JOB DESCRIPTION

Deadline for Applications

October 17, 2025

Hardship Level

H (no hardship)

Family Type

Family

Family Type

Family

Residential location (if applicable)

Grade

PR5

Staff Member / Affiliate Type

Professional

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

Target Start Date

2025-11-01

Standard Job Description

Chief of Financial Shared Services Section

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships

The Chief of the Financial Shared Services Section (FSSS), also referred to as the “Finance Hub”, under the supervision of the Deputy Controller within the Global Finance Service (GFS) of the Division of Resource Management (DRM), is pivotal in ensuring the efficient and effective provision of transactional financial services to UNHCR operations worldwide. This role is critical in supporting the Controller in devising and implementing strategies aimed at enhancing financial management efficiency across the organization.

The Chief of FSSS leads complex financial services, assisting field operations in executing specialized accounting and financial functions. This role involves regular interactions with senior and middle management across various divisions, bureaus, and field offices, ensuring cohesive financial practices. The Chief of FSSS reports directly to the Deputy Controller and carries significant supervisory responsibilities.

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

• Oversee the daily operations of the Financial Shared Services Section, ensuring the processing of transactions adheres to high-quality standards and organizational goals. Develop a procedural framework and client-focused culture in the delivery of services.
• Develop strategies to enhance the financial transaction processing capacity of UNHCR, aligning with the Controller”s strategic directives. Facilitate the transition of services to the Finance Hub and actively identify business process reengineering opportunities with DRM functional leads to streamline and standardize financial services performed.
• Lead the strategic enhancement, scaling, and technological upgrades of the Finance Hub to boost transaction processing capabilities and support the expansion of services.
• Integrate advanced technologies such as Cloud ERP systems, Optical Character Recognition (OCR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to streamline operations and promote touchless processing.
• Embrace and advocate for an “automation first” approach to gain efficiencies and optimize the use of digital tools and technologies in supporting financial shared services.
• Collaborate with field operations and central finance teams to resolve technical issues, ensuring timely and accurate financial processing.
• Spearhead the development and implementation of efficient processes for invoice recording, payment processing, and bank reconciliations and other services within the Finance Hub’s service offerings.
• Develop and implement Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure and monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of financial services. Regularly report on these metrics to ensure alignment with organizational goals and continuous improvement.
• Mentor and supervise a diverse team, nurturing a culture of operational excellence and continuous improvement.
• Ensure strict compliance with all financial regulations and adapt to the dynamic needs of UNHCR activities.
• Collaborate closely with the Finance Center of Excellence and other DRM sections to onboard new operations smoothly, leverage continuous feedback for service improvement, and bridge knowledge gaps effectively.
• Fulfil additional responsibilities and tasks as needed to support the division’s objectives.
• 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 P5 – 12 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 11 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 10 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education

Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration,

or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses

Introduction to IPSAS, Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA)

(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience

Essential

Experience in managing shared services within an international environment and a robust understanding of decentralized operating models. Practical knowledge of change management methodologies and deliverables. Experience in financial and/or administrative process redesign, policy formulation and policy interpretation. Good understanding of innovative technologies and business process automation. Sound knowledge of ERP systems, in particular in the accounting, finance and budgetary fields. Capacity to explain financial concepts in non-technical language to non-finance audiences. Excellent managerial skills and ability to provide leadership and motivate staff. Proven track record in developing strategies to accomplish objectives and accountability in delivering results. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in an international environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Desirable

Knowledge of UN financial regulations, UNHCR financial rules, policies, and procedures. Very good understanding of UNHCR/UN”s financial management environment. Combined HQ and field experience in the areas of finance, administration or audit. Experience in business analysis and/or business re-engineering. Knowledge of French.

Functional Skills

MG-Change Management

FI-General Financial Management

FI-Financial Accrual Accounting under internationally accepted standards (IFRS,IPSAS,etc)

TR-Training Design and Material Preparation

(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

Strategic Planning and Vision

Cross-Functional Competencies

Analytical Thinking

Policy Development and Research

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

The incumbent is required to have excellent analytical skills, allowing him/her to make judgement calls and be able to escalate sensitive issues as appropriate. The impact of the work has a high reputational risk to the organization. The incumbent must have proven experience in:

• Leading a high-volume transaction service in an international environment, preferably within the UN system.
• Managing and supervising large, diverse teams of operational finance and/or admin staff and contract workers at various levels, working remotely and/or in-situ;
• Superior knowledge of UN financial regulations, UNHCR financial rules, policies, and procedures. Very good understanding of UNHCR/UN”s financial management environment.
• Practical knowledge of change management methodologies and deliverables and proven success in analyzing, streamlining, and automating processes to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and control.
• Experience in financial and/or administrative policy formulation and policy interpretation as well as demonstrated professional skills and experience in the design, development, and delivery of organizational capacity building initiatives.

The ideal candidate will also demonstrate:

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with ability to tailor messaging to different audiences to achieve strategic outcomes;
• A strong service mentality towards internal and external clients and stakeholders;
• Capacity to explain financial concepts in non-technical language and translate complex dynamics into key drivers to inform decision-making
• Ability to build and motivate a highly effective team;
• Awareness of the requirements and operating contexts of UNHCR operations in both HQ and field ;
• Willingness and ability to adapt workplans and ways of working to meet organizational objectives and priorities;
• Good understanding of innovative technologies and business process automation.

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: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position:

The Global Shared Services (GSS) provides location-independent transactional services in Finance, Payroll, Human Resources, Supply, and IT, to enable operations to focus on strategic and context-specific priorities globally. The GSS located in Budapest serves as the backbone of the service, which is supported by satellite teams in Panama, Amman, Kuala Lumpur, Dakar, and Nairobi. The GSS also works very closely with all enabling functions, DPM, DRM, DEPS, and ITS, to ensure policies and controls are implemented and delivered in an efficient manner. The strategic direction and operating modalities of the service are governed by the GSS Advisory Board.

This position is part of the Finance section of the GSS and will report to the Head of Global Shared Services. Additional responsibilities beyond those outlined in the job description include:

Establish a client-focused culture in the delivery of services, and engage proactively with Representatives, client focal points and key stakeholders to strengthen client satisfaction and service quality.

Provide advice to management regarding the application of financial policies and procedures by the GSS Finance Section and, when necessary, coordinate with relevant policy owners regarding the interpretation of policies and procedures.

Ensure accounting records for transactions processed by the GSS Finance Section are correct and reliable, and support the provision of audit samples and responses as needed.

Living and Working Conditions:

Additional Qualifications

Skills

FI-Financial Accrual Accounting under internationally accepted standards (IFRS,IPSAS,etc), FI-General Financial Management, MG-Change Management, TR-Training Design and Material Preparation

Education

Bachelor of Arts: Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts: Finance, Bachelor of Arts: Public Administration

Certifications

Certified Public Accountant – Other, Chartered Accountant (CA) – Other, IPSAS_Introduction to IPSAS – Other

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, Organizational awareness, Policy research & development, Strategic planning & visions, Teamwork & collaboration

UNHCR Salary Calculator

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Flash Vacancy Notice

Additional Information

Functional clearance

This position doesn”t require a functional clearance