabling evidence-based decision-making through robust financial planning, analytics, performance management, and risk-informed resource allocation.
The Controller champions the modernization of UNHCR's financial and administrative management functions through digital transformation, business process optimization, automation, data analytics, and innovative service delivery models. The incumbent ensures that financial and administrative systems, policies, and practices evolve to meet the changing needs of a global humanitarian organization operating in increasingly complex environments.
The Controller directs a globally distributed workforce and collaborates closely with Headquarters divisions, Regional Bureaux, Country Operations, Global Service Centres, and other corporate functions. The incumbent maintains regular engagement with the High Commissioner, Deputy High Commissioner, Assistant High Commissioners, Directors, Representatives, and other senior managers on strategic, operational, and governance matters.
Externally, the Controller represents UNHCR in engagements with donors, member states, the Executive Committee, the United Nations Board of Auditors, oversight bodies, United Nations system organizations, financial institutions, and other stakeholders. The incumbent is expected to exercise a high degree of professional judgement, political awareness, and leadership in representing the Organization on matters relating to financial management, governance, accountability, organizational performance, and business transformation.
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
- Advise and assist the High Commissioner and Senior Executive Team in the formulation of financial, administrative, and resource management strategies, policies, and priorities.
- Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of UNHCR's financial management framework, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and humanitarian priorities.
- Provide strategic direction and oversight for global budgeting, resource allocation, financial planning, accounting, treasury, financial reporting, and related management processes.
- Ensure the preparation and certification of UNHCR's annual financial statements in accordance with IPSAS, United Nations regulations, and applicable financial policies.
- Lead the development and implementation of enterprise-wide financial governance, internal control, and accountability frameworks.
- Advise senior management on financial sustainability, resource mobilization implications, funding risks, and strategic resource allocation decisions.
- Oversee global treasury operations, liquidity management, banking relationships, investments, and cash forecasting activities.
- Establish and maintain effective financial risk management practices and ensure the safeguarding of organizational assets and resources.
- Direct the development and implementation of financial policies, procedures, standards, and guidance applicable across the Organization.
- Lead the modernization of financial and administrative management through digital transformation, process simplification, automation, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and innovative business solutions.
- Sponsor and oversee enterprise initiatives related to ERP systems, financial technology, management reporting, and business process improvement.
- Promote the use of data, analytics, and performance information to strengthen decision-making, resource optimization, and organizational effectiveness.
- Foster a culture of efficiency, accountability, service excellence, innovation, continuous improvement, and prudent stewardship throughout the Organization.
- Direct the preparation of financial analyses, management reports, and strategic recommendations for senior management, governing bodies, and donors.
- Lead organizational responses to internal and external audit findings and ensure the timely implementation of agreed recommendations.
- Represent the Organization in inter-agency, donor, governmental, and external forums on matters relating to financial management, governance, accountability, and organizational performance.
- Exercise authorities delegated under UNHCR's Financial Rules, Regulations, and Delegation of Authority framework.
- Manage the human, financial, and technological resources entrusted to the Division and ensure effective workforce planning, talent development, succession planning, and staff engagement.
- Promote collaboration across Headquarters, Regional Bureaux, Global Service Centres, and field operations to ensure consistent application of policies, standards, and best practices.
- Lead risk assessments and discussions with team(s) to proactively manage risks and seize opportunities impacting objectives. Ensure that risk management principles are integrated in decision-making both at strategic and operational levels. Allocate resources for planned treatments with resource requirements in Strategic Plans. Ensure that risks are managed to acceptable levels and escalate, as needed. If a Risk Owner, designate the Risk Focal Point and certify that the annual risk review is completed and ensure that the risk register is updated during the year, as needed.
- Perform other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For D2 - 18 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 17 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 16 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree
Field(s) of Education
Finance, Business Administration, Accounting or other relevant field.
Certificates and/or Licenses
Not specified
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Extensive and progressively responsible leadership experience in financial and administrative management within a large international, decentralized and/or multinational organization. Of these, at least 10 years should have been acquired in an international capacity and in functional areas directly relevant to the current position, including significant experience at Headquarters level.
Knowledge and practical experience of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and/or International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) at Headquarters level is required. Demonstrated experience in statutory reporting, management reporting, financial governance, and internal control frameworks. Excellent knowledge of United Nations (or United Nations system organization) financial regulations, rules, procedures, and processes, as well as program planning, budgeting, resource allocation, and results-based management methodologies.
Demonstrated mastery of management practices, organizational governance, and corporate support service delivery in a large international organization, preferably within the United Nations system. Experience leading organizational transformation, business process improvement, shared services, digitalization, and change management initiatives is highly desirable.
Excellent communication, stakeholder management, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with senior leaders and staff from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds. Strong digital acumen and strategic understanding of technology-enabled business transformation are essential. Demonstrated experience in shaping and implementing digital strategies, leveraging enterprise platforms such as Oracle ERP, and leading large-scale transformation and change initiatives. Proven ability to harness data, analytics, automation, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies to improve organizational performance, strengthen decision-making, and modernize business processes. Ability to anticipate future trends, assess their implications for the organization, and position corporate services to meet evolving operational and business needs.
Desirable
Professional qualification in accounting (CPA or CA or equivalent). Applied knowledge of UNHCR's mandate and protection principles. Experience at UN humanitarian or development assistance organizations.
Functional Skills
FI-Financial Accrual Accounting under internationally accepted standards (IFRS,IPSAS,etc)
BU-Budgeting
CO-Cross-cultural communication
FI-General Financial Management
IT-ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) Functional Knowledge
PR-International protection concepts and principles
MG-UN/UNHCR Management Practices/Standards and Processes
(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 .
For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language .
For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English .
Competency Requirements
All jobs at UNHCR require six core competencies and may also require managerial competencies and/or cross-functional competencies. The six core competencies are listed below.
Core Competencies
Accountability
Communication
Organizational Awareness
Teamwork & Collaboration
Commitment to Continuous Learning
Client & Result Orientation
Managerial Competencies
Empowering and Building Trust
Judgement and Decision Making
Leadership
Managing Performance
Managing Resources
Strategic Planning and Vision
Cross-Functional Competencies
Analytical Thinking
Planning and Organizing
Change Capability and Adaptability
All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination, and abuse of power.
As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.
This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.
Desired Candidate Profile
- UNHCR seeks an accomplished and forward-looking executive who combines strategic vision with operational excellence and a strong commitment to accountability, stewardship, and public service. The successful candidate will be an influential leader capable of guiding complex global functions through periods of change, inspiring diverse teams, and fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- The ideal candidate demonstrates sound judgement, political acumen, and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments while maintaining the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. They will be a trusted advisor to senior leadership, able to translate organizational priorities into effective corporate strategies and drive transformation that enhances organizational performance, resilience, and impact for forcibly displaced and stateless people worldwide.
- A full list of requirements (essential and desirable) can be found in the Job Description.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
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,
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Operational context
To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel
Additional Qualifications
Skills
BU-Budgeting, CO-Cross-cultural communication, FI-Financial Accrual Accounting under internationally accepted standards (IFRS,IPSAS,etc), FI-General Financial Management, IT-ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) Functional Knowledge, MG-UN/UNHCR Management Practices/Standards and Processes, PR-International protection concepts and principles
Bachelor of Arts: Accounting, Bachelor of Arts: Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts: Finance
Certifications
Competencies
Accountability, Analytical thinking, Change capability & adaptability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Leadership, Managing performance, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Strategic planning & visions, Teamwork & collaboration
https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales
Flash Vacancy Notice
Additional Information
This position doesn't require a functional clearance
