Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
Under the direct supervision of the Director of the Bureau/Division, or delegated staff member, and with the functional oversight of UNHCR’s Controller, the Regional Controller is responsible and accountable for guiding, monitoring, advising on, and supporting the comprehensive financial and administrative management of the offices in the region. The incumbent typically represents the Bureau/Division in all management discussions regarding financial resources.As per delegation from the Director of the Bureau/Division, the Regional Controller, as part of the Bureau’s multi-functional team, analyses, advises and makes recommendations, or decisions – based on delegation – on content, prioritization, and presentation of programme, administrative, and staff budgets and on the financial and administrative operation; in full compliance with UN/UNHCR rules and regulations and in consideration of funding or donors¿ requirements. S/he will provide analysis and advice on all resource allocation and reallocation processes in particular during the annual planning and mid-term review and programme implementation.The incumbent also supervises budget, finance and project control staff, and interacts with several parts of the Organization to coordinate, monitor, guide, and assist on financial and resource management aspects based on predetermined policies, instructions, and guidelines, in coordination with UNHCR’s Controller and other services and sections in the Division of Financial and Administrative Management (DFAM). The incumbent may also contact external stakeholders, such as UNHCR-funded partners, governments, or donors on financial management subjects to ensure safeguarding UNHCR’s interests.
In the Regional Bureaux, the incumbent is responsible for ensuring, in an effective and efficient manner which supports the Organization’s Mandate, overall quality assurance and managerial support of operations, in line with the Bureau¿s 2nd line function, within the three lines of defence conceptual framework for effective control and risk management adopted by the UN system.
S/he will, further, cover the full spectrum of managerial oversight, manage performance and monitor the adherence of Country Operations to UNHCR’s rules and regulations, monitoring, identifying and addressing any emerging issues and risks as appropriate. The incumbent also promotes a culture that is results-oriented, efficient and based on trust and pursues measures to ensure that inclusion, gender balance and diversity are taken into due consideration in staffing, resource allocation and representation at all levels throughout the region.
As a key custodian of the organization’s standards of conduct, s/he will proactively establish a working environment where all personnel feel safe, heard, equipped and empowered to speak up; demonstrate no tolerance for sexism, gender inequality, discrimination of any kind, abuse of power, harassment or sexual harassment; foster ongoing dialogue on those matters; take seriously all issues of inappropriate behaviour and actions reported, whether formally or informally; and seek guidance and support as necessary to ensure that appropriate follow-up is taken, working on the basis of zero tolerance for any form of misconduct.
Duties
Participate in the development and implementation of regional financial management objectives aligned with UNHCR’s strategy.
Monitor, guide, and support the management of all financial resources in the region – including position management and project control – throughout the Programme Management Cycle; following-up as required to ensure the application of policies, instructions, and best practices; the cost-effective use of resources; and the prevention, mitigation, and solution of problems and challenges.
Monitor and guide the implementation of internal control mechanisms to prevent fraud and mismanagement, ensuring compliance with UNHCR’s policies and procedures related to administrative, financial, and risk management; support internal and external audit work and verification missions in the region.
Oversee and ensure the provision of first-line support, guidance, and capacity development to the financial and administrative staff as well as other staff with financial and administrative responsibilities.
Support the regional annual planning for financial requirements, providing useful analysis that include, but is not limited to, past trends and future projections, reviewing and ensuring the quality, coherence, consistency, and completeness of budget submissions; making proposals for the initial allocation and subsequent reallocations of resources during the programme cycle, so that the use of available resources is prioritised and optimised.
Review resource requirements contained in proposals to donors as part of the internal endorsement process with a view to seeking adequate coverage of all budget categories (Staff, ABOD, and Operations) considering relevant risk management aspects and funding of prioritized activities.
Monitor and support the regional management of financial accounting, treasury as well as procurement and Cash-Based Intervention (CBI) operations as they relate to financial management, to ensure adequate application of policies, instructions, and guidelines, safeguarding UNHCR’s assets.
Support and provide financial analysis and input to reports, including the mid-year and year-end reports, Global Appeal, Global Report, reports to donors, etc. as well as specific reports requested by the Director, UNHCR’s Controller, or other Headquarters units.
Liaise with governmental, intergovernmental, and other partner entities on resource management issues with a view to ensuring smooth implementation of UNHCR’s activities and represent the Organization at relevant regional internal and external meetings regarding administrative and financial management.
Performs other duties related to financial management as required.
Act as focal point for internal and external audit.
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
Business Administration; Accounting; Finance; Economics; or related field
Relevant Job Experience
Essential:
Work experience relevant to the function such as programme, administration, and finance at least 4 years of which should be in an international capacity.
Experience in financial management, accounting, budgeting, internal control assessment, internal audit and/or external audit at regional or global level in multi-million dollar operations.
Experience in the financial management of humanitarian or emergency operations in the field.
Experience advising Senior management on financial management matters, including the application of finance-related policies and instructions.
Experience in liaising with governmental and diplomatic authorities as well as with international institutions, and partners. Experience in statutory reporting and/or management reporting.
Knowledge and understanding of UNHCR/UN rules, policies, and regulations regarding financial management.
Knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) OR International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).
Proven ability to identify client needs and match them to appropriate solutions.
Excellent level of computer literacy in particular, experience in computerized accounting systems and software.
Desirable:
Professional qualification in accounting (CPA, CMA or CA or equivalent).
Applied knowledge of UNHCR’s mandate and protection principles.
Exposure to UN field operations.
Exposure to humanitarian operations. Working knowledge in French.
Functional Skills
UN – UN/UNHCR Administrative Rules, Regulations and Procedures
EX – Field experience
FI – Accounting
BU – Budgeting
FI – Treasury/Cash Management/Banking/Investment/Foreign Exchange
