Overview
Job Description - Director, Finance Division (26039-FT)
Department of Program Planning and Finance, Administration, Finance and Management Sector
Grade - D1
Contract Duration - 2 years
Duty Station
CH-Geneva
Publication Date
Publication Date: 27-Jan-2026
Application Deadline: 26-Feb-2026, 10:59 PM
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING APPLICATION DEADLINE: please note that the deadline for applications is indicated in local time as per the time zone of the applicant’s location.
Please note the following sections contain job-related information about the role, including organizational context, duties, responsibilities and requirements. The organization reserves the right to make an appointment at a lower grade if required. Applications from qualified women and from qualified nationals of unrepresented Member States and underrepresented regions are encouraged.
Organizational Context
* Organizational Setting: This role leads the Finance Division within the Department of Program Planning and Finance in the Administration, Finance and Management Sector. The Division serves a diverse universe of global IP stakeholders including national IP offices, private sector entities, entrepreneurs, startups and SMEs seeking international protection of their IP. Key financial strategies include enhancing services and customer experience for fee-paying customers, excellence in financial operations and reporting, prudent investment, and maintaining transparency, accountability and integrity for governing and oversight bodies.
* Purpose Statement: As Director of the Division, the incumbent co-creates with the CFO a vision for the future of finance, drives technology strategies, embeds AI/data analytics capabilities, plans and manages the Division’s work and resources, mentors staff, leads digital transformation of financial processes through ERP initiatives, and ensures customer-centric payment services to fee-paying customers and Member States. The role includes strategic engagement with Member States and oversight bodies and maintaining internal controls and risk management.
* Reporting Lines: The incumbent works under the supervision of the Director of the Department of Program Planning and Finance (Controller) and collaborates with colleagues in Planning and Budgeting, Management Reporting, HR Management, Enterprise Risk Management, Governance and Compliance, Procurement, Travel and Buildings.
Duties and Responsibilities
The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:
* Vision and Roadmap: Co-create (with the CFO) a vision for continuous innovation and transformation; provide process-change thought leadership and execution; explore and evaluate innovative finance technology solutions and industry best practices; ensure finance strategy aligns with the Organization’s transformation goals; build a roadmap for Finance transformation.
* Operating Model Redesign, ERP Transformation and Change Management: Redesign the finance operating model with technology and automation; drive implementation and manage change across the finance function.
* Lead the digital and ERP transformation of the Finance Division: Redesign operating model, adopt new technologies (including AI), re-engineer processes, champion automation, accelerate accounting close, and digitalize internal controls.
* Drive coordinated change management across finance: Ensure smooth adoption of the new operating model and provide training and support to finance staff; engage with stakeholders to sustain adherence and improvement of financial systems and processes; address changes in people-centered ways.
* Partnerships and Collaboration: Build and maintain partnerships with stakeholders, governance bodies, and business areas to ensure quality services and effective financial solutions.
* Day-to-day Management: Direct the Division’s portfolio and manage human and financial resources; set priorities, monitor performance, address workforce gaps, and promote integrity and fraud reporting; oversee policy development and ensure compliance with FRR, IPSAS and related standards; manage risk and internal controls.
* Provide substantive technical leadership on all finance/accounting matters for WIPO and related funds; leverage data-driven insights for decision-making and reporting.
* Direct accounting close and ensure timely delivery of financial statements and reports to management and oversight bodies; respond to audit findings and implement recommendations.
* Oversee treasury and investment management functions and engage with banking partners.
* Prepare and review financial management reports for governing bodies and senior meetings; represent the Organization at events with authoritative guidance.
* Perform other job-related duties as required.
Requirements
* Advanced university degree in accounting, finance, or a relevant subject; a first-level degree with two years of relevant experience in addition to 15 years of experience as referenced below.
* Fully qualified member of a Professional Body of Accountants (e.g., ACA, CPA).
* Certification evidencing comprehensive knowledge of applicable accounting standards; professional certification in Treasury Management.
* Experience (Essential): At least 15 years in finance/accounting, with at least seven years at the international level; substantial managerial experience; experience leading large-scale finance digital transformation and ERP projects; strong partnership-building experience; data-driven decision making; risk and internal controls maturity; experience serving private sector clients and interacting with Boards or Governing Bodies; excellent English; knowledge of additional UN languages (French advantageous).
* Job-related competencies include problem solving, ERP proficiency in accounting/finance, project management (e.g., agile/lean), technology vendor management, leadership, communication, collaboration, adaptability, and digital/data fluency.
Mobility and Compensation (Inform)
Mobility: WIPO staff are international civil servants and may be assigned to various activities, offices or duty stations. The selected candidate may be required to relocate.
Salary details: net annual salary in USD with post adjustment. This is information for guidance only and subject to change. The posted figures reflect January 2026 values and the UN exchange rate provisions.
Salaries and allowances are paid in Swiss francs at the official rate of exchange of the United Nations.
Notes: Initial appointment is for two years, renewable subject to satisfactory performance. No guaranteed extension or permanent appointment is implied. This vacancy may be used to fill other posts at the same grade with similar functions per Staff Rule 4.9.5.
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