Controller, Chief Financial Officer and DirectorUNHCR - United Nations High Commissioner for RefugeesGenevaDI2
Posted July 20, 2026
About this opportunity
Opportunity Overview
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is hiring a Controller, Chief Financial Officer, and Director to work in Geneva. This role is the principal advisor to the High Commissioner and Senior Executive Team on all matters relating to financial management. The Controller will provide strategic leadership and oversight of UNHCR's global financial management framework. The ideal candidate will have experience in financial management, budgeting, and resource allocation. The Controller will be 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 stakeholders. This includes leading the development and implementation of financial and administrative policies, strategies, and governance frameworks. The Controller will also champion the modernization of UNHCR's financial and administrative management functions through digital transformation and innovative service delivery models. The Controller will direct a globally distributed workforce and collaborate closely with Headquarters divisions, Regional Bureaux, Country Operations, Global Service Centres, and other corporate functions. The incumbent will maintain regular engagement with senior managers on strategic, operational, and governance matters.
Responsibilities
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
Benefits
- The source does not specify the benefits for this role.
Requirements & Qualifications
- The source does not specify the requirements and qualifications for this role, however, it can be inferred that the ideal candidate will have experience in financial management, budgeting, and resource allocation.
How to Apply
- Review the job description and requirements.
- Prepare your application, including your resume and cover letter.
- Click the Apply button below to submit your application.
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