Senior Finance Officer

The medium-term programme framework (MTPF) 2026 - 2029 is UNIDO’s core strategic document and it is in line with UNIDO’s Vision 2050. It sets a renewed vision to support Member States and shape their industries for development. The priorities include fair and sustainable global and regional supply chains, ending hunger through innovation and local value addition, renewable and clean energy, sustainable energy access and climate action. Cross-cutting priorities focus on industrial and economic policy advice, skills development, fostering digitalization and artificial intelligence, gender equality and the empowerment of women, supporting youth, promoting cleaner production and circular economy, and leveraging private sector investment and development finance.

Each of these programmatic fields of activity contains a number of individual programmes, which are implemented in a holistic manner to achieve effective outcomes and impacts through UNIDO’s four enabling functions: (i) technical cooperation; (ii) analytical and research functions and policy advisory services; (iii) normative functions and standards-related activities; and (iv) convening and fostering partnerships for knowledge and technology transfer, investment mobilization, networking and industrial cooperation. Such core functions are carried out in Divisions/Offices in its Headquarters, Sub-regional Offices and Country Offices.

Under the overall direction of the Director General, and in close collaboration with relevant organizational entities within UNIDO, the Directorate of Corporate Services and Operations (COR), headed by a Managing Director, is responsible and accountable for the management of UNIDO’s human, financial and material resources, ensuring the capacity of the Organization to fulfil its mandate. The Directorate oversees a full range of corporate services to meet the support needs of the Organization, acts as a custodian for corporate management policies, and promotes a culture of cooperation, service orientation and corporate excellence throughout the Organization to deliver efficient and effective high-quality work and enable tangible impact on the ground to achieve ISID worldwide.

The position is located in the Division of Financial Resource Management (COR/FIN). Under the supervision of the Managing Director of the Directorate of Corporate Services and Operations, and in close coordination with other organizational entities within UNIDO, the Division enables the Organization to implement its mandate through high quality, accurate, innovative and timely financial services. COR/FIN is responsible for the financial management of UNIDO, supporting and enabling programme delivery across all UNIDO functions (TC, normative, policy advisory and convening).

Project Context

Project 230356:funded by the Government of Japan “Green industrial recovery project for Ukraine through technology transfer from and the co-creation of new businesses with Japan’s private industries”.

The overall objective of the project is to support the green industrial recovery and long-term sustainable development of Ukraine through technology transfer, capacity-building and co-creation of businesses in key industrial sectors with high potential for growth and value addition, as well as with strong orientation towards socioeconomic impact and support for war-affected people.

At the L4 level, the incumbent is expected to deliver (a) work that is innovative and original; (b) in creating an enabling environment which expands across functions and sectors; (c) in building partnerships which result in advocating and championing UNIDO’s programmes and (d) in achieving results within Programme teams. The measure of success is systemic and catalytic delivery of results.

The UNIDO Staff Performance Appraisal and Management System reinforces the collaboration within formal units as well as among cross-functional teams.

In this context, the incumbent collaborates with his/her supervisor and colleagues, within as well as outside the unit. Within the formal teams, the incumbent may be expected to backstop other team members as required.

II. Main Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Director, Financial Services the incumbent is responsible for specific tasks related to grants management; payments and travel; treasury; and procurement committee.

More specifically, the incumbent will carry out (oversee, lead or implement, as applicable) the following main duties in the context of the relevant projects:

Grants Management

• Lead and oversee the establishment and maintenance of master data for the projects in ERP grants management module.
• Overall management of released and un-released budget of the projects.
• Oversee compliance control of budgets and subsequent budget revisions.
• Lead the development and implementation of financial monitoring and control mechanisms to identify, assess and mitigate financial, compliance risks. on budget implementation.
• Direct and oversee the management of financial reporting to the donor ensuring accuracy, transparency and compliance with contractual obligations.
• Serve as Focal point for advice on grants management and use of funds within the established implementation budgets.

Treasury

Supplement the capacity of Treasury to manage the significant Japan contribution as per the UNIDO Investment policy, including direct support for the Treasurer (incl. analysis of deposit limits, research on new partner institutions, etc.); secretariat support for Investment Committee meetings; coordination of expedited solutions for IT related items; and other support as required.

Payments and travel

• Oversee financial controls related to payments, vendor master data verification for the projects, ensuring compliance with UNIDO policies, donor requirements and internal control standards.
• Monitor and manage financial reporting related to the projects (statement of account) identify emerging risks or irregularities and recommend corrective measures to ensure financial integrity and accountability.
• Lead the review of exceptional and high-risk payment t of travel requests related to the project and recommend appropriate courses of action to ensure compliance and efficient programme delivery.

Procurement Committee

• Provide substantive financial analysis and strategic advice to the Director, Financial Services on preparation for selected Procurement Committee meetings.
• Other project related assignments, as per instructions from the Director, Financial Services.

