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 Financial and Administrative Management (DFAM), 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.

• 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 DFAM 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 DFAM 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)

Essential

Relevant Job Experience

• 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.

Desired Candidate Profile

Education:

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Experience:

• A minimum of 12 years of progressively responsible experience in financial management, shared services, or accounting, preferably within an international organization or a large, decentralized setting.
• Proven track record in managing complex financial operations or similar large-scale processes, ideally encompassing functions such as accounts payable, bank reconciliations, or financial transaction processing in an international or decentralized setting.
• Extensive experience in leading diverse teams and implementing innovative technologies, such as RPA and AI, to enhance operational efficiency.
• Certification in project management, change management or process improvement methodologies (PRINCE2, PMP, SixSigma or similar) and demonstrated experience leading large scale change initiatives in an international setting.