Comptroller and Director, Division of Finance and Management - (D-2), FT, NYHQ, USA

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfil their potential.  

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.   

And we never give up.  

For every child, commitment. 

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

Strategic office context:

The Division of Financial and Administrative Management (DFAM) under the leadership of the UNICEF Comptroller is responsible for maintaining a sound system of internal controls and leading financial reforms; budget formulation and planning, including performance and financial risk management; and the establishment of systems to ensure effective and efficient use of resources and the safeguarding of UNICEF assets.

Purpose for the job:

Under the overall authority of the Executive Director and under the oversight of the Deputy Executive Director-Management, the Comptroller will direct and manage the organization’s global financial, budget, accounting and administrative management operations and contribute to senior management decision-making to help ensure UNICEF effectively lives up to its mandate to protect the rights of every child worldwide.

The Comptroller plays an integral role in ensuring that UNICEF is an effective, efficient organization for children in a rapidly changing world. The ability to provide a clear vision for financial and administrative oversight, authoritative advice and dedication to financial performance are essential to this role. The Comptroller will set new financial and operational standards, transforming UNICEF’s performance and impact with an agile operating model. As threats to children intensify globally, the Comptroller will play a vital role in ensuring organizational resilience and enable UNICEF to adapt more nimbly to increasingly complex operating contexts. 

This position is available from December 2026. 

How can you make a difference? 

The Comptroller’s key functions and accountabilities include:  

• Monitors UNICEF’s financial performance to ensure achievement of global organizational objectives and goals. Develops, implements, and ensures adherence to global financial, accounting, budgetary and administrative policies and procedures.
• Establishes internal control mechanisms, performance standards, and measurements to ensure the organisation's assets are protected, resources are efficiently and effectively utilised, and all operational transactions are in accordance with the UN/UNICEF Financial Regulations and Rules.
• Formulates and implements strategic risk management approaches in conjunction with the DED Management and Chief Risk Officer. In particular, working with regional offices, shifts organizational culture from post facto risk management to ex ante corporate risk management.
• Formulates the organization's financial plans and participates in the formulation of the strategic plans and integrated budget. Proposes liquidity policy to the Executive Director and monitors its application to minimize risk and maximize utilization of resources.
• Directs and supervises the activities of the Division of Financial and Administrative Management (DFAM) and provides financial guidance to senior management on financial, accounting, budget and administrative matters throughout the organization.
• Oversees the Global Strategic Operations function, supporting Regional and Country offices, ensuring collaboration from all