Chief Financial Officer

Job categories Finance, Leadership

Vacancy code VA/2023/B0004/25671

Level ICS-14

Department/office MP, FG, Finance Group

Duty station Copenhagen, Denmark

Contract type Fixed Term

Contract level D2

Duration 2 Years (Two year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance)

Application period 28-Apr-2023 to 02-Jun-2023

Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement.

Please note that UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.

This vacancy is closed.

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Background Information - Job-specific

Finance Group

Finance Group (FG) is a critical strategic business function in UNOPS and serves as an authoritative and integrated partner in the organization on matters related to strategic financial planning and budgeting, business strategy and practices, financial analysis and risk assessment, financial management services and treasury management.

As the steward of resources of a self-financing UN entity, FG is accountable for setting and executing financial management standards and frameworks for UNOPS, ensuring timely cost recovery, maintaining the integrity and transparency of financial management of resources in accordance with the highest standards of ethics and organizational/international accountability framework and the accurate and transparent financial reporting to partners, governing bodies, clients, partners and stakeholders.

The Role

Reporting to the Deputy Executive Director (DED) for Operations and Policy, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) provides strategic and substantive guidance on financial and financial risk management to the Executive Director, DED-Operations and Policy, senior management, and all business units in UNOPS.

Under the general direction of the DED-Operations and Policy, the CFO is responsible for the strategic management of financial resources, overseeing financial forecasting, budget and cost management, and sound financial management policies and practices for the organization.

As leader of the Finance Group, the CFO is ultimately accountable for the development of a cohesive financial framework, policies and processes to support the varied service lines pursued by UNOPS. In this capacity, the CFO provides leadership to the strategic finance function,

positioning it as a key business partner for strategic impact and driving the financial transformation journey, including digital transformation.

The CFO offers strategic and expert advice in relation to the following areas:

Financial risk-intelligent culture and financial risk management approaches - Catalyze and instill financial approaches throughout the organization to help all geographic and functional entities perform better while promoting a risk-intelligent culture and early-warning risk management approaches, thereby continuously improving institutional oversight as well as audit performance and results.
Financial Regulatory Framework - Custodian of the financial regulatory framework and related policies and procedures, seeking to build consensus within UNOPS and with key stakeholders on critical budget-related matters requiring EB legislation.
Internal Financial Planning - Lead robust internal financial planning, budgeting and analysis, supported by clear business analytics, that enables the leadership to make decisions that are fact-based and risk-informed.

In addition, the CFO undertakes the following corporate roles and responsibilities while reporting into the DED-Operations and Policy:

Formulate and align financial and high-level budgetary strategies and frameworks within the organization’s Strategic Plan and decisions of the Executive Board (EB).
Institute stewardship, thereby preserving assets of the organization, minimizing risk and getting the books of account right. Promote clear accountability for financial transactions and producing financial statements, including financial reporting to partners and UNOPS’s EB.
Ensure utilization of financial resources in line with the financial regulations and rules, as well as budgetary and internal control frameworks, to achieve results. Continuously promote tight financial operations that are efficient and effective.
Continuous innovation for new financial instruments and adjustments to existing instruments aligning with the evolving development strategies and funding landscape, noting the regulatory framework and EB decisions.
Lead the global finance function, including as the global process owner on finance and budgetary matters.

*** This recruitment process is being facilitated by SRI Executive. If you meet the requirements for the role, you should anticipate contact from them in the near future.***

Functional Responsibilities

Reporting to the Deputy Executive Director (DED) for Operations and Policy, the ...

Reporting to the Deputy Executive Director (DED) for Operations and Policy, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) provides strategic and substantive guidance on financial and financial risk management to the Executive Director, DED-Operations and Policy, senior management, and all business units in UNOPS.

