INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION UNION
ITU is the leading United Nations agency for information and communication technologies, with the mission to connect the world. To achieve this, ITU manages the radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits at the international level, works to improve communication infrastructure in the developing world, and establishes global standards that foster seamless interconnection of a vast range of communication systems.
Budget Reform Manager
Vacancy notice no: 2286
Sector: SG
Department: FRMD
Country of contract: Switzerland
Duty station: Geneva
Position number:
Grade: P4
Type of contract: Short-term
Duration of contract: 11 months
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 20 April 2026
ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT
The General Secretariat directs administrative, human and financial resources and activities of the Union, including the implementation of the provisions of the administrative regulations on operational questions, the dissemination of information on telecommunication/ICT matters for operational and other purposes, and the provision of legal advice to the whole of the Union. The General Secretariat coordinates the implementation of the Strategic Plan, monitors the telecommunication/ICT environment and recommends as needed action relating to the Union’s future policies and strategy. The General Secretariat ensures inter-sectoral coordination and cooperation to advance a whole of ITU approach (One-ITU) in headquarters and the field. The General Secretariat provides logistical and information technology support to the Union’s activities including conferences and global forums; the coordination of the work of the Union with the United Nations system, and other international organizations; and the engagement of the Member States, Sector Members, and Academia. The General Secretariat manages corporate governance, and strategic communications and relations with the media, different stakeholder groups as well as the general public.
Within the General Secretariat, the Financial Resources Management Department (FRMD) advises the Secretary General on financial resources management, accounting issues and procurement. It manages ITU's financial resources ensuring consistency with ITU strategies, policies, regulations and rules as well as UN Common System policies. It also ensures sound and balanced financial management of the Union; provides support and strategic advice on financial, budgetary and procurement matters, with a goal to strengthen ITU's financial system.
ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
The Budget Reform Manager will report to the Head, Budget and Financial Analysis Division (BUD) within the Financial Resources Management Department (FRMD). The role involves close collaboration with HR, IT, procurement, travel, programme managers, and other stakeholders across the Union. The primary responsibility will be to implement the FRMD reorganisation and to strengthen ITU’s budget management framework.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
In the Budget and Financial Analysis Division, and within delegated authority, the duties to be performed are as follows:
- Leads the implementation of budget-related elements of the FRMD reorganisation, translating agreed structural changes into effective, operational processes.
- Designs and implements end-to-end budget processes for major cost drivers, in particular human resources, travel, and procurement, in close coordination with HR, IT, and business owners.
- Reviews and rationalises budget structures and data to reduce unnecessary complexity while maintaining appropriate financial control.
- Develops and implements standard costing methodologies for staff-related non-payroll statutory entitlements, ensuring consistent treatment in planning, budgeting, and forecasting.
- Strengthens budget data management practices to improve the quality, consistency, and accessibility of information for planning, monitoring, and reporting.
- Improves forecasting processes by introducing forward-looking, assumption-based approaches aligned with operational planning and results-based management.
- Enhances management and governance reporting by focusing on affordability, delivery risks, and drivers of expenditure rather than line-level compliance.
- Works closely with IT and system owners to ensure budget processes and data structures are aligned with SAP and prepared for the transition to S/4HANA.
- Engages with multiple stakeholders across the organisation to clarify roles, responsibilities, and information flows related to budget management.
- Provides technical guidance and support to budget holders and operational managers, as required.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Applying Expertise; Effective Communication; Learning and Knowledge Sharing; Organizational Commitment; Results-Focused, and; Teamwork and Collaboration.
FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES
TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES
- Familiarity with ERP systems, preferably SAP, including budget, finance, and HR-related processes.
- Demonstrated ability to analyse complex financial and operational issues and deliver practical, implementable solutions.
- Proven capacity to manage multiple workstreams, prioritise effectively, and deliver within tight timeframes.
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to clearly explain financial and process concepts to non-finance stakeholders and build consensus.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a multi-stakeholder environment across functional boundaries.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Education
Advanced university degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field. OR education from a reputed college of advanced education with a diploma of equivalent to an advanced university degree in one of the above fields.
For internal candidates, a first university degree in one of the above fields above in combination with ten years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree for promotion or rotation purposes.
Experience
At least seven years of progressively responsible experience in finance, budget management, financial planning, or related areas, including at least three years at the international level.
A Doctorate in a related field can be considered as a substitute for three years of work experience.
Experience in redesigning and implementing end-to-end business processes in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.
Hands-on experience with ERP systems, preferably SAP, including budget, finance, and HR-related processes, is required.
Experience working across finance, HR, IT, and operational business units is highly desirable.
Languages
Knowledge of one of the six official languages of the Union (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish) at advanced level and knowledge of a second official language at intermediate level. Knowledge of a third official language would be an advantage.
(Under the provision of Resolution No. 626 of the Council, a relaxation of the language requirements may be authorized in the case of candidates from developing countries: when candidates from such countries possess a thorough knowledge of one of the official languages of the Union, their applications may be taken into consideration.)
INFORMATION ON RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the ITU Careers website. The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. ITU uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates. Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided. Messages originating from a non ITU e-mail account - @itu.int - should be disregarded. ITU does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
ITU applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. ITU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. Achieving gender balance is a high priority for ITU.
