Background:
UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security.
The Division of Finance and Administration (DFA) leads the integrated management of UN Women’s financial and operational resources, covering Regular Resources and Other Resources. Its responsibilities span resource planning and budgeting, financial reporting, accounting and oversight, information and communications technology management, as well as procurement, premises, asset management, administration, and safety and security. DFA ensures the effective and efficient delivery of these essential services while supporting the Executive Director in shaping and implementing the organization’s mission, strategy, and action plans.
Guided by a clear set of priorities, DFA is committed to maintaining compliance with international standards and UN Women’s policies and procedures—critical to the trust of partners, donors, stakeholders, and beneficiaries. The Division employs continuous risk management, developing strategies to mitigate organizational risks while safeguarding resources. Efficiency and value for money are central to its work, with a strong focus on innovation, automation, and streamlining processes to reduce administrative burden. DFA also invests in capacity development, providing training and guidance to UN Women personnel and, in some cases, to implementing partners and beneficiaries.
DFA’s Strategic Objectives:
Streamline and simplify processes, policies, and procedures Enable programme colleagues to deliver UN Women’s triple mandate effectively Maximize value for money through optimal resource use Apply materiality principles to compliance and risk management Balance preventive and detective controls with accountability mechanismsUnder the guidance and direct supervision of the Deputy Executive Director for Resource Management, Sustainability and Partnerships (DED, RMSP), the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) & Director of DFA provides strategic leadership and oversight for all aspects of UN Women’s finance and administration functions. This includes financial management, budgeting, procurement and travel, facilities and asset management, information technology operations, and safety and security services. The CFO & Director ensures strong financial controls, compliance with UN Women regulations and international standards, and drives organizational transformation through innovative financial tools and streamlined business processes. The role also serves as a strategic adviser to senior leadership and represents UN Women in high‑level intergovernmental and inter‑agency forums.
The CFO & Director leads and manages the DFA team — comprising Finance, Integrated Budget Management, Procurement and Travel, Facilities and Asset Management, Information Technology, and Safety & Security Services — ensuring strategic alignment with organizational priorities and operational excellence. The role fosters a culture of performance, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement across all functional areas.
Working closely with the DED, RMSP, the Strategy, Planning, Resources and Effectiveness Division (SPRED), headquarters divisions, and regional offices, the CFO & Director ensures effective implementation of UN Women’s strategic objectives, integrated budget frameworks, and risk management strategies. This role maintains coherence in finance and administration across headquarters, regional, and country offices, enabling the organization to deliver on its mission efficiently and effectively.
Strategic Leadership and Representation:
Lead, guide, and manage the personnel and operations of the Division of Finance and Administration, comprising the Finance, Integrated Budget Management, Procurement and Travel, Facilities Administration and Assets, and Information Technology units. Ensure strategic alignment with organizational goals, foster operational excellence, and promote a culture of performance, collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement across the Division. Drive cost-effective and cutting-edge reforms across financial, budgeting, and administrative functions. Champion organizational transformation through initiatives such as business process reengineering, automation, shared services, regionalization, and outsourcing, in line with international best practices. Provide strategic and authoritative advice to the Deputy Executive Director for Resource Management, Sustainability and Partnerships (DED, RMSP) on all finance, budget, administration, procurement, and IT matters. Represent the Division in the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), when required. Lead the development and implementation of forward-looking finance and administration strategies, policies, and systems, anticipating future needs and ensuring alignment with UN Women’s evolving strategic direction. Represent UN Women in intergovernmental and inter-agency fora and manage high-level engagement with key stakeholders, including the UN General Assembly (notably the Fifth and Third Committees), the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), the Finance and Budget Network of the High-Level Committee on Management (HLCM), and the Executive Board. Maintain robust internal and external partnerships, fostering collaboration with UN entities, strategic partners, funding partners, and UN Women’s HQ, regional and country offices to ensure coherence in finance and administrative matters.Oversight of Financial Accounts:
Oversee the maintenance of robust accounting, financial control, and administrative systems, ensuring accuracy, integrity, and compliance with UN and UN Women financial regulations and rules, and international standards. Ensure the timely and accurate preparation and presentation of financial statements and statutory reports to the General Assembly, ACABQ and Executive Board, Executive Director, auditors, donors, and other stakeholders. Certify that all financial transactions are recorded in accordance with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and are properly reflected in the financial statements and in line with the internal control framework of UN Women. Designate verifying officers, approve payments across all accounts, and issue financial instructions, including periodic and year-end closure guidance, in line with regulatory frameworks and fiduciary requirements.Governance, Risks and Controls:
Oversee the development and consistent implementation of organization-wide policies, procedures, and guidance related to finance, budgeting, procurement, travel, administration, and IT. Provide expert guidance on the optimal use of financial resources, ensuring accountability, regulatory compliance, and the maintenance of UN Women’s financial integrity. Support the Executive Director and DED, RMSP and lead in designing and implementing the delegation of accountabilities and internal control framework. Lead and embed strategic risk management practices across financial, budgetary, and administrative areas. Work closely with the DED, RMSP, SPRED, and Regional Offices to identify, assess, and proactively manage risks. Promote a culture of ex-ante risk awareness and build organizational capacity for enterprise risk management (ERM), particularly in the context of complex or high-risk initiatives. Lead coordination with internal and external auditors on finance, budget and administration matters, ensuring timely follow-up on audit recommendations across the Division and organization. Actively contribute to the work of the Corporate Risk Committee, bringing insights on financial and administrative risk areas.Oversight of Resources and Integrated Budget Management:
