Director of Finance

Vacancy Announcement No: UPU/13/D1/FT-C/18 Title: Director of Finance Grade: D1 Type of contract Fixed-Term (Core) Appointment Duration:  three years	Publication Date: 7 October 2013 Application Deadline: 17 November 2013 (24 day(s) until closing deadline) Currently accepting applications   Organizational Unit: Finance Directorate (DFI) Duty Station:  Bern Switzerland Scheduled date for taking up appointment:  as soon as possible
Organizational Context: The Director of the DFI: 1. Controls, directs and administers a major financial system, encompassing the Organization's activities, and participates in the management decision-making and evaluation of programme performance 2. Formulates strategies, policies and guidelines with regard to the Union's finances, budgets, accounts and cash flow 3. Initiates, plans, coordinates and directs the work of all programmes and entitles reporting to the DFI; takes important decisions on organizational, operational, technical and policy matters within the remit of the DFI: and is the guarantor of official information regarding the financial situation of the Union 4. Represents the DFI and, by delegation, the Union within the UPU bodies and in all wide-range dealings with external partners
Main duties: 1 As a Director of Finance: 1.1 Develops and implements operational policies, performance measurements, standards, methods and systems for all activities within the remit of the DFI (budget, management, accounting, cash flow, banking relations, etc.) 1.2 Ensures appropriate organization-wide management of the Union's resources 1.3 Draws up and validates instructions, rules, documents and key tools 1.4 Develops and supervises clearing activities between Union member countries 1.5 Provides support in the development of new structures, products and services proposed by the International Bureau within the framework of the Doha Postal Strategy 2 Management 2.1 Management of DFI: - Directs budget preparation, implementation and reporting; coordinates or conducts consultations throughout the Organization - Coordinates the formulation and evaluation of financial reports for the Director General and Deputy Director General with particular attention to commenting upon compliance with the Organization's programme and work budget - Directs through supervisors the provision of financial services, maintenance of financial records and treasury operations - Supervises the preparation and finalization of all financial and accounting reports and legal documents within the DFI's remit, and validates them - Provides authoritative advice to the Director General, the Deputy Director General and staff at all levels on complex and sensitive financial issues 2.2 Management and organization of teams - Coordinates, leads and directs a multidisciplinary team 3 Responsibilities with regard to the UPU bodies 3.1 Acts as secretary of the Council of Administration and Congress committees responsible for finance 3.2 Reports to member countries on the Union's financial situation 4 Representation 4.1 Represents the Organization at discussions and negotiations dealing with the Union's financial activities and involving the participation of other United Nations system organizations, external auditors, the Swiss Confederation.
QUALIFICATION AND SKILLS REQUIRED
Education: Advanced University degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in business administration, finances, auditing, controlling or similar
Experience: Over 10 years' experience in the field of financial management, auditing and management control, or as an expert in the area of IPSAS standards - Good knowledge of banking sector practices and products/services - Good knowledge in finance engineering
Technical knowledge:  - Extensive knowledge of financial engineering techniques - Extensive knowledge of budget management and management control - Very good knowledge of accounting practices and IPSAS standards - Very good knowledge of auditing practices - Very good knowledge of the UPU strategy adopted by the Doha Congress and of the policies established by the International Bureau - Sound knowledge of the rules and procedures relating to the functioning of UPU bodies and committees (Council of Administration, Postal Operations Council, etc.)
Skills and abilities / competencies: - Proven track record in managing projects, monitoring sensitive matters and leading teams, and ability to take necessary measures and give clear advice - Demonstrated ability to think globally and strategically - Ability to identify solutions to problems and to manage complex organizational, technical and policy issues - Capacity in negotiating with other directors programme planning - Ethical awareness and a strong sense of rigour, as well as a head for figures and awareness of costs - Sound judgement and ability to understand and interpret official documents and sensitive situations - Ability to defend positions and deal with complex matters - Good interpersonal skills and ability to communicate in a multicultural environment
Language skills: Perfect proficiency in English and in French. Knowledge of other languages, particulary those used in the United Nations, would be an asset.
Annual salary: (Net of tax) 95394 103204 with primary dependants	Post adjustment: 104.9 % of the above figure(s). This percentage is to be considered as indicative since variations may occur each month either upwards or downwards due to currency exchange rate fluctuations or inflation.
The conditions of service are governed by the Staff Regulations and Rules of the International Bureau of the Universal Postal Union.
Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application form. All applications must be received by the closing date as stated in the vacancy announcement. All applicants employed by postal entities and applying for a vacant position in the Professional (P) or Senior (D) category must be recommended and submitted through the competent postal authority. Applications not satisfying this criterion may not be considered. Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
Applications from women and member states are particularly encouraged. The UPU promotes diversity and work-life balance.
For further instructions regarding the online application process, please visit the UPU internet page at:http://www.upu.int/en/resources/vacancies