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.
Senior Accounting Officer and Treasury Operations
Vacancy notice no: 1537
Sector: SG
Department: FRMD
Country of contract: Switzerland
Duty station: Geneva
Position number: FI31/P4/283
Grade: P4
Type of contract: Fixed-term
Duration of contract: 2 years with possibility of renewal
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 1 May 2024
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.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the supervision of the Head of Accounts Division in the Financial Resources Management Department (FRMD), the role of the Senior Accounting Officer and Treasury Operations, as a subject-matter specialist within the Division, is to provide responsive, effective, and quality expertise on accounting. The accounting function at ITU is integral to ensuring the financial integrity and transparency of the organization. As a backbone of the organization, the accounting function ensures that ITU remains financially sustainable and transparent, fostering trust among its member states, partners, and stakeholders. The incumbent operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules and takes responsibilities towards the successful achievement of the delegated assignment. To this extent the incumbent will perform the following duties:
- Oversee the preparation, consolidation, and presentation of financial statements in compliance with the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).
- Lead the overall treasury functions, ensuring optimal cash management, investments, and risk management, while ensuring liquidity for operations and optimizing returns on investments.
- Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting, highlighting key financial metrics, variances, and providing insights and recommendations to the Head of Accounts Division and Chief of FRMD.
- Establish, maintain, and enhance internal controls to ensure the accuracy and reliability of financial data and safeguard ITU's assets.
- Drive continuous improvement in financial processes and systems, leveraging best practices and technology to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
- Mentor, guide, and train the Accounts team, promoting a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning.
- Liaise with internal and external auditors, ensuring full cooperation and timely resolution of audit findings.
- Engage with other departments, divisions, and external stakeholders to ensure alignment of financial strategies and transparency in financial matters.
- Keep abreast of changes in financial regulations, IPSAS, and best practices to ensure ITU's continued compliance and financial excellence.
- Represent FRMD at internal and external meetings as well as ITU to the UN IPSAS Task Force.
- Represents ITU on advisory panels across the UN on treasury matters and reports to Chief of FRMD on new developments. Advises on treasury policies specific to ITU’s investment policies and implements according to treasury committee’s recommendations.
- Perform any other related duties as specified and assigned.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Applying Expertise; Effective Communication; Learning and Knowledge Sharing; Organizational Commitment; Results-Focused, and; Teamwork and Collaboration.
FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES
TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES
Essential:
• Strong leadership skills with experience in mentoring and developing teams.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to lead teams effectively and show conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities; Ability to lead implementation of new systems and processes and affect staff behavioral/ attitudinal change.
• Ability to demonstrate sound judgment in applying technical expertise to resolve a range of issues/problems.
• Proven ability to write in a clear and concise manner and to communicate effectively, to prepare reports and conduct presentations, formulating positions on issues.
• Good computer skills and experience of integrated accounting information systems.
Desirable:
• Ability to initiate and maintain good working relations with officials at all levels.
• Knowledge of ITU's policies, procedures, and organizational culture.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Education:
Advanced university degree in business or public administration, accounting, or a related field OR education from a reputed college of advanced education with a diploma of equivalent standard to that of an advanced university degree in one of the fields above. For internal candidates, a first university degree in one of the 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.
At least one professional accountancy qualification: ACA, ACCA, CPA, or equivalent is required.
Treasury management certification is desirable.
Experience:
At least seven years of progressively responsible experience in accounting operations, including at least three at the international level.
A Doctorate in a related field can be considered as a substitute for three years of working experience.
Experience in preparation of IPSAS compliant statements is required.
Proven experience in treasury management and financial risk mitigation is required.
Experience working with the United Nations or its agencies or multinational environment is required.
Proven experience in implementing financial systems and tools is 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 provisions 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).
BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS
Salary:
Total annual salary consists of a net annual salary (net of taxes and before medical insurance and pension fund deductions) in US dollars and a post adjustment (PA) (cost of living allowance). The PA is variable and subject to change without notice in accordance with the rates as set within the UN Common System for salaries and allowances.
Annual salary from $ 77,326 + post adjustment $ 69,361
Other allowances and benefits subject to specific terms of appointment, please refer to:
https://jobs.itu.int/content/What-we-offer/?locale=en_US
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.
