General information
The International Training Centre of the International Labour Organization (the Centre) is the training arm of the ILO, the Specialized Agency of the United Nations which promotes social justice and human rights in the world of work. The Centre delivers training, learning and capacity development services to governments, employers’ and workers’ organizations, and other national and international partners, in support of decent work and sustainable development. Its mission is to be the leading global provider of learning and training for the world of work. Each year, it delivers over 400 programmes and projects for around 13,000 people from over 180 countries.
Organisational context
The Treasurer and Chief of Financial Services is a member of the management team and, as such, contributes to the achievement of the Centre’s mission and objectives in line with its Strategic Plan and results-based framework.
Working in close collaboration with the Director, Deputy Director and other members of the management team, the Treasurer and Chief of Financial Services is expected to deliver timely, relevant and accurate financial reports and analyses to support management decision-making.
Reporting to the Deputy Director of the Centre, the incumbent leads a team of professional and administrative staff. The position demands the highest standards of integrity, maintenance of social, ethical and organizational norms and firm adherence to codes of conduct and ethical principles.
Description of duties
The Treasurer and Chief of Financial Services has overall responsibility for the management of the financial resources and assets of the Centre and in particular is responsible for the following areas:
  • develop and implement accounting policies, standards and plans to ensure correct accounting practices and adequate control;
  • direct the preparation and maintenance of financial and budgetary records;
  • approve modifications to managerial and accounting aspects to optimise control and performance and to maximise the benefits of management information available from financial databases;
  • promote and supervise the development and implementation of automated systems both in the areas of responsibility and those having Centre-wide impact;
  • develop and use financial analyses to provide insights into the Centre’s operations and business plans;
  • coordinate the formulation and evaluation of regular financial reports for senior management with particular attention to commenting upon compliance with the programme of work and budgets of the Centre;
  • oversee preparation of periodic and year-end financial statements; review and approve statutory and donor financial reports;
  • serve as key point of contact for internal and external auditors, including providing support to them, and monitoring implementation of  audit observations and recommendations;
  • oversee cash, investment and asset management;
  • act as the technical expert and provide authoritative advice, including to senior management, on financial practices and represent the Centre at inter-agency meetings concerning financial operations;
  • control and monitor the financial performance of all programmes and all projects;
  • manage the consolidation of estimates, budgets, and forecasts and prepare performance reports and medium term plans;
  • act as focal point on financial matters with the Treasurer and Financial Comptroller and Department of Financial Management of the ILO.
Qualifications required
  • Education: University degree in economics and/or business administration, finance or accounting, with certification as a Chartered Accountant or Certified Public Accountant or equivalent professional certification.
  • Experience: At least 15 years of relevant work experience in financial management, accounting and auditing, preferably with at least ten years working with international accounting and financial operations. Experience of working in a multicultural environment. Solid knowledge and understanding of global economic and social development challenges, the development/donor community and the UN System.
  • Languages: Fluency in English. Working knowledge of Italian an advantage.
  • Core competencies:
  • Adaptability: ability to adapt to major changes in work tasks or in the work environment.
    Collaboration: ability to develop and use collaborative relationships to facilitate work goals.
    Communication: ability to communicate by clearly conveying information to individuals or groups.
    Integrity: integrity, confidentiality and institutional loyalty are required in the exercise of all of the functions.
    Initiative: act promptly to accomplish objectives, including beyond what is required.
    Knowledge management: continuously develop and update professional knowledge base; assimilate and apply new job-related information in a timely manner.
    Sensitivity to diversity: open to accommodating the differences found in other cultures and between genders and to interact effectively with people of different cultures.
    Technical competencies:
  • High-level financial and accounting skills.
  • Solid knowledge of IPSAS and good understanding of the UN System and related accounting systems.
  • Proven IT skills, including knowledge of ERP systems.
  • Experience in utilizing databases and other advanced office applications.
  • Knowledge of results-based frameworks and processes.