Controller, Chief Financial Officer and Director

Overview

Controller, Chief Financial Officer and Director – Division of Resource Management (DRM). 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, and the stewardship of organisational resources.

• 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 organisational 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 mobilisation 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 safeguard organisational assets and resources.
• Direct the development and implementation of financial policies, procedures, standards, and guidance applicable across the Organisation.
• 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 optimisation, and organisational effectiveness.
• Foster a culture of efficiency, accountability, service excellence, innovation, continuous improvement, and prudent stewardship throughout the Organisation.
• Direct the preparation of financial analyses, management reports, and strategic recommendations for senior management, governing bodies, and donors.
• Lead organisational responses to internal and external audit findings and ensure the timely implementation of agreed recommendations.
• Represent the Organisation in inter‑agency, donor, governmental, and external forums on matters relating to financial management, governance, accountability, and organisational 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 teams to proactively manage risks and seize opportunities impacting objectives, integrating risk‑management principles into decision‑making at both strategic and operational levels.
• Allocate resources for planned treatments with resource requirements in Strategic Plans, ensuring risks are managed to acceptable levels and escalating where necessary.
• Designate Risk Focal Points, certify completion of annual risk reviews, and ensure ongoing updates of the risk register throughout the year.
• Perform other related duties as required.

• 18 years relevant experience with an undergraduate degree; 17 years with a graduate degree; or 16 years with a doctorate degree.
• Fields of study:
  Financ…