Title:  Chief, Compliance and Verification

Requisition ID: 7340 
Grade: P5 
Country: Austria 
Duty Station: Vienna 
Category: Professional and Higher 
Type of Job Posting: Internal and External
Employment Type: Staff-Full-time
Appointment Type: Fixed Term - 100 series
Indicative Minimum Net Annual Salary: 156,914 USD 
Application Deadline: 23-Apr-2026, 11:59 PM (Vienna, Austria time)  

Vacancy Announcement
Female candidates from all Member States are particularly encouraged to apply.

UNIDO welcomes applications from qualified persons with disabilities. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to applicants and employees with disabilities to support full participation in the recruitment process and in the performance of their duties.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is the specialized agency of the United Nations that promotes industrial development for poverty and hunger reduction, inclusive and fair globalization and environmental sustainability.  The mission UNIDO, as described in the Lima Declaration adopted at the fifteenth session of the UNIDO General Conference in 2013, the Abu Dhabi Declaration adopted at the eighteenth session of UNIDO General Conference in 2019 as well as the Riyadh Declaration adopted at the twenty-first session of UNIDO General Conference in 2025, is to promote and accelerate inclusive and sustainable industrial development in Member States. The relevance of this mission as an integrated approach to all three pillars of sustainable development is recognized by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which will frame United Nations and country efforts towards sustainable development. UNIDO’s mandate is fully recognized in SDG-9, which calls to “Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation”. The relevance of inclusive and sustainable industrial development, however, applies to all SDGs.

The medium-term programme framework (MTPF) 2026 - 2029 is UNIDO’s core strategic document and it is in line with UNIDO’s Vision 2050. It sets a renewed vision to support Member States and shape their industries for development. The priorities include fair and sustainable global and regional supply chains, ending hunger through innovation and local value addition, renewable and clean energy, sustainable energy access and climate action. Cross-cutting priorities focus on industrial and economic policy advice, skills development, fostering digitalization and artificial intelligence, gender equality and the empowerment of women, supporting youth, promoting cleaner production and circular economy, and leveraging private sector investment and development finance.

Each of these programmatic fields of activity contains a number of individual programmes, which are implemented in a holistic manner to achieve effective outcomes and impacts through UNIDO’s four enabling functions: (i) technical cooperation; (ii) analytical and research functions and policy advisory services; (iii) normative functions and standards-related activities; and (iv) convening and fostering partnerships for knowledge and technology transfer, investment mobilization, networking and industrial cooperation. Such core functions are carried out in Divisions/Offices in its Headquarters, Sub-regional Offices and Country Offices.

DIRECTORATE OF CORPORATE SERVICES AND OPERATIONS (COR)

Under the overall direction of the Director General, and in close collaboration with relevant organizational entities within UNIDO, the Directorate of Corporate Services and Operations (COR), headed by a Managing Director, is responsible and accountable for the management of UNIDO’s human, financial and material resources, ensuring the capacity of the Organization to fulfil its mandate. The Directorate oversees a full range of corporate services to meet the support needs of the Organization, acts as a custodian for corporate management policies, and promotes a culture of cooperation, service orientation and corporate excellence throughout the Organization to deliver efficient and effective high-quality work and enable tangible impact on the ground to achieve ISID worldwide.

Division of Financial Resource Management (COR/FIN)

Financial Services (COR/FIN) enables the Organization to achieve its business and strategic goals through the provision of financial services, including financial control functions at UNIDO Headquarters and in the Field. Aiming to ensure and maintain the financial integrity of the Organization, it develops, maintains and operates policies, systems and tools to facilitate the effective management of the financial resources at the disposal of the Organization.

The services provided include budgeting, financial control, financial planning, management of both budgetary and extra budgetary financial resources; cash management and treasury operations; determination, management and reporting of assessed contributions; receipts and disbursements of funds, including payroll operation for Headquarters and Field staff; financial management of technical cooperation services; and accounting and reporting for both budgetary and extra-budgetary activities of the Organization. The organization chairs the Procurement Committee and the Property Survey Board, improving their procedures and enhancing financial management processes and ERP systems to ensure high-quality, automated, and digital financial services. It also provides vendor master data management support and ensures appropriate internal controls in financial management, which includes full compliance with Anti-Fraud and Anti-Corruption policies and identifying, mitigating, and monitoring key financial and fiduciary risks. In addition, it acts as the focal point for interaction with the external auditors. It also liaises with Member States, policymaking organs and other strategic partners on financial matters.

