IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING APPLICATION DEADLINE: please note that the deadline for applications is indicated in local time as per the time zone of the applicant’s location.
This post is a limited-term fixed-term post.
1. Organizational Context
a. Organizational Setting
The post is in the Treasury Section of the Finance Division of the Department of Program Planning and Finance.
The Finance Division is responsible for the management of WIPO's financial, accounting and reporting, treasury management and compliance with financial policies and procedures. Included within these responsibilities are the management of the Organization's cash position, production of statutory financial reports and other financial information, and coordination with oversight and financial control activities.
b. Purpose Statement
The incumbent performs a variety of complex financial functions related to treasury activities including managing the Organization's cash holdings, investments, currency requirements and banking relationships. Working closely with the Treasurer, he/she will also lead the adherence of risk management (middle-office) processes for the Treasury Section. The incumbent utilizes and participates in the development of WIPO financial systems and contributes to an efficient, transparent, and controlled financial process. The incumbent interacts with a range of colleagues within the Division and within the wider Organization and with external parties, such as Patent Offices, UN organizations and financial institutions.
c. Reporting Lines
The incumbent works under the supervision of the Treasurer, Treasury Section.
d. Work Relations
The incumbent interacts with external and internal counterparties. External counterparties comprise mainly financial market participants, financial institutions, UN agencies and international Patent Offices. Internal counterparts comprise colleagues mainly within the Department of Program Planning and Finance, but also within other departments when providing support on Treasury processes.
2. Duties and Responsibilities
The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:
a. Develop and improve the current treasury risk metrics and evaluate financial risk exposures for foreign exchange, interest rates, counterparty credit and investments. Perform stress scenario modeling. Identify emerging treasury risks and partner with subject matter experts to define appropriate thresholds in accordance with WIPO's risk appetite.
b. Manage middle-office functions and provide risk management oversight for the Treasury Section. Monitor and ensure ongoing application of established treasury controls. Engage with internal stakeholders to increase operating efficiency, implement process improvements, and enhance financial controls.
c. Prepare investment analysis and reporting for WIPO's Advisory Committee on Investments (ACI), including risk and performance measurement. Develop effective reporting tools to ensure risk data and information are available for various levels of the Organization.
d. Manage functionalities and technical requirements of the Treasury Risk Management System (TRMS), foreign exchange and investment trading platforms, e-banking systems, and financial market data analytic platforms. Ensure effective integration of all treasury platforms with AIMS FSCM.
e. Lead treasury projects and manage treasury initiatives across WIPO. Suggest system improvements, foster innovation, and work towards automation from treasury transaction execution to record and reporting.
f. Keep abreast of changes in accounting standards including IPSAS, and best practices to ensure WIPO's continued compliance with financial reporting requirements. Advise the Financial Reporting Section on technical issues related to the reporting of treasury transactions in the General Ledger.
g. Develop banking relationships and manage global banking offerings to meet WIPO's treasury requirements in investments, foreign exchange, and cash management. Stay informed on new products or changes to services or regulations that would impact existing operations or enhance future operations.
h. Prepare and review compliance and bank documentation as needed and have overall responsibility for updating, organizing, and maintaining related schedules and documentation.
i. Deputize for all Treasury Front Office activities including transaction execution in foreign exchange, investments, and the Fee Transfer Service. Provide substantive input to treasury planning and monitor the implementation of its budget and work plan.
j. Supports the establishment of and oversees the application of treasury policies and procedures, technology and tools, and governance process.
k. Perform other related duties as required.
3. Requirements
Education (Essential)
Advanced university degree in accounting, finance, economics, or a related discipline. A first-level university degree in one of the aforementioned fields in combination with a proven professional track record of nine years or more relevant experience in accounting or finance may be acceptable in lieu of an advanced university degree.
Education (Desirable)
Industry certification such as ACT (CertT), Certified Treasury Professional (CTP), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Financial Risk Manager (FRM) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or equivalent an advantage.
Experience (Essential)
At least seven years of relevant professional experience in finance, treasury, accounting, or banking.
Experience (Desirable)
Experience with Electronic Banking Platforms and Treasury Risk Management Systems (such as COUPA).
Working knowledge of banking and cash management including international payment standards.
Experience in ERP implementation and system finance integration.
Language (Essential)
Excellent written and spoken knowledge of English.
Language (Desirable)
Knowledge of other official UN languages, preferably French.
Job Related Competencies (Essential)
Attention to detail, with a high level of service orientation.
Solid understanding of financial markets and financial instruments and techniques.
Understanding of VaR, default and settlement risk, stress testing, and mark-to-market calculations.
Good training and presentation skills and ability to communicate technical subjects to a non-technical audience.
Good organizational and time management skills.