Administration and Finance Officer

PURPOSE OF POSITION

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), is the cancer research agency of the World Health Organization (WHO) and is based in Lyon, France.

Under the general direction and supervision of the Director, Administration and Finance Officer (SSR/DAF), the incumbent is responsible for coordinating and developing the Agency’s biennial programme budget, supervising the Budget and Finance Office and regularly analysing and revising work procedures in order to stimulate new approaches and methods of work. The incumbent also has responsibility to identify and support development of new funding sources and opportunities for cost savings in order for the Agency to fully achieve its potential.

The Budget and Finance Office sits within SSR. It comprises of three units, i.e. Resource Mobilization and Management

Office (RMO), Budget Office (BO), and Finance Office (FO), providing end-to-end financial management services.

This position will play a key role in supporting IARC in the process of implementation of its new ERP solution.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

• Effective leadership, management and oversight of the Budget and Finance Office to ensure efficiency of services according to applicable rules and regulations. Fosters a service-oriented approach among the team, encouraging initiative towards new modalities to reach management targets. Identifies and monitors performance targets.
• Lead and manage the preparation of IARC’s biennial programme and budget. Prepare budget scenarios and draft the Agency’s programme budget for review by DAF and approval by the Director. Facilitate the financing dialogues with Participating States.
• Manage budget allocations and monitor the implementation of the financial side of the Agency’s programme budget. Prepare the Agency’s Financial Report, including IPSAS compliant Financial Statements and Notes to the Financial Statements. Be responsible for maintaining the information on IARC Internet related to the Agency’s funding. Report IARC financial statistic data to the UN System Chief Executives Board for Coordination (CEB).
• Provide periodic financial status reports and forward projections of financial position to the Director to permit timely decisions on programme and management activities. Provide strategic advice on funding options.
• Provide management review and advice, as required, on budget and finance policy matters and processes in the Agency, and provision of implementation support. Develop the administrative policies, and budgetary and financial control guidelines and procedures for the Agency. Coordinate the annual Internal Control Self-Assessment.
• Under the supervision of Director, Administration and Finance (DAF), to proactively develop the business model for the Agency including identification of new funding streams, cost savings and cost recovery across the Organization.
• Provide senior operational support to the Director, Administration and Finance (DAF), and Branch/Deputy Branch Heads in attracting new Participating States and estimating, negotiating, and finalizing contracts for extra budgetary resources. Monitor status of collection of assessed contributions from Participating States. Monitor accounts receivable aging and ensure timely follow-up of payment from donors. Be responsible for managing all financial and management reporting requirements imposed by donors, within the strict timeframes required. Maintain updated funder intelligence, advising on potential opportunities for new extra budgetary resources accordingly.
• Coordination of external, internal, Joint Inspection Unit and related audit visits to the Agency. Coordinate overall responses to audit reports and management letters, prepare specific responses related areas of responsibility and monitor overall implementation of audit recommendations which result.
• Be responsible for the comprehensive and effective management of the Travels that includes identification of the strategic issues, development and application of relevant administrative policies and procedures
• Within authority delegated by the Director, Administration and Finance (DAF), attend consultative and coordination meetings with other international organizations on administrative matters of common interest; represent IARC in consultations/negotiations with national authorities and non-governmental organizations. Represent the Agency in Global WHO meetings on budget and finance or other general administrative issues. Provide information to Participating States in relation to IARC administrative matters, including presentations at Governing and Scientific Council meetings.
• Support the DAF and other SSR units in the implementation of an ERP system, working closely with the IT team to ensure that the BFO IT environment and systems are responsive to the organization’s needs.
• Serve as Deputy Head of SSR, member of the Senior Advisory Team (SAT) and member of various committees within and outside the Agency. Act as DAF, as well as other SSR unit heads during absences.
• Perform any other specific tasks as may be designated from time to time by the Director, Administration and Finance (DAF) or by the Director of the Agency.

FUNCTIONAL SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Essential:

• Demonstrated understanding of financial markets/products and familiarity with innovative finance as it relates to the international development field. Knowledge of resource mobilization strategies as well as analytical methods.
• Evidence of substantial application and knowledge of IPSAS principles.
• Ability to organize and supervise staff and their activities which are of a complex nature.
• Experience working with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle or Workday.
• Practical knowledge of Microsoft Office software with excellent Excel skills.

Desirable: 

Through knowledge of WHO or UN structure, programmes, policies and procedures.

Ability to stimulate active participation and initiative among the staff under supervision; accessible for discussion of and positive approach to problem solving.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Essential: Advanced university degree in public or business administration, economics, law, accountancy, or a related subject with specialization in budget and finance from a WHED accredited /recognized institution.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

• Essential: At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in resource planning, budget formulation and presentation, financial monitoring, analysis and interpretation of results, or related areas in a complex organization of which at least 5 years’ experience at the international level in the public or private sector including IPSAS/IFRS accounting experience. Experience in application of result-based budgeting and/or management methodologies.

USE OF LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Excellent knowledge of English is essential and working knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of other WHO official language would be an asset.

Source: https://careers.who.int/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=2408284