Job Description

Please note that this vacancy is only open to eligible staff members who have been individually notified of their eligibility to apply for positions advertised in the Accelerated Posting Compendium.

June 12, 2026

E (most hardship)

Non Family with Residential LocationDanger Pay

Nairobi (CO), Kenya

PR4

Professional

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2026-07-01

Senior Finance Officer

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
In the Regional Bureaux, the incumbent works under the direct supervision of the Regional Controller and in functional coordination with Division of Resource Management's (DRM) Admin, Finance and Treasury Service (AFTS). In the Country or Multi-Country Offices, the incumbent is normally supervised by the Representative, Assistant Representative (Admin) or other senior positions as delegated by the Representative.

The incumbent is responsible for co-ordinating, guiding, monitoring, advising on, and supporting the financial operations in the area of responsibility (AoR).

With the objective to safeguard and optimize the utilization of UNHCR's monetary and physical resources, the incumbent establishes and maintains efficient mechanisms and reliable processes to ensure compliance with UN financial regulations and UNHCR's rules, policies and procedures including, and not limited to, accounts payable and treasury processes, accounting, and implementation of internal control mechanisms, including support to oversight and audit functions. The incumbent also identifies and manages risks under their responsibility in close coordination with the Risk Management and Compliance Advisor.

The incumbent supports the work of the Regional Controller with authority to discuss problems and seek common ground on which to recommend solutions based on predetermined guidelines provided by higher authority.

The incumbent directly supervises professional and general service staff.

All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties
- Oversee and guide integrated financial management and reporting for the assigned geographic area of responsibility.
- Assess, review, and ensure application of finance-related policies, instructions, procedures, etc.
- Provide advice to management regarding the application of financial policies and procedures and, when necessary, coordinate with the Regional Controller or Office of the Controller, as applicable, regarding the interpretation of such policies and procedures.
- Ensure accounting records are correct and reliable, including - and not limited to - timely bank reconciliations, maintenance of open items, timely processing of travel financial transactions, clearance of residual requisitions and purchase order balance.
- In close coordination with the Admin, Finance & Treasury Service, support the preparation and review of donor financial reports, and endorse such reports before submission to donors.
- Ensure monthly and yearly closing as well as any other periodic accounting-related processes are executed in a timely and accurate manner.
- Ensure the maintenance and on-going validity of the Delegation of Authority Plan (DOAP).
- Identify potential risks in relation to financial management, including the effectiveness of internal controls, and propose mitigating actions; monitor the application of internal control mechanisms.
- Make proposals for the continuous improvement of financial monitoring and control mechanisms, including the streamlining of financial systems and procedures.
- In coordination with DRM's Change Management and Field Support Section, identify and provide training on accounting matters, and recommend or develop training modules as necessary, aiming at the development of financial management skills.
- In close liaison with DRM's System Administration Section and other divisions as necessary, provide and plan activities for rollout of new processes or systems.
- As delegated, supervise and manage local financial personnel, including participation in recruitment of senior local financial personnel.
- Ensure that payments made are timely and accurately, and all month-end and year-end cut-off processes are implemented in line with relevant guidance.
- Supervise the preparation of financial reports, monitoring and supervising expenditures with respect to approved budgets and work plans.
- Ensure that local bank account administration and associated cash management functions are performed in adherence to financial guidelines.
- Perform financial management and control related to Cash-Based Interventions in adherence to financial guidelines.
- Review and certify vouchers, including ABOD and project disbursements.
- Perform project control functions for both directly and indirectly implemented activities, in the absence of a dedicated project control position.
- Coordinate, review and endorse responses to audit queries from internal and external audits and ensure the implementation of accounting audit recommendations.

- Lead risk assessments and discussions with team(s) to proactively manage risks and seize opportunities impacting objectives. Ensure that risk management principles are integrated in decision-making both at strategic and operational levels. Allocate resources for planned treatments with resource requirements in Strategic Plans. Ensure that risks are managed to acceptable levels and escalate, as needed. If a Risk Owner, designate the Risk Focal Point and certify that the annual risk review is completed and ensure that the risk register is updated during the year, as needed.
- Perform other relevant duties as required.

Regional financial services applicable to positions in the Regional Bureau only
- In coordination with relevant services in HQ, and to improve cost-effectiveness and process efficiency for operations, implement and manage regional finance-related services such as: vendor and other related master data management and maintenance, invoice posting, travel claim processing, payments, bank reconciliations, accounting housekeeping and period cut-off activities, donor financial reporting, etc.

