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Organization: Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
Country: Kenya
City: Nairobi
Office: UNHCR Nairobi
Closing date: Thursday, 15 December 2022
Hardship Level: B
Family Type: Family
Family Type: Family
Residential location (if applicable): Grade: PR5
Staff Member / Affiliate Type: Professional
Reason: Regular > Regular Assignment
Remote work accepted: No
Job Posting End Date: December 15, 2022
Standard Job Description: Regional Controller
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.
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
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 and financial 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
(Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Certificates and/or Licenses
Not specified.
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)
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
FI-Financial Accounting – Modified cash-based accounting as per international standards
BU-Budgeting
(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.
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: Under the guidance of the Regional Bureau Deputy Director, lead and manage the Regional Controller team consisting of Project Control, Finance, and Budget functions, within the Bureau’s Strategic Management Pillar. In this capacity responsible for primarily 2nd line oversight functions as follows: Participate in the development and implementation of regional financial management objectives aligned with UNHCR’s strategy. Work with interlocutors to monitor, guide, and support the management of financial resources in the region – including position management and project control – throughout the Programme Management Cycle working closely with Regional Bureau Human Resources, Programme, Operations and Supply units. 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 internal control mechanisms to prevent financial fraud and mismanagement, working to ensure compliance with the Organization’s regulations and rules, policies and procedures related to administrative and financial management; maintain oversight and support to internal and external audit work, and verification missions in the region. Serve as direct interlocutor with OIOS on internal audit matters for the region. Track and oversee implementation status of regional audit recommendations working closely with regional project control, risk management, IMAS, and other functions. Oversee and ensure the provision of oversight and support, guidance, and capacity development to regional financial and administrative staff as well as other staff with financial and administrative responsibilities. Hold periodic scheduled meetings with country operations to oversee and guide on key financial and non-financial matters of importance. Serve as key regional interlocutor with DFAM and the UNHCR Controller’s office. Support the annual financial year-end closure process and internal control submission process. 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 primarily of ABOD and subsequent reallocations of resources during the programme cycle, so that the use of available resources is prioritised and optimised. Maintain tracking system of budget submissions and reallocations. Review resource requirements 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 as well as 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. Work to support and provide oversight on large UNHCR capital asset investment initiatives for the Regional Bureau. Coordinate and participate in the reoccurring Regional Bureau Oversight Committee (RBOC). Serve on the Green Financing Facility (GFF) Core Team and advisor to the Regional Bureau Director on matters pertaining to the GFF Board. Work on matters pertaining to the UNHCR fleet and associated advisory functions with GFM and the Bureau. Serve as key interlocutor on the Business Transformation ERP project. Serve as interlocutor on BOS and LSSC matters in the region and with partner agencies. Serve on the Regional Committee on Contracts. Seek opportunities for controllership innovation and outreach. Perform other duties related to financial and oversight management as required. Act as focal point for internal and external audit.
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 Regional Bureau for East Horn and Great Lakes located in Nairobi will have some 60 staff and cover eleven countries with some 3,300 staff including Burundi, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. It will also cover seven situations (the Annual Budget ExCom, Burundi, DRC, Central Mediterranean, Somalia, South Sudan, Syria, and Yemen).
It is the biggest region in sub-Saharan Africa with the largest number of PoCs and budget and includes Somalia with 2.6 million IDPs and 809,000 Somali refugees in the region as well as South Sudan with some 2 million IDPs and some 2.2 million South Sudanese refugees in six countries. The region also faces displacements from Burundi and DRC with mixed migration issues.
As senior manager s/he must:
possess strong leadership, organizational and managerial skills to ensure a team supervisory role and coordination with relevant country offices;
be flexible with a high degree of accountability and pro-activeness in anticipating and managing situations;
promote team spirit, functional collaboration and diversity;
create effective networks, relationships, and synergies with senior staff in the extended region and UN agencies, intergovernmental organizations, NGOs, embassies, academic institutions and media;
communicate effectively, orally and in writing, and be capable of establishing an enabling working environment (rapport with stakeholders);
knowledge of, familiarity with Africa operations and political and humanitarian challenges would be beneficial;
be able to travel on missions to remote field locations with challenging working conditions and security concerns;
have experiences and demonstrated coaching abilities as this is a new function and will require capacity building skills and ease in teaching, mentoring and facilitating;
be a team player with strong interpersonal skills and support a collaborative approach;
have supervisory capacity to oversee: a P4 Snr Budget Officer with a G6 Budget Associate; a P4 Snr Budget Control Officer; a P3 Finance Officer with an NOB Finance Officer.
Living and Working Conditions:: Nairobi is in UN Security Phase 1 however politically instigated demonstrations and riots can occur at any time. There is general crime similar to that in large cities and a high sense of vigilance and alertness is required.
Despite the security concerns mentioned above, Nairobi is a very good duty station for families. It has good medical facilities and the recreational facilities, schools and hotels are of international standards. It has an excellent climate, and comfortable houses and other forms of accommodation are available as are good banking facilities, unlimited access to all forms of communications such as internet, telephone Sim cards, etc.
Additional Qualifications: Skills
Education
BA: Accounting (Required), BA: Business Administration (Required), BA: Economics (Required), BA: Finance (Required)
Certifications
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, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Strategic planning & visions, Teamwork & collaboration
UNHCR Salary Calculator: https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales
Compendium: Bi-annual Compendium 2022 Part B \u2013 November 2022
Functional clearance: This position requires Functional Clearance
website: https://unhcr.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/details/Regional-Controller_JR2204980
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