Deputy Chief Financial Officer & Director Finance Group

• Under the guidance of the Chief Financial Officer and Director of Administration contribute to the formulation of UNOPS overall strategies and policies through advisory services to the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and participation in the senior management group on current and future business operations and strategy development and planning

• Advise the Chief Financial Officer and Director for Administration on developing an ambitious and innovative vision for financial management for the organization.

• Drive the development and oversee the implementation of the finance strategy for UNOPS. Ensure the strategic alignment of financial management policies and services with the organizational goals of UNOPS, sustaining the organization's ability to adapt and respond to the external environment.

• Serve as a principal internal advocate for prudent financial management and growth of assets and build an informed and shared management engagement on financial issues, by advocating the value of linking financial and operational information for decision-making purposes

• Provide the Chief Financial Officer and Director for Administration and the SLT with timely and accurate management reports, strategic advice and proposals to ensure the immediate and longer term implications, opportunities and risks of business decisions are fully considered, and aligned with the organization’s financial strategy

• Support the Chief Financial Officer and Director for Administration in ensuring the SLT is kept informed of issues, trends, and changes which are relevant to the operation of an efficient finance function. Provide financial and other information to support the SLT decision making.

• Develop the strategy and establish priorities for the Finance Group, aligned with the vision of the Chief Financial Officer and Director for Administration.

• Under the guidance from the Chief Financial Officer and Director for Administration, lead and empower the Finance Group in the evolution, design and delivery of an integrated platform of services, which ensures highly responsive service to clients, management and project personnel while safeguarding the integrity of financial systems and resource liquidity in accordance with UNOPS policies.

• Lead the FG in the delivery against its plans and objectives, reporting on progress to the Chief Financial Officer and Director for Administration. Ensure services and priorities are aligned, integrated, high quality and responsive.

• Lead the direction of transformational  projects, under the guidance from the Chief Financial Officer and Director for Administration in areas of financial systems development, Global Treasury, and other areas to be determined.

• Lead the FG in becoming an enabler for the rest of the organizational entities in achieving their goals and organizational alignment, by providing financial guidance, robust tools and solutions. Implement financial policies that capture developments in financial management, promoting the comparative advantage of UNOPS and demonstrating effective stewardship of resources to clients and donors.

• Assess the performance and efficacy of financial services and  in consultation with the Chief Financial Officer and Director for Administration make decisions changes and/or alignment in operations.

• Ensure that systems and processes for financial administration, financial control and protection of the organization’s resources and assets are in place and designed in conformity with appropriate ethical standards and monitor their continuing effectiveness in practice.

• Responsible for the oversight of the treasury function, with specific emphasis on investments, bank accounts and large value payments.

• Review and maintain a well-organized, competent organizational structure of the Finance Group. 

• Ensure the maintenance of an effective financial management infrastructure that extends to all Regions and is responsive and adaptable to the varied business initiatives pursued by UNOPS.

• Champion financial risk management by promoting innovation in financial controls, policies and risk mitigation mechanisms. Engage with the wider UN system and the external financial management fora for exchanges on lessons learned and innovation.

• Provide recommendations based on analysis of various audit and other information to enhance financial policies and to implement necessary changes that will strengthen the financial capacity and controls throughout the organization.

• Act as Officer-in-charge (OIC) in the absence of the Chief Financial Officer and Director for Administration including representation activities within the UN system and with partners.

• As a member of UNOPS global leadership, role model UNOPS values and behavioral competencies, and contribute to the strategic leadership in delivery and in organizational culture development, in order for UNOPS to build a motivated workforce and an inclusive, collaborative and agile work environment, conducive to enhancing organizational capacity for UNOPS to serve and to prosper.

• Promote teamwork and collaboration by providing the FG team with clear direction, objectives and guidance to enable them to perform their duties responsibly, effectively and efficiently.

• Plan, recruit and develop a diverse and flexible workforce with the values, skills and competencies needed to ensure optimum performance in line with UNOPS culture.

• Foster a positive work environment, respectful of all, and ensure appropriate focus on team wellbeing, empowerment, diversity, inclusion, and that the highest standards of conduct are observed.

4. Financial information management and reporting 

• Partner with and support the  Chief Financial Officer and Director for Administration in leading the development and implementation of the UNOPS strategic budgeting process, ensuring appropriate  guidance, support, analysis and input to stakeholders is provided throughout, articulating important financial issues and proposing appropriate solutions

• Oversee the consolidation to the overall budget for UNOPS, guiding and influencing organizational decision making, to focus available resources on the most critical strategic priorities for the organization.

• Monitor, evaluate and communicate budgetary performance through quarterly reporting to the SLT, and through the interim review processes.

• Provide oversight of UNOPS financial accounting and reporting activities, including annual budget development and implementation.

• Ensure statutory financial statements are accurate and prepared in compliance with the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS)

• Review and recommend for endorsement by the Chief Financial Officer and Director for Administration all financial reports submitted to senior management, including reports submitted to legislative bodies and for certification by the United Nations Board of Auditors, in compliance with all applicable financial regulations, rules, procedures and accounting standards

• Drive improvements to the organization’s overall financial system to support automation of standard financial processes and to ensure that the maximum benefit of management information is obtained.

5. Knowledge Management and innovation

• Lead the development and introduction of innovation in financial management practices, to ensure UNOPS is continually incorporating best practices approaches in the delivery of project services.

• Ensure the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for corporate development planning and knowledge building

• Establish priorities, in consultation with the Chief Financial Officer and Director for Administration and the SLT, for targeted investments in growth and innovation.

• As a member of the UNOPS global leadership team, contribute to identification and implementation of innovation and continuous improvement in support of organizational excellence and world-class performance