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: 2287
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) and will work closely with programme managers, grant administrators, HR, IT, legal services, travel and donor counterparts. The primary responsibility of the role will be to implement the reform of ITU extrabudgetary fund management in line with the FRMD reorganisation.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
In the Budget and Financial Analysis Division, the duties to be performed are as follows:
- Leads the implementation of the Extrabudgetary Funds Control Unit (EFCU) reform, ensuring alignment with the FRMD reorganisation and organisational priorities.
- Identifies and documents end-user requirements for grant managers and grant administrators, addressing current gaps in data availability, accessibility, and usability.
- Redesigns and streamlines end-to-end extrabudgetary fund processes across the full grant lifecycle, including:
- Support for donor proposal development and costing;
- Financial clearance of draft funding agreements;
- Setup of grants, WBS elements, invoicing, budgets, and funding structures in SAP;
- Monitoring of implementation and donor reporting.
- Works closely with IT and system owners to improve the use of SAP (GM, FI, FM and related modules) and reduce reliance on manual workarounds.
- Rationalises internal reporting requirements for extrabudgetary funds, improving consistency with organisational forecasting and management reporting.
- Strengthens donor reporting processes to improve accuracy, transparency, and timeliness while reducing manual effort.
- Clarifies roles and responsibilities across EFCU, programme teams, budget, and other support functions to improve accountability and reduce duplication.
- Acts as a focal point for coordination between finance, programme, HR, IT, and legal stakeholders on extrabudgetary fund management matters.
- 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 SAP grant and financial modules.
- Expertise in managing complex donor-funded financial processes and delivering reforms in operational environments.
- Ability to understand and respond effectively to the needs of internal and external stakeholders, including donors.
- Proven capacity to manage reform initiatives alongside ongoing operational demands.
- Excellent communication skills including the ability to clearly explain complex processes and requirements to diverse audiences.
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 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 extrabudgetary fund management, grant administration, or donor-funded operations, preferably in an international organisation, 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 experience.
Experience in end-to-end grant lifecycle management and process redesign, with strong hands-on experience with SAP grant and financial modules, is required.
Experience working in a multi-stakeholder environment involving programme, finance, HR, IT, and legal functions 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.
