JOB DESCRIPTION

INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS UNION

The ITU, the United Nations’ leading information and communications technology agency, is dedicated to connecting the world. It does this by managing the international radio spectrum and satellite orbits, strengthening communications infrastructure in developing countries, and developing global standards that ensure the seamless interconnection of a wide variety of communications systems.

Senior Financial Management Advisor

Vacancy Notice Number: 2120

Sector: SG

Department: FRMD

Contract country: Switzerland

Duty station: Geneva

Position number: FI01/P5/311

Grade: P5

Contract type: Fixed term

Contract duration: 2 years with possibility of extension

Publication Type: External

Application deadline (Midnight Geneva time) November 3, 2025

ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT

The General Secretariat directs the administrative, human, and financial resources and activities of the Union, including the implementation of administrative standards relating to operational matters and the dissemination of information on telecommunication/ICT matters for operational and other purposes, and the provision of legal advice to the entire Union. The General Secretariat coordinates the implementation of the Strategic Plan, monitors the telecommunication/ICT environment, and recommends, as necessary, measures regarding the future policies and strategy of the Union. The General Secretariat ensures intersectoral coordination and cooperation to advance the comprehensive ITU (One-ITU) approach at headquarters and in the field. The General Secretariat provides logistical and information technology support for the Union’s activities, including global conferences and forums; coordinates the Union’s work with the United Nations system and other international organizations; and engages Member States, Sector Members, and academic institutions. The General Secretariat manages the organization’s governance and strategic communication and relations with the media, various stakeholder groups and the general public.

Within the General Secretariat, the Financial Resources Management Department (FRMD) provides advice to the Secretary-General on financial resource management, accounting matters, and procurement. It manages ITU’s resources and ensures compliance with ITU rules and regulations, policies and strategies, and the policies of the United Nations common system. It also ensures sound and balanced financial management of the Union and provides strategic support and advice on financial, budgetary, and procurement matters, with the aim of strengthening ITU’s financial system.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

Under the direction of the Head of the Financial Resources Management Department (FRMD) and in close collaboration with the Head of the Administration and Finance Department (A&F), the Senior Financial Management Adviser provides expert financial advice to ITU management on matters related to accounting, budget preparation and implementation, financial transformation, strategic and financial planning, and operations planning. He/she supports the Head of the FRMD Department in achieving key deliverables in these areas.
The Senior Financial Management Adviser combines cutting-edge expertise, operational acumen, and political skills, combining various areas of financial expertise to support the FRMD Department in addressing strategic financial management issues of the Union.
The incumbent acts in compliance with organizational rules and regulations and assumes the responsibilities necessary for the successful execution of the missions assigned to him/her.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The post holder:

• Assists the Heads of A&F and FRMD in handling the Union’s financial matters and provides expert advice to facilitate decision-making. Directs and manages the Budget Division and the Extrabudgetary Funds Control Unit (EFCU) in the conceptualization and implementation of policies, strategies, plans, projects and methods relating to the administration and provision of financial support services throughout ITU. Evaluates progress and determines corrective actions to be taken.
• Coordinates the preparation of financial statements and working papers by reviewing, in consultation with the FRMD Department team, external consultants and relevant departments, the preparation of ITU’s financial statements, ensuring their accuracy and completeness.
• Provides expert advice and capacity building support regarding ITU’s compliance with IPSAS. Ensures, through the FRMD team, that ITU fully complies with the specific requirements of these standards.
• Streamlines revenue management, particularly voluntary contributions and trust funds. Reviews and assesses current processes related to the accounting of these revenue streams with a view to consolidating and improving them. Leads the development of future contributor management requirements in line with ITU’s resource mobilization strategy, including improving contributor visibility, transparency, and reporting. Oversees the development and implementation of best-in-class systems to support timely, accurate, and effective financial reporting.
• Provides expert advice and guidance to improve ITU’s budgetary processes and ensure financial stability across the Organization. Reviews the current budgeting methodology and proposes options for aligning ITU’s budget preparation with revenue forecasts and revised Financial Rules and Regulations.
• Leads the development of a strengthened budget execution and monitoring framework to ensure consistent budget implementation in accordance with the ITU Strategic Plan and the approved and allocated budget, including appropriate planning of activities with available resources.
• Develops a revised budget structure that better integrates statutory and extra-budgetary resources for more effective financial planning.
• Designs and implements a multi-year financial planning framework aligned with ITU’s strategic and operational plans, in collaboration with stakeholders across the Union.
• Develops policies and tools to integrate revenue forecasts, cost drivers and policy changes into long-term financial projections.
• Evaluates the existing results-based management (RBM) framework with a view to defining the new model in consultation with all relevant stakeholders, and implements the new RBM framework.
• Leads the review and revision of ITU’s chart of accounts and budget structure to improve transparency, enable results-based reporting and ensure alignment with IPSAS and RBM frameworks.
• Performs any other related tasks that may be assigned by the Head of the FRMD Department.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Application of specialized knowledge; Ability to communicate effectively; Training and knowledge exchange; Commitment to the organization; Results-oriented approach; and, Team spirit and collaboration.