Summary of Functions:

Strategic Advisory
People Leadership
Financial Management and Control
Representation and Partnership
Knowledge Management and Innovation

Strategic Advisory

Provide strategic and expert advice to the DED-Operations and Policy on all financial matters, including representation where appropriate at various inter-agency fora.
Formulate, implement and monitor a dynamic financial framework with incentives to units and linked to results.
Advise the DED-Operations and Policy on budget execution based on high quality analytics that support critical decision-making and drive achievement of zero net revenue outcomes.
Support DED-Operations and Policy with effective prioritization of corporate and strategic initiatives, and with the creation of an enabling environment for prompt and consistent implementation of such initiatives.
Provide financial information and represent the Finance perspective to support decision-making by the senior management team

2. People Leadership

As a member of UNOPS global leadership, role model UNOPS values and behavioural competencies, and contribute to the strategic leadership in delivery and organizational culture development, in order for UNOPS to build a motivated, inclusive, collaborative and agile work environment conducive to enhancing organizational capacity 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 optimal performance in line with UNOPS culture.
Foster a positive work environment that is respectful of all. Ensure appropriate focus on team well-being, empowerment, diversity, and inclusion and that the highest standards of conduct are observed.

3. Financial Management and Control

Lead and empower the Deputy Director and other senior members of the Finance Group in the design and delivery of an integrated platform of services, which ensures highly responsive services to clients, management and project staff while safeguarding the integrity of financial systems and resource liquidity in accordance with UNOPS policies.
Oversee the strategic financial resource management activities necessary for the functioning of the Finance Group, including inputs to the UNOPS Strategic Plan, formulation of budgets, assigning and monitoring of performance parameters and indicators, reporting on budget/programme performance, evaluation of staff performance, and timely recruitment of diverse and effective staff for the Finance Group.
Formulate and implement finance strategies and policies that support current and future directions of the organization, directing and advising to optimize the use of all financial resources and ensure the financial integrity of the organization as well as cost-effective best practice reform of financial and budgeting operations, particularly exploring the value of re-engineering, centralization and decentralization, regionalization, automation and outsourcing.
In close consultations with the Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Digital Transformation Programme Director, direct and oversee support for financial systems development and implementation in the context of a wider corporate enterprise resource planning: (i) advisory on design, configuration, testing and roll-out; (ii) co-ordination and collaboration with both internal and external stakeholders; and (iii) representation and advisory on decision making committees.
Assess the effectiveness and performance of the Finance function. Make decisions and/or recommend major changes and/ or alignment in operations to the DED-Operations and Policy to enhance and/ or maintain effectiveness.
Endorse annual targets, in accordance with the four perspectives of the UNOPS Balanced Scorecard.
Formulate high quality budgetary frameworks for the Executive Board that further build confidence of Member States in UNOPS and support the Strategic Plan.
Direct financial and administrative operations: cash management, including liquidity investment and foreign exchange activities and funding of COs and MCOs, organization accounting, administrative and financial controls, including the production of financial statements.
Ensure compliance with accounting standards and financial controls; accurate and timely financial reporting to the EB, senior management team, and other stakeholders; support for financial training/learning of both partners and personnel; and maximization of opportunities for cost-recovery.
Ensure appropriate investment strategy, as part of the Investment Committee.
Perform the roles and responsibilities of Controller as set out in UNOPS’s Financial Regulations and Rules.
Ensure statutory financial statements are accurate and prepared in compliance with the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).

4. Representation and Partnership

Represent UNOPS at international, regional, inter-agency meetings and networks on financial resource management.
Liaise with the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ) and the Executive Board, funding-partners, strategic partners and the financial community

5. Knowledge Management and Innovation

Lead the development and introduction of innovation with Finance to support UNOPS’s ability to continuously incorporate best practice 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 DED- Operations and Policy, for targeted investments in growth and innovation across the Finance Group.
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.

Impact of Results:

The effective and successful achievement of results by the incumbent directly impacts on effective management and operational integrity of UNOPS. Consequently, it affects the visibility and image of the UNOPS brand, as an effective service provider in project services and management, strengthening UNOPS competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education: An advanced university degree (Master’s Degree or equival...

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and ex...

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Fixed-Term Appointment (Staff) Contract level: D2 (ICS 14) Cont...

Additional Information

Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes. Applic...

Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

This vacancy is closed.

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APPLICATION TIPS

How to send a good application:

TOGETHER, WE BUILD THE FUTURE

UNOPS – an operational arm of the United Nations – supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by successfully implementing its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world.

Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development.

We are proud of our people. The UNOPS family brings together approximately 160 nationalities, represented by over 5,000 UNOPS personnel as well as some 7,800 personnel recruited on behalf on our partners. Spread across 80 countries, our workforce is rich in diversity and culture – with inclusion at its core.

We understand the importance of balancing professional and personal demands and offer several flexible working options.

Explore what we offer here.