Minimum Qualifications

Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P4/NOD - 9 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 8 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 7 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education
Accounting; Finance; Public or Business Administration;
Economics; or other relevant field;

Certificates and/or Licenses
Professional accounting, auditing or financial management designation (CPA/ACCA/CIA/CMA or equivalent)
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential

Work experience in the field of accounting/finance, project management, business analysis, quality assurance and/or risk management. Excellent knowledge of, and experience in working with, international accounting and auditing standards, with a minimum of two years of practical experience in the audit process and/or in financial statements preparation. Working experience with accrual accounting (such as IPSAS or IFRS). Excellent understanding and/or experience of financial modules a major Enterprise Resource Planning system (such as PeopleSoft, SAP or Oracle). Good understanding of project and resource management. Excellent computer skills, in particular in MS Office applications, especially MS-excel. Excellent communication and negotiation skills. Experience of managing people in multinational/multicultural environments.

Desirable
Project management accreditation highly desirable. Risk management certification. Good knowledge of UNHCR's ERP system. Excellent knowledge of United Nations financial rules and procedures.

Functional Skills
FI-Financial Accounting - Modified cash-based accounting as per international standards
FI-Financial Accrual Accounting under internationally accepted standards (IFRS,IPSAS,etc)
FI-Financial auditing
FI-General Financial Management
FI-International Auditing Standards
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.

All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.

As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.

Essential Attributes:
Given the complexity of the Sudan operation, we are looking for;
• A candidate who has both Finance and Administration background and one who has a solid UNHCR experience serving in positions of increasing responsibilities, in large-scale operations with complex dynamic emergency environments, high risk duty stations and able to manage a diverse country and field-oriented team. Knowledge of UN and UNHCR Financial Regulations and Rules - UNHCR Chapter 6. The candidate should have demonstrated knowledge of administrative, budgetary, financial, and human resources Management.
• A candidate that should have demonstrated and has experience in leading or being part of Interagency coordination as shall represent UNHCR at different UN coordination meetings namely the Integrated Operations Management Team (IOMT), Medical task team, support Admin/Finance working group, participation and initiatives delivering as one UN through Business Operations Strategy(BOS) team on common back office and ensure UNHCR inputs towards the establishment of country’s United Nations Cooperation Strategic Framework-UNCSF are well presented.
• UNHCR Sudan is enhancing Cash Based Interventions (CBIs) and cash assistance increases on yearly basis, therefore, the candidate should have demonstrated experience leading the financial management and control in adherence to financial guidelines, putting together Country specific CBI SOPs, building relations and negotiations with the Government authorities and the FSPs on related aforementioned matters.
• Should have demonstrated experience in producing good reports and recommendations for management on the implementation of administrative rules, procedures, and duty of care that requires to take all reasonable and practical measures, in terms of staff safety and security, staff health and wellbeing (psychosocial support, medical facilities, MEDVACs, CASEVACs, and Security Evacuations)
• Should have demonstrated experience in monitoring the adequacy of office space, and office arrangements in the entire operation and be able to propose improvement plans when necessary.
• Should have demonstrated experience in staff planning, Business continuity and contingency plans, programme criticality, change processes, risk management, putting in place internal control mechanisms, implementation of audit recommendations & reporting.
• Experience and working knowledge of ERP systems, ideally of UNHCR's Cloud ERP, WORKDAY and Planning tool -COMPASS.

Desirable Attributes:
• Given the sensitivities on the ground and the diverse team, the incumbent should also possess strong interpersonal, networking, negotiating and diplomatic skills. Additionally, possess managerial and leadership skills.
• One who is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations and tight deadlines.
• Should have demonstrated experience being part of the team redefining an organizational structure which drives productivity, finding the right staff and developing their skills base, developing effective coordination and communication, embracing wider societal and ethical developments.
• Relevant professional certifications, such as ACCA, CPA, CIMA, or other relevant certifications & training are added advantage.

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position:

The operational environment in Sudan has undergone a profound shift since armed conflict erupted on 15 April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Since then, security conditions have continued to deteriorate, particularly in Darfur and the Kordofan regions, leaving the country in a highly volatile state as humanitarian needs rapidly intensify. The conflict has severely worsened living conditions, aggravated longstanding intercommunal and ethnic tensions, and generated grave protection risks, including killings, sexual violence, forced recruitment, abductions, looting, and large-scale displacement.

As of November 2025, Sudan hosts close to 9.3 million internally displaced persons (IDPs), with over 7 million newly displaced since the conflict began. An additional 4.4 million people have fled across borders into neighbouring countries. Current inter-agency displacement figures exceed the combined total of the previous four years, underscoring the scale of the crisis both within Sudan and across the region. According to the inter-agency Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP), the number of people in need increased from 15.8 million in November 2022 to 30.4 million in January 2025, largely driven by the ongoing conflict.