III. Core Values, Behaviours and Functional Competence

Core Values EXCELLENCE – Deliver high-quality results; continuously improve performance INTEGRITY – Uphold ethical standards; act transparently and responsibly INCLUSION – Promote respect, diversity, and fairness HUMILITY – Show self-awareness; value others’ contributions HUMANITY – Act with compassion; align work with sustainable development Model values consistently in decision-making and behaviour Promote a culture of accountability, fairness, and ethical conduct Create an inclusive, supportive, and transparent working environment

Core Behaviours CONNECT & COLLABORATE - Build trust through communication and teamwork; Share knowledge and embrace diversity ANALYSE & PLAN - Use data and evidence for decision-making; Plan proactively and prioritize effectively DELIVER RESULTS WITH POSITIVE IMPACT - Take ownership and deliver quality outputs; Align work with UNIDO mission and objectives LEARN AND DEVELOP - Continuously develop skills; Seek feedback and share knowledge ADAPT AND INNOVATE - Respond flexibly to change; Embrace innovation and new approaches CONNECT & COLLABORATE (Leadership Role) - Engage stakeholders constructively; Promote inclusive participation Build partnerships and networks ANALYSE & PLAN (Strategic Leadership) - Identify strategic issues and risks; Set priorities, allocate resources, guide the team DELIVER RESULTS (Performance Management) - Translate strategy into clear team deliverables; Define roles and expectations; Monitor performance and ensure accountability LEARN AND DEVELOP (People Management) - Coach and mentor staff; Foster psychological safety and continuous learning; Recognize and develop talent ADAPT AND INNOVATE (Change Leadership) - Promote innovation culture; Encourage experimentation and learning; Lead change and support teams through transformation

Functional Competence • Continuously develop and maintain expertise • Stay informed of industry trends and best practices • Apply knowledge to improve results and decision-making • Adopt new tools and technologies • Take ownership of professional development • Lead by example in technical expertise and professionalism • Support team capability development • Apply strategic judgment and business acumen • Drive innovation and continuous improvement • Encourage adoption of new skills and technologies

IV. Minimum Organizational Requirements

Education:

Firs-level university degree (bachelor’s or equivalent) in economics, finance, accounting, business administration or another related field is required. An advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) or Doctorate in the same fields are accepted with a reduced requirement for years of professional experience.

Experience:

A minimum of professional experience aligned with the educational level is required, as follows:

• First-level university degree (Bachelor’s): at least 10 years of relevant professional experience.
• Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent): at least 7 years of relevant professional experience.
• Doctorate: at least 5 years of relevant professional experience.
• Progressively responsible relevant professional in financial management, including proven team leading experience at the international level is required.
• Demonstrated experience in broad range of financial management areas, including grants and budget management, donor financial reporting, treasury operations, financial compliance and internal controls, is required.
• Proven experience in management of extra-budgetary funds and technical co-operation is required.
• Experience in field-based organizations is desirable.
• Experience in applying financial regulations, rules, policies and procedures in an international organization or comparable public-sector environment is required.
• Experience with ERP-based grants management, budgetary control, treasury or financial reporting systems is desirable.
• Experience supporting treasury operations, investment-related analysis or investment committee processes is desirable.

Languages:

Fluency in written and spoken English is required.Fluency in or working knowledge of other United Nations language(s), particularly French is desirable.

NOTE:

Employees of UNIDO are expected at all times to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and respect for diversity, both at work and outside. Only persons who fully and unconditionally commit to these values should consider applying for jobs at UNIDO.

Integrity, Respect and Inclusion

UNIDO is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, diversity, inclusion and mutual respect. Employees of UNIDO are required at all times to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and respect for diversity.UNIDO prohibits all forms of sexual misconduct, abuse of authority, and discrimination.

Through people-centred policies, UNIDO supports its personnel in balancing professional and personal responsibilities through flexible working arrangements while maintaining the efficiency and effectiveness of its operations worldwide.

For further information on salaries, refer to the International Civil Service Commission website: https://icsc.un.org/

All applications must be submitted online through the Online Recruitment System. Correspondence will be undertaken only with candidates who are being considered at an advanced phase of the selection process. Selected candidate(s) may be required to disclose to the Director General the nature and scope of financial and other personal interests and assets in respect of themselves, their spouses and dependents, under the procedures established by the Director General.

Visit the UNIDO careers site for details on how to apply: https://careers.unido.org/

NOTE: The Director General retains the discretion to make an appointment to this post at a lower level.

Notice to applicants: UNIDO does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. If you have received a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Vacant positions within UNIDO are advertised on the official UNIDO website. Should you have any questions concerning persons or companies claiming to be recruiting on behalf of UNIDO and requesting payment of a fee, please contact: Jetzt bewerben