Head of Finance & Operations

ppbDepartment: /b Operations /p pbLevel: /b Head /p pbLocation: /b Geneva /p pbMake your next job one with purpose /b /p pDo you believe in a world where everyone has a safe place to call home? /p pSwitzerland for UNHCR (CH4U), the Swiss Foundation supporting the UN Refugee Agency, is looking for a bHead of Finance Operations /b that, under the guidance of the Deputy Executive Director and Executive Director, will be responsible for leading CH4U’s finance and core operations functions, ensuring strong financial stewardship, operational efficiency, organizational compliance, and fit‑for‑purpose systems and processes. /p pThe role combines strategic leadership with hands‑on oversight and is responsible for financial planning and analysis, accounting and treasury, reporting, internal controls, audit coordination, operational policies and procedures, and the smooth functioning of key support services. The postholder acts as a trusted business partner to the Deputy Executive Director, Executive Director and leadership team, contributing to organizational planning, decision‑making, and risk management. As a member of the leadership team, this role contributes to the overall strategic direction of the foundation. /p pWe are not just another nonprofit. We are part of a global humanitarian movement, working every day to support people forced to flee war, conflict, and persecution. And we need passionate people like you to expand our impact. /p h3What you will do /h3 h3Strategic finance leadership /h3 ul liLead CH4U’s financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and cash‑flow management. /li liPrepare and oversee the annual budget process and multi‑year financial projections in close collaboration with budget owners and leadership. /li liProvide timely, accurate, and decision‑oriented financial analysis and reporting to the Executive Director, Board, and relevant UNHCR counterparts. /li liAdvise leadership on financial risks, scenarios, resource allocation, and financial sustainability. /li liSupport organizational decision‑making through robust financial modelling, analysis, and recommendations. /li /ul h3Financial management, control and compliance /h3 ul liEnsure sound financial management across the organization, including accounting, treasury, internal controls, and statutory compliance. /li liOversee monthly, quarterly, and annual financial closings and ensure the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of financial records and reporting. /li liEnsure compliance with applicable Swiss legal and regulatory requirements, internal policies, donor restrictions, earmarking requirements, and relevant UNHCR frameworks. /li liMaintain and strengthen internal control systems, financial procedures, and approval workflows. /li liMonitor treasury and bank account management to ensure liquidity, security, and appropriate use of funds. /li /ul h3Accounting oversight and audit /h3 ul liSupervise the Accounting Assistant (direct report) and ensure high‑quality accounting operations, including invoice processing, reconciliations, balance sheet follow‑up, and transaction review. /li liEnsure accounting entries, reconciliations, and supporting documentation are complete and audit‑ready. /li liLead the preparation of statutory accounts and coordinate the annual external audit process, including planning, documentation, liaison with auditors, and follow‑up on recommendations. /li liOversee financial reporting to external stakeholders and ensure consistency across accounting, fundraising, and management reporting. /li /ul h3Reporting, systems and process improvement /h3 ul liOversee the integrity and consistency of financial data across systems, including the ERP and interfaces with other relevant platforms such as the fundraising CRM. /li liLead the optimisation, implementation, and continuous improvement of finance and operations systems, tools, dashboards, and reporting processes. /li liDevelop and maintain effective management information and KPIs to support operational and strategic decisions. /li liIdentify opportunities to improve efficiency, automation, control, and cross‑functional collaboration through process redesign and digitalisation. /li /ul h3Operations management /h3 ul liSupport the Deputy Executive Director on core operational support functions to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the organization. /li liAssist the Deputy Executive Director to ensure that internal policies, procedures, and operational practices are fit for purpose, documented, and consistently applied. /li liSupervise or contribute to the coordination of key operational service providers, including as relevant IT, legal, audit, insurance, facilities, and other external partners, working closely with Deputy Executive Director or Administrative HR Assistant. /li liHelp define or update frameworks for sound contract management, procurement practices, and operational risk monitoring. /li liContribute to business continuity planning and organisational resilience. /li /ul h3Governance, risk and organisational support /h3 ul liSupport the Deputy Executive Director, Executive Director and Board on financial governance matters through high‑quality reporting, analysis, and documentation. /li liMaintain and strengthen risk management and internal control frameworks. /li liContribute to organisational policy development and cross‑functional planning. /li liEnsure that finance and operations practices support organisational growth, accountability, and compliance. /li /ul h3What you bring /h3 pWe are looking for someone who has: /p ul liMinimum of 10 years’ relevant experience including several at management level in finance, accounting, audit, business administration, or operations, including significant experience in a senior finance leadership role. /li liProven experience in budgeting, financial planning and analysis, accounting oversight, cash‑flow management, financial controls, and audit coordination. /li liExperience in a nonprofit, foundation, international organisation, or similarly mission‑driven environment highly desirable. /li liExperience managing or significantly contributing to systems implementation and process improvement projects, ideally including ERP environments. /li liAdvanced post graduate degree or graduate degree with equivalent experience to reach master level in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field. /li liStrong strategic and operational finance capabilities, with the ability to move between high‑level analysis and implementation detail. /li liExcellent analytical, planning, and problem‑solving skills, with sound judgment and a high degree of reliability. /li liStrong understanding of internal controls, compliance, and risk management. /li liAbility to translate financial information into clear recommendations for non‑financial stakeholders. /li liHigh ability to use initiative, prioritise, multi‑task, and work well under pressure to meet deadlines. /li liVery clear and systematic thinking that demonstrates very strong judgment and problem‑solving competencies. /li liHigh analytical skills. /li liHighly organised, detail‑oriented and structured. /li liHigh ability to lead and motivate a team for optimum performance. /li liHigh written and oral communication and interpersonal skills in a fast‑paced multi‑cultural and multilingual environment. /li liHigh capacity to work autonomously as well as a team player. /li liHigh ability to interact with internal and external stakeholders with high negotiation and advocacy skills. /li liCapacity to lead the exploration of new areas of activities, challenging ideas and projects. /li liHigh budget management skills, including budget preparation, analysis, decision‑making and reporting. /li liStrong project management and systems mindset, with the ability to improve processes and drive change. /li liHigh level of integrity, discretion, accountability, and service orientation. /li liKnowledge, interest and a strong commitment to the mission and values of UNHCR and the cause of people forced to flee. /li liExcellent command of English and French. German proficiency an asset. /li liExcellent computer skills and knowledge of MS Office applications with master level in Excel. /li /ul h3Why Join Us? /h3 pWork for a cause that truly matters. /p pCollaborate with a motivated, supportive and mission‑driven team. /p pBe part of an agile and growing Foundation. /p pGet exposure to international humanitarian operations. /p pEnjoy a flexible and hybrid work environment. /p pReady to bring your talent to a mission that saves lives? Submit your CV, motivation letter, and relevant documents by 31 May 2026 via our recruitment page. /p pApplications will be reviewed on a rolling basis — early applications are encouraged! /p pSwitzerland for UNHCR is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds (including those who have personally experienced displacement) and are committed to supporting others forced to flee. /p /p #J-18808-Ljbffr