Comptroller and Director, Division of Finance and Management D NYHQ

Job no: 591593
Contract type: Fixed Term Appointment
Duty Station: New York
Level: D-2
Location: United States
Categories: Senior Leadership Vacancies

The Division of Financial and Administrative Management (DFAM) under the leadership of the UNICEF Comptroller is responsible for maintaining a sound system of internal controls and leading financial reforms; budget formulation and planning, including performance and financial risk management; and the establishment of systems to ensure effective and efficient use of resources and the safeguarding of UNICEF assets.

Under the overall authority of the Executive Director and under the oversight of the Deputy Executive Director-Management, the Comptroller will direct and manage the organization’s global financial, budget, accounting and administrative management operations and contribute to senior management decision-making to help ensure UNICEF effectively lives up to its mandate to protect the rights of every child worldwide.

The Comptroller plays an integral role in ensuring that UNICEF is an effective, efficient organization for children in a rapidly changing world. The ability to provide a clear vision for financial and administrative oversight, authoritative advice and dedication to financial performance are essential to this role. The Comptroller will set new financial and operational standards, transforming UNICEF’s performance and impact with an agile operating model.

As threats to children intensify globally, the Comptroller will play a vital role in ensuring organizational resilience and enable UNICEF to adapt more nimbly to increasingly complex operating contexts.

This position is available from December 2026.

The Comptroller’s key functions and accountabilities include:

• Monitors UNICEF’s financial performance to ensure achievement of global organizational objectives and goals. Develops, implements, and ensures adherence to global financial, accounting, budgetary and administrative policies and procedures.
• Establishes internal control mechanisms, performance standards, and measurements to ensure the organisation's assets are protected, resources are efficiently and effectively utilised, and all operational transactions are in accordance with the UN/UNICEF Financial Regulations and Rules.
• Formulates and implements strategic risk management approaches in conjunction with the DED Management and Chief Risk Officer. In particular, working with regional offices, shifts organizational culture from post facto risk management to ex ante corporate risk management.
• Formulates the organization's financial plans and participates in the formulation of the strategic plans and integrated budget. Proposes liquidity policy to the Executive Director and monitors its application to minimize risk and maximize utilization of resources.
• Directs and supervises the activities of the Division of Financial and Administrative Management (DFAM) and provides financial guidance to senior management on financial, accounting, budget and administrative matters throughout the organization.
• Oversees the Global Strategic Operations function, supporting Regional and Country offices, ensuring collaboration from all levels within the organization and providing technical support and direction.
• Manages and approves financial operations related to the organization's assets and liabilities, revenue, and expenses. Directs the opening and management of all UNICEF bank accounts and authorizes transfer and payment of funds. Decides, with the advice of a UNICEF Financial Advisory Committee, on the investment of funds. Monitors return on investments and take action to minimize investment risk.
• Ensures compliance with relevant financial accountability requirements and timely reporting to Governing Bodies, Donors and UNICEF management. Develops and ensures adherence to accounting policies.
• Oversees the preparation and utilization of the institutional budget. In collaboration with relevant divisions, monitors the allocation and implementation of the programme and private sector budgets.
• Contribute to the identification and formulation…