Hardship LevelH (no hardship)
Family TypeFamily
Residential location (if applicable)
GradePR5
Staff Member / Affiliate TypeProfessional
ReasonRegular > Regular Assignment
Remote work acceptedNo
Target Start Date2025-01-23
Deadline for ApplicationsFebruary 18, 2025
Standard Job Description
Chief of Financial Shared Services Section
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Chief of the Financial Shared Services Section (FSSS), also referred to as the “Finance Hub”, under the supervision of the Deputy Controller within the Global Finance Service (GFS) of the Division of Financial and Administrative Management (DFAM), is pivotal in ensuring the efficient and effective provision of transactional financial services to UNHCR operations worldwide. This role is critical in supporting the Controller in devising and implementing strategies aimed at enhancing financial management efficiency across the organization.
The Chief of FSSS leads complex financial services, assisting field operations in executing specialized accounting and financial functions. This role involves regular interactions with senior and middle management across various divisions, bureaus, and field offices, ensuring cohesive financial practices. The Chief of FSSS reports directly to the Deputy Controller and carries significant supervisory responsibilities.
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
Oversee the daily operations of the Financial Shared Services Section, ensuring the processing of transactions adheres to high-quality standards and organizational goals. Develop a procedural framework and client-focused culture in the delivery of services.
Develop strategies to enhance the financial transaction processing capacity of UNHCR, aligning with the Controller's strategic directives. Facilitate the transition of services to the Finance Hub and actively identify business process reengineering opportunities with DFAM functional leads to streamline and standardize financial services performed.
Lead the strategic enhancement, scaling, and technological upgrades of the Finance Hub to boost transaction processing capabilities and support the expansion of services.
Integrate advanced technologies such as Cloud ERP systems, Optical Character Recognition (OCR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to streamline operations and promote touchless processing.
Embrace and advocate for an “automation first” approach to gain efficiencies and optimize the use of digital tools and technologies in supporting financial shared services.
Collaborate with field operations and central finance teams to resolve technical issues, ensuring timely and accurate financial processing.
Spearhead the development and implementation of efficient processes for invoice recording, payment processing, and bank reconciliations and other services within the Finance Hub’s service offerings.
Develop and implement Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure and monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of financial services. Regularly report on these metrics to ensure alignment with organizational goals and continuous improvement.
Mentor and supervise a diverse team, nurturing a culture of operational excellence and continuous improvement.
Ensure strict compliance with all financial regulations and adapt to the dynamic needs of UNHCR activities.
Collaborate closely with the Finance Center of Excellence and other DFAM sections to onboard new operations smoothly, leverage continuous feedback for service improvement, and bridge knowledge gaps effectively.
Fulfil additional responsibilities and tasks as needed to support the division’s objectives.
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 P5 - 12 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 11 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 10 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree
Field(s) of Education
Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration,
or other relevant field.
Certificates and/or Licenses
Introduction to IPSAS, Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA)
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Experience in managing shared services within an international environment and a robust understanding of decentralized operating models. Practical knowledge of change management methodologies and deliverables. Experience in financial and/or administrative process redesign, policy formulation and policy interpretation. Good understanding of innovative technologies and business process automation. Sound knowledge of ERP systems, in particular in the accounting, finance and budgetary fields. Capacity to explain financial concepts in non-technical language to non-finance audiences. Excellent managerial skills and ability to provide leadership and motivate staff. Proven track record in developing strategies to accomplish objectives and accountability in delivering results. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in an international environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Desirable
Knowledge of UN financial regulations, UNHCR financial rules, policies, and procedures. Very good understanding of UNHCR/UN's financial management environment. Combined HQ and field experience in the areas of finance, administration or audit. Experience in business analysis and/or business re-engineering. Knowledge of French.
Functional Skills
MG-Change Management
FI-General Financial Management
FI-Financial Accrual Accounting under internationally accepted standards (IFRS,IPSAS,etc)
TR-Training Design and Material Preparation
(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
Strategic Planning and Vision
Cross-Functional Competencies
Analytical Thinking
Policy Development and Research
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 Education:
Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
Experience:
- A minimum of 12 years of progressively responsible experience in financial management, shared services, or accounting, preferably within an international organization or a large, decentralized setting.
- Proven track record in managing complex financial operations or similar large-scale processes, ideally encompassing functions such as accounts payable, bank reconciliations, or financial transaction processing in an international or decentralized setting.
- Extensive experience in leading diverse teams and implementing innovative technologies, such as RPA and AI, to enhance operational efficiency.
- Certification in project management, change management or process improvement methodologies (PRINCE2, PMP, SixSigma or similar) and demonstrated experience leading large scale change initiatives in an international setting.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
,
,
Desired languages
,
,
Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:
To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel
Nature of Position:
The Chief of Financial Shared Services is a key leadership role within the Division of Financial and Administrative Management (DFAM) under the Global Finance Service (GFS). Reporting directly to the Deputy Controller, the Chief oversees the Financial Shared Services Section (FSSS), which is conceived as a hub for delivering centralized financial transaction services to UNHCR Operations. The section encompasses key functions such as accounts payable, bank reconciliations, and other high-volume financial processes critical to the organization’s operational effectiveness.
The Chief of Financial Shared Services leads the development, implementation, and enhancement of efficient financial transaction processing models, ensuring adherence to applicable policies and standards. The role is pivotal in driving the adoption of advanced technologies, such as, but not limited to, cloud-based systems, robotic process automation (RPA), and artificial intelligence (AI), to optimize processes, reduce manual intervention, and promote operational excellence.
The Chief of Financial Shared Services supervises the Head of the Global Accounts Payable Unit and ensures seamless alignment of accounts payable functions with broader organizational goals. The incumbent must also closely coordinate with other sections within GFS, including the Accounting and Financial Reporting Section, the Policy and Audit Coordination Section, and the Financial Systems and Analytics Section, to ensure cohesive financial management practices across the Organization.
Regular interaction with field operations, regional bureaus, and other functional leads is essential to address challenges, align priorities, and promote cohesion across UNHCR’s decentralized operating model. The Chief is also responsible for implementing Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to monitor and measure the efficiency and effectiveness of services provided. Regular reporting to senior leadership ensures alignment with organizational strategies and continuous improvement in service delivery.
Living and Working Conditions:
Additional Qualifications
Skills
EducationBachelor of Arts (BA): Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Finance, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Public Administration
CertificationsCertified Public Accountant - Other, Chartered Accountant (CA) - Other, IPSAS_Introduction to IPSAS - Other
Work Experience
CompetenciesAccountability, Analytical thinking, Change capability & adaptability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Leadership, Managing performance, Organizational awareness, Policy research & development, Strategic planning & visions, Teamwork & collaboration
UNHCR Salary Calculator
https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales
Additional Information
Functional clearanceThis position doesn't require a functional clearance