Lead the formulation of comprehensive and high-quality budget frameworks that encompass all funding sources. Present budgets for submission to the General Assembly and Executive Board, contributing to transparency, credibility, and informed decision-making. Establish and oversee a results-based internal budgetary framework, incorporating performance incentives, and ensure alignment with the Strategic Plan and organizational priorities. Develop and manage tools and systems such as budget dashboards, internal targets, and expenditure tracking to monitor budget execution and support strategic resource allocation. Issue budget allocations in consultation with SPRED and ensure effective monitoring of usage. Provide early warnings on emerging issues requiring senior management attention. Provide expert advice and clearance on non-standard agreements and grant exceptions to support cost recovery mechanisms. Drive and monitor implementation of cost recovery policies and Direct Programme Costs (DPC), ensuring full cost recovery and alignment with regulatory requirements.Oversight of Procurement, Administration, ICT, and Safety & Security Services:
Supervise procurement processes and travel management to ensure efficiency, compliance, and value for money in line with UN Women’s procurement policies. Oversee the effective management of organizational facilities, administrative services, and physical assets, ensuring business continuity and accountability. Lead and coordinate the organization’s information systems and telecommunications IST strategy and digital infrastructure, working closely with the Chief of IST. Provide oversight of system design, integration, and optimization within the broader Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) framework. Represent the financial and administrative interests of the organization in enterprise system development and joint ERP forums alongside the DED, RMSP. Oversee the implementation of safety and security measures across offices and operations, including risk assessments, crisis preparedness, and compliance with UN security management policies to safeguard staff, assets, and operations.Innovations, Learning and Capacity Building:
Design and guide the implementation of innovative financial tools and instruments to enhance programme and project delivery, especially in complex operating contexts. Optimize and expand cost recovery and revenue-generation strategies, ensuring these are client-focused and responsive to the needs of country and regional offices. Promote and implement innovations across procurement, travel, administration, and IT systems and processes, leveraging technology and operational redesign to improve efficiency, transparency, and user experience. Foster knowledge sharing and diffusion of best practices, lessons learned, and innovations across the organization and with key partners to support continuous improvement and organizational learning. Lead efforts to build financial and administrative capacities across UN Women through targeted training, technical guidance, and learning programmes for staff and clients.The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organisation.
Core Values:
Integrity; Professionalism; Respect for Diversity.Core Competencies:
Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues; Accountability; Creative Problem Solving; Effective Communication; Inclusive Collaboration; Stakeholder Engagement; Leading by Example.Please visit this link for more information on UN Women’s Values and Competencies Framework:
Functional and Technical Competencies:
Financial Expertise: A strong foundation in accounting principles, financial reporting, and compliance. Financial Analysis: Proficiency in analyzing financial data, identifying trends, and developing insights. Budgeting and Forecasting: Ability to create and manage budgets, forecast financial performance, and develop financial plans. Risk Management: Identifying, assessing, and mitigating financial risks. Financial Technology: Understanding and leveraging financial technology, including automated expense management, AI-driven forecasting, and cloud-based ERP systems. Financial Reporting: Preparing accurate and timely financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements. Cash Flow Management: Ensuring the organization has sufficient cash on hand to meet its obligations. Governance and Control: Ensuring the organization has strong internal controls and adheres to relevant regulations. Effectively communicating financial information to both finance and non-finance stakeholders. Developing and implementing financial strategies aligned with the organization's overall business objectives. Business Acumen: Understanding the business environment, industry trends, and competitive landscape. Decision-Making: Making sound financial decisions based on data analysis and strategic insights. Change Management: Leading and managing organizational changes related to finance and technology. Negotiation: Negotiating contracts and agreements with vendors, suppliers, and other stakeholders. Adaptability: Adjusting to changing business conditions and embracing new technologies.Education:
Master’s degree or equivalent in finance, accounting, management or a related discipline is required. CPA or comparable national/international professional accounting qualifications will be an asset.Experience:
Over 15 years of progressively responsible experience in senior financial management positions for large international organizations is required. Experience in implementing major corporate change management programs in complex organizations is required. Experience in contributing to the design and implementation of computerized financial systems is required. Experience in managing large numbers of staff is required. Experience in international development and the UN system is desirable. Developing country experience is desirable.Languages:
Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language is desirable (French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish).Statements :
In July 2010, the United Nations General Assembly created UN Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. The creation of UN Women came about as part of the UN reform agenda, bringing together resources and mandates for greater impact. It merges and builds on the important work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system (DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW and UNIFEM), which focused exclusively on gender equality and women's empowerment.
Diversity and inclusion:
At UN Women, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. UN Women recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, national origin, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, competence, integrity and organizational need.
If you need any reasonable accommodation to support your participation in the recruitment and selection process, please include this information in your application.
UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UN Women, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to UN Women’s policies and procedures and the standards of conduct expected of UN Women personnel and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. (Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.)
Note: Applicants must ensure that all sections of the application form, including the sections on education and employment history, are completed. If all sections are not completed the application may be disqualified from the recruitment and selection process.