FUNCTIONAL SKILLS

Analysis, sound judgment and decision-making skills

Customer and service focus

Openness to innovation and change

Leadership Qualities

Establishing networks and partnerships

Ability to plan and organize

Effective management

TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Strong expertise in IPSAS or other equivalent international accounting standards.
• Excellent analytical, organizational and leadership skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work in a multicultural environment.
• Proven knowledge in developing, implementing and evaluating strategic budget plans aligned with organizational objectives.
• Practical proficiency in the detection, analysis and management of budgetary risks, including the development of contingency plans.
• Proven ability to collaborate with external consultants, auditors and other key stakeholders.
• Up-to-date knowledge of financial regulations and current legislation.
• Proficiency in accounting software, Microsoft Excel, data analysis tools and other relevant financial software is preferred.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Advanced university degree in accounting, finance or a related field OR training received from a higher education institution of established reputation, attested by a diploma at the level equivalent to an advanced university degree in one of the above fields.
For internal candidates, an undergraduate university degree in one of the above fields, combined with fifteen years of relevant professional experience, may be substituted for the advanced university degree for promotion or rotation purposes.

FCCA, FCA, CPA or similar certification is desirable.

Experience:

At least ten years of progressively responsible experience in professional accounting, including management, team management, or leading large accounting or financial projects, including at least five years at the international level, preferably in a public sector or international organization.
A PhD in a related field may be considered equivalent to three years of professional experience.

At least seven years of practical experience in the application of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) or equivalent international accounting standards is essential.

Extensive experience in the preparation and approval of financial statements, including working papers and compliance actions, is required.

Previous experience developing financial policies, procedures and documents to support financial compliance and reporting is required.

Practical experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software, particularly financial and accounting modules, is essential.

Strong experience in financial analysis, forecasting and reporting, as well as the ability to communicate on budgetary matters to non-expert stakeholders and senior officials, is required.

Proven experience in the effective and efficient allocation of resources, both human and financial, in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment is required.

Experience managing budgets funded by multiple sources, including grants, donor contributions and internal funds, ensuring compliance with the requirements of each funding source, is required.

Experience with project management methods such as PMI or PRINCE2 is desirable.

Experience working with multidisciplinary teams, particularly in IT, legal or operations, to achieve accounting and financial objectives is desirable.

LANGUAGES:

Knowledge of one of the six official languages ​​of the Union (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish) at an advanced level and knowledge of a second official language at an intermediate level. Knowledge of a third official language would be an advantage. (Under the provisions of Council Resolution 626, relaxation of language requirements may be permitted for candidates from developing countries: where candidates from these countries have a thorough knowledge of one of the official languages ​​of the Union, their applications may be considered.)

RIGHTS AND BENEFITS

Salary:

The total annual salary consists of a net annual salary (net of taxes and before deduction of medical insurance and pension contributions) in USD and a post adjustment (cost of living allowance). The post adjustment is variable and may be changed without notice, in accordance with the rates established in the United Nations Common System of salaries and benefits.
Annual salary starting from $ 101,540 + post adjustment $ 82,654
Other allowances and benefits are subject to the specific conditions of appointment, please refer to: What-we-offer

INFORMATION ON THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an online application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the ITU Careers website. The assessment of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy announcement and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. ITU uses communication technologies such as video or teleconferencing, email correspondence, etc. for the assessment of candidates. Please note that only selected candidates will be contacted, and candidates at the final selection stage will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided. Messages from email addresses other than the ITU one – @itu.int – should not be considered under any circumstances. ITU does not charge any fees at any time during the recruitment process.

ITU has a zero-tolerance policy on any form of harassment. ITU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages all candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious, and ethnic background, including persons with disabilities, to apply to join the organization. Gender parity is of great importance to ITU.