Despite the insecurity, Sudan continues to host a significant refugee population. As of 31 December 2025, the country shelters 859,974 refugees, primarily from South Sudan (73.8%), Eritrea (16%), and Ethiopia (8%). Sudan remains a key asylum country, receiving 84,038 new arrivals in 2025 from these same countries. 66% percent of refugees reside in camps, while 34% live in out‑of‑camp settings. The refugee population is 51% female and 49% male.

In areas where security has improved, displaced Sudanese have begun returning. To date, approximately 3 million people have returned to their areas of origin—81% (about 2.46 million) from internal displacement and 19% (about 567,000) from abroad. Most returns have occurred in Khartoum and Aj Jazirah, driven primarily by improved security. Nearly all returnees (99%) have returned to their exact places of origin, despite widespread destruction of shelters and limited access to essential services.

Throughout the conflict, UNHCR remains committed to staying and delivering inside Sudan. International and national staff continue to operate from eight locations across the country, providing protection and assistance to forcibly displaced populations both as part of emergency response and regular programming.

For operational coordination, the Sudan operation is structured around four main corridors:

• Western Corridor – covering the Darfur and Kordofan regions; access remains significantly constrained.
• Eastern Corridor – covering Kassala and Gedaref; fully accessible with no major operational constraints.
• Southern Corridor – covering White Nile and Blue Nile states; generally accessible, though periodic security incidents cause temporary disruptions.
• Northern Corridor – covering Wadi Halfa, Omdurman (Khartoum), and Port Sudan, where the Representation Office is located.

Additionally, a back office in Nairobi provides limited operational support functions

The incumbent will report to the Assistant Representative - Admin.

Living Conditions

Khartoum is a hardship duty station with challenging living and working conditions. Since the outbreak of conflict in Sudan in 2023, daily life in the city has been significantly affected by insecurity, damaged infrastructure and limited availability of basic services. The climate is hot and dry for most of the year, with average annual temperatures around 30 to 32°C and peaks reaching approximately 40 to 42°C during the hottest months, particularly from April to June. The rainy season is short, usually from July to September, with generally limited rainfall, although heavy downpours may occur. Electricity and water supply remain unreliable, and staff should be prepared for frequent interruptions. The United Nations is gradually re-establishing its operational presence in Khartoum. International personnel are accommodated in United Nations-managed guesthouses, including UNHCR and other agency facilities, as secure private housing is currently unavailable. Medical support is provided through the United Nations clinic and doctors; however, health services in the city remain limited, and staff should be prepared for a constrained operating environment.

The security situation in Khartoum remains complex, volatile and high-risk. Although there is no sustained front-line fighting inside the city at present, the situation can change quickly due to the proximity of active conflict areas and the continued risk of aerial incidents, including drone strikes. Movement is further affected by the presence of unexploded ordnance and explosive remnants of war in urban areas. Criminality, including opportunistic and organized crime, has increased. Staff are therefore expected to maintain a high level of security awareness and fully comply with all United Nations Department of Safety and Security requirements. Movement in Khartoum is strictly controlled. A curfew is in place from 23:00 to 05:00, and travel within the city requires coordination through United Nations security systems. Travel permits and identification checks are common, and public transport is not recommended. All official and personal movements must follow applicable security procedures and advisories.

Khartoum is managed as a non-family duty station under hardship conditions, with a four-week rest and recuperation (R&R) cycle applied in line with the operational context. International staff are required to reside in United Nations-approved accommodation and comply with Residential Security Measures. Completion of BSAFE training and TRIP registration is mandatory before deployment. Staff members should demonstrate cultural sensitivity and remain ready to adapt to changing security requirements, including possible relocation, hibernation or other contingency measures.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

FI-Financial Accounting - Modified cash-based accounting as per international standards, FI-Financial Accrual Accounting under internationally accepted standards (IFRS,IPSAS,etc), FI-Financial auditing, FI-General Financial Management, FI-International Auditing Standards

Bachelor of Arts: Accounting, Bachelor of Arts: Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts: Economics, Bachelor of Arts: Finance, Bachelor of Arts: Public Administration

Certifications

Accounting - Other, Auditing - Other, Financial Management - Other

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Leadership, Managing performance, Managing resource, Negotiation & conflict resolution, Organizational awareness, Political awareness, Strategic planning & visions, Teamwork & collaboration

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Accelerated Posting Compendium 2026 - Part B

Additional Information

This position doesn't require a functional clearance