Controller, Chief Financial Officer and Director

locations Geneva, Switzerland

time type Full time

posted on Posted Today

job requisition id JR2667726

Deadline for Applications

July 7, 2026

Hardship Level

H (no hardship)

Family Type

Family

Residential location (if applicable)

Grade

DI2

Staff Member / Affiliate Type

Professional Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

Target Start Date

2026-08-01

Standard Job Description

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):

Desired languages

Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link:

Nature of Position:

Living and Working Conditions:

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

Education

Bachelor of Arts: Accounting, Bachelor of Arts: Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts: Finance Certifications

Work Experience

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

UNHCR Salary Calculator

Compendium

Flash Vacancy Notice Additional Information

Functional clearance

This position doesn't require a functional clearance

Important notice:

Please note that UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, travelling, processing or training). Read about how to avoid scams and fraudulent job offers.

Please note that applications are only accepted via the UNHCR online recruitment platform. CVs and/or application requests sent via email will not be answered, reviewed nor considered.

For external applicants:

We would like to call your attention on the eligibility of International Professional (P) category: According to our Recruitment and Assignments Policy, P staff members will not normally serve in the country of their nationality, and the first regular appointment in the P category must be outside the staff member's country of nationality. In practical terms this means that you are not eligible to apply for International Professional vacancies advertised in the country where you are national of.
In case of technical difficulties when applying, external applicants (not current UNHCR workforce members) can write to

For former UNHCR Colleagues:

Former UNHCR employees who are on mandatory break-in service or have separated from UNHCR after 1 October 2022 should create an account through this platform. Once you fill in your basic personal information (employee ID, birth date, name, email address), Workday will identify you as prior personnel and merge your employee account with your external applicant account.

Diversity

The UNHCR workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. UNHCR seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.

About Us

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, takes the lead in protecting people forced to flee wars and persecution around the world, providing life-saving aid including shelter, food and water to ensure their basic safety, rights and dignity. With 18,879 women and men working in 137 countries, we work tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of 89.3 million forcibly displaced people worldwide.

Our dedicated and professional staff work around the clock in roles including legal protection, community services, public affairs, health and more. Despite the challenges they can face, our staff are proud to work for UNHCR and determined to make a positive impact.

Why a career with UNHCR?

Our dedicated staff work to protect and assist people fleeing conflict and persecution at a time when global forced displacement is at a record high. Our colleagues bring a wide range of specialized skills, including expertise in legal protection, administration, community services, public affairs, health and other disciplines.

Disability inclusion

If you are a person with a disability and you expect you may face challenges during the recruitment process, you can indicate it in your application form.

There are options to select any health conditions you may have and outline any necessary adjustments related to disabilities during the recruitment phases. Providing this information is optional. It will be treated as strictly confidential and used only for the purpose of finding out how to better assist you during the recruitment process.

Adjustments for candidates with disabilities will be provided as best as possible and as needed upon request.

All candidates will be assessed based on meeting the requirements for each vacancy in relation to experience, skills, and education.

Controller, Chief Financial Officer and Director