Comptroller and Director, Division of Financial and Administrative Management D-2, New York, USA

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of every child. For 75 years UNICEF has worked to improve the lives of children and their families. Saving and protecting lives and promoting child rights require a global presence and strong partnerships with governments, international and regional organizations, civil society and the private sector. All children have a right to survive, thrive and fulfil their potential – to the benefit of a better world.

For every child, commitment

Under the overall authority of the Executive Director and under the oversight of the Deputy Executive Director- Management, the Comptroller will direct and manage the organisation’s global financial, budget, accounting and administrative management operations and contribute to senior management deliberations to support the achievement of organisational goals and objectives.

How can you make a difference?

The Comptroller will have the following responsibilities:

1. Formulates the organisation’s financial plans and participates in the formulation of the strategic plans and integrated budget. Proposes to the Executive Director liquidity policy and monitors its application to minimise risk and maximise utilisation of resources.
2. Develops, implements, and ensures adherence to global financial, accounting, budgetary and administrative policies and procedures. Establishes internal control mechanisms, performance standards, and measurements to ensure the organisation’s assets are protected, resources are efficiently and effectively utilised, and all operational transactions are in accordance with the UN/UNICEF Financial Regulations and Rules.
3. Directs and supervises the activities of the Division of Financial and Administrative Management (DFAM) and provides financial guidance to senior management on financial, accounting, budget and administrative matters throughout the organisation. Monitors overall financial performance to ensure achievement of objectives and goals.
4. Oversees Global Strategic Operations function, supporting Regional and Country offices, ensuring collaboration from all levels within the organization and providing technical support and direction.
5. Manages and approves financial operations related to the organisation’s assets and liabilities, revenue, and expenses. Directs the opening and management of all UNICEF bank accounts and authorises transfer and payment of funds. Decides, with the advice of a UNICEF Financial Advisory Committee, on the investment of funds. Monitors return on investments and take action to minimise investment risk.
6. Ensures compliance with financial accountability requirements established by the Executive Board, Donors and UNICEF; and timely and efficiently submits required reports to Governing Bodies, Donors and UNICEF management. Develops and ensures adherence to accounting policies designed to produce timely and accurate accounting records and financial information.
7. Oversees the preparation and utilization of the institutional budget. In collaboration with relevant divisions, monitors the allocation and implementation of the programme and private sector budgets.
8. Support the identification and formulation of innovative financing modalities in collaboration with the Partnerships cone and other stakeholders.
9. Advises the Office of the Executive Director on the development of broad organisational operational objectives and policy issues. Ensures issuance of policies and their consistent application throughout the Organisation.
10. Contributes to financial forward planning of future requirements and level of UNICEF expenditures and activities on the basis of available and expected resources. Monitors and reports financial results in relation to budget plans.
11. Serves as Chairperson of the Contract Review Committee (CRC) at Headquarters. Guides and directs those in other offices on the appropriate conduct of business of CRC. Chairperson of the Insurance and Property Survey Board at Headquarters, which monitors UNICEF’s self-insurance scheme and approves purchase of commercial insurance.
12. Coordinates all relations of UNICEF with the United Nations Board of Auditors and, in related matters, with the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budget Questions. Represents UNICEF at the Finance and Budget Network of the UN HLCM.
13. Act for the Deputy Executive Director (Management) as required. Participates in UNICEF Executive Board meetings, providing guidance and advice to the Executive Director on financial and budgetary matters discussed in plenary and in the formal and informal sessions.
14. Provides authoritative advice and decisions on the interpretation and implementation of organisational policies and procedures related to financial management. Establishes philosophy and principles for new guidelines related to financial management.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• Advanced university degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field and internationally recognized professional certification (e.g., CPA, CA, ACCA or equivalent) is required. Knowledge of IPSAS, IFRS or GAAP is highly desirable.

• 15 years of professional financial management experience at a senior level in large organizations.
• Background and knowledge of reporting implications of innovative and structured finance instruments is highly desirable.
• Proven record of progressively responsible leadership experience in financial management and accounting with excellent people management skills.
• Previous experience with the United Nations or international organizations with operations in humanitarian or development context is desired.
• Fluency in English required. Knowledge of another UN working language is desired.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter:https://uni.cf/UNICEFValues

UNICEF competencies required for this post are at level III as follows:

1. Builds and maintains partnerships
2. Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness
3. Drive to achieve results for impact
4. Innovates and embraces change
5. Manages ambiguity and complexity
6. Thinks and acts strategically
7. Works collaboratively with others
8. Nurtures, leads and manages people

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.

Remarks:

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.
We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. 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.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments are also subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.