VN Category (INT / EXT / EOI):External
Application Deadline:13-05-2025
Grade:Grade 10
Job Category:Professional
Contract Type: Fixed-term
Annual Salary:CHF171,002.00
This is an external vacancy notice open to external candidates and WTO staff. It is posted on the WTO internal as well as external career site. Eligible WTO staff on short-term, fixed-term or regular contracts and interns must apply through the Workday internal career site.
This is a Fixed-term contract funded through the regular budget. The duration will be two years with the possibility of extension, unless specified in the vacancy notice.
The WTO seeks to attract and retain staff members offering the highest standards of competence, efficiency and integrity and to build an organization that is representative of the Members and People it serves. As an equal opportunity and inclusive employer, the WTO gives full regard to competence and welcome applications from qualified candidates irrespective of age, disability status, gender, nationality, race, religion, sexual orientation, social origin or any other characteristic. Applications from non-represented Members (link) are particularly encouraged for all positions.
.
The Secretariat of the WTO is seeking to fill the post of Financial Controller and Secretary of the WTO Pension Plan in the Finance and Corporate Services Division (FCSD).
FCSD provides a range of financial and general services in key areas to support the WTO Secretariat in achieving its objectives.
General Functions
Reporting to the Director of the Finance and Corporate Services Division (FCSD), the division responsible for financial management (including budget and trust funds), and the Secretariat of the WTO Pension Plan (WTOPP), the Financial Controller provides senior expertise in areas of financial management, ensuring that the finance teams operate within a robust internal control environment, as well as management of long- term liabilities arising from pensions and after-service health insurance.
In addition, s/he serves as Secretary of the WTOPP, supporting the WTOPP Management Board and providing strategic supervision and leadership to the Secretariat of the WTOPP.
The Financial Controller supports the Director of FCSD by contributing to the formulation of the strategic and operational plans of the division and providing operational support across the financial management functions of the WTO Secretariat generally and with respect to the financial aspects of voluntary contributions.
The individual must be an experienced manager with a strong financial background, able to lead staff. S/he must also be an astute liaison with the Members of the WTO, keenly aware of their needs and often divergent viewpoints.
The Financial Controller/Secretary of the Pension Plan will be expected to deliver on the following:
1. Support Senior Management and the Director by providing leadership for finance services, policies, and processes across the Organization, including assisting in developing, implementing, and assessing policies and processes that result in the cost-effective use of divisional and organizational-wide resources to achieve the required service outputs;
2. Contribute to organizational and strategic planning initiatives, review operational policies, processes, and systems to ensure that they are fit for purpose and reflect current good practice, create additional procedures where necessary, and support evolving organizational and staff needs;
3. Monitor the adequacy of resources for extra-budgetary fund activities (voluntary contributions from Members) to ensure that related functions are carried out in a manner consistent with the established guidelines; and
4. Operate as Secretary of the WTO Pension Plan with responsibility for providing authoritative and strategic advice to the WTOPP Management Board, preparing and presenting effective documentation, and organizing and supporting meetings. Build trust and an effective relationship with the Board Chair and Members by adhering to principles of good governance, respect, and transparency. Specifically s/he will be responsible for:
Ensuring observance of WTOPP Regulations and Administrative Rules;
Identifying risks, challenges, and governance issues and proposing solutions to the Management Board;
Ensuring the effective functioning of the administrative, accounting, and investment services of the Pension Plan;
Overseeing the relationship with the external auditor, consulting actuary, medical adviser, administrative and accounting services provider, investment consultant, global custodians, and fund managers;
Approving contracts with external providers;
Delivering the annual report of the Pension Plan;
Overseeing the relationship with participants and beneficiaries of the Plan; and
Authorizing payments jointly with a cosignatory.
In addition, the Financial Controller/Secretary of the Pension Plan will be expected to:
5. Lead and motivate assigned FCSD and Pension Board staff, providing guidance and feedback on their performance and developing their potential;
6. Contribute to the continuous improvements in service provision to maximize efficiency
and value for money. Identify opportunities to streamline services and systems, including through the efficient and cost-effective use of IT tools and systems;
7. Provide assessment, information, support, and advice to the Director and senior management as required, particularly in the area of internal controls and financial risk management; and
8. Represent the WTO, the WTO Pension Plan, and the Financial Management team as required both internally and externally, including at international organization financial and pension management networks.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
An advanced university degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or another related field is required; and
Strong preference for credentials in accounting or finance.
Knowledge and Skills:
Technical Skills:
Expertise in accounting and financial administration;
Expertise in financial internal control management;
Strong level of understanding in key areas related to pension administration;
Solid understanding of strategic planning and management principles;
Expertise in using and contributing to the improvement of IT systems related to financial functions;
Advanced skills in computing and office applications, especially spreadsheet and word processing applications;
Ability to understand and analyse complex data to review and validate financial and management reporting; and
Excellent drafting skills.
Behavioural Skills:
Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks according to time constraints;
A high level of integrity, and a strong client service-oriented mindset;
Capacity to handle conflict situations and persuade others;
Ability to lead and work as a member of a team, relating to others, while working independently to achieve objectives; and
Excellent communication and relationship building skills including public speaking.
Organizational Competencies:
Core Competencies:
Communicating for Results
Effective Collaboration
Cultivating Progressive Growth
Professional Accountability
Relevant Digital Proficiency
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Leadership and Management Competencies:
Talent Centred Leadership
Coordinated Cross Functional Leadership
Self-Aware Leadership
Strategic Leadership
Work Experience:
At least ten years of experience in financial management is required;
Experience in a supervisory role is required; and
Experience with an international or public sector organization is desired.
Languages:
Fluency in English and good working knowledge of French is required; and
Knowledge of Spanish is desired.
Additional Information:
Only applications from nationals of WTO Members will be accepted.The recruitment process will be undertaken as per Administrative Memorandum No. 976 (OFFICE(16)/15) on Staff Promotions and external recruitment through Vacancy Notices.
The initial fixed-term contract for positions up to grade 10 shall normally be two years, which shall be probationary, as per Administrative Memorandum No. 997 (OFFICE(23)/4) on Probation Policy. For Director positions, the Policy on evaluation of directors apply as per Administrative Memorandum No. 978 (OFFICE(17)/29).
The WTO may use various communication technologies such as video or teleconference for the assessment and evaluation of candidates. The recruitment process may also involve the use of various forms of testing, assessment centres, interviews and reference checks.
Applicants may be required to sit a written examination.
Applicants will be contacted directly if selected for an interview.
Candidates not selected whose performance in the selection process nevertheless shows them to be suitable for a similar position may be kept on a roster for up to 24 months, and may subsequently be called upon as and when the need arises for additional resources.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the closing date – Geneva (Switzerland) time – stated in the vacancy announcement.
PLEASE NOTE THAT APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER THE CLOSING DATE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
The WTO is a non-smoking environment.