The position of Chief, Financial Compliance and Verification is located under the Division of Financial Resource Management (COR/FIN). The Chief works under the overall guidance of the Managing Director for COR, the Director of COR/FIN, and in close collaboration with the colleagues to achieve the mandate of the Division.

At the P5 level, the incumbent is expected to deliver: (a) comprehensive, in-depth analyses and solutions that significantly contribute to the overall results and strategic objectives of Financial Services; (b) leadership in fostering an enabling and collaborative environment that catalyzes teamwork and drives collective achievement; (c) proactive development and maintenance of strategic partnerships, enhancing collaboration and aligning with broader organizational goals; and (d) exemplary performance within a professional team, ensuring high-quality results and continuous improvement.

The UNIDO Staff Performance Management System reinforces the collaboration within formal units as well as among cross-functional teams. In this context, the incumbent collaborates with his/her supervisor and colleagues, within as well as outside the unit. Within formal teams, the incumbent may be expected to backstop other team members as required.

Staff -members are subject to the authority of the Director-General and in this context all staff are expected to serve in any assignment and duty station as determined by the needs of the Organization.

1. MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the overall direction and guidance of the Managing Director of COR and direct supervision of the Director, Financial Services, the incumbent is responsible for planning, organizing and directing the work of Financial Compliance and Verification Function, including leading the function, planning and coordination of work, establishing priorities, setting goals and targets, managing human resources, and providing guidance and oversight to teams/groups. The incumbent is a senior expert and strategic advisor who leads and shapes the organization-wide financial internal controls and verification frameworks, ensuring compliance with regulatory and policy requirements. This role reports directly to senior management and plays a pivotal role in guiding project managers, financial teams, and internal service providers on financial governance, cost recovery, and grants verification.

More specifically, the incumbent will carry out the following main duties:

Financial Compliance and Verification

• Lead comprehensive financial compliance and verification processes related to grant agreements, ensuring funds are utilized efficiently, ethically, and in strict compliance with donor and organizational regulations.
• Champion the design and enforcement of sound financial controls, promoting transparent reporting and safeguarding against ineligible costs.
• Provide expert guidance on grants management financial compliance, advising on complex financial issues and exceptions.
• Lead innovation initiatives to modernize financial verification, including introducing automation-enabled controls, data‑driven exception monitoring, and streamlined digital workflows to strengthen assurance and reduce manual processes.
• Develop and implement a risk-based financial verification approach using data analytics to prioritise high‑risk transactions and enhance audit readiness.

Strategic Leadership and Policy Development

• Lead the strategic review, development, and implementation of cost recovery policies, ensuring full alignment with evolving UNIDO priorities and international best practices.
• Advise senior management on financial risk mitigation strategies, control environment strengthening, and policy adherence in relation to voluntary contributions and grant agreements.
• Direct policy formulation for financial validation, verification processes, and Bank Master Data management, ensuring robust governance frameworks.
• Drive organization‑wide financial controls innovation by identifying policy gaps, piloting new methodologies, and scaling successful solutions to strengthen compliance and assurance mechanisms.

Capacity Building and Stakeholder Engagement

• Provide strategic leadership in designing and delivering training programmes and technical advice on TC activities   implementation, Full Cost Recovery, financial compliance and verification, and Bank Master Data governance.
• Serve as a senior contact point for internal and external stakeholders, including donors and auditors, elevating the   organization’s financial stewardship reputation.
• Mentor and manage a team of financial verification professionals, ensuring effective performance management and   career development.
• Introduce innovative learning solutions, including microlearning tools, digital knowledge resources, and communities of   practice to enhance financial compliance capabilities across the Organization.
• Drive continuous improvements to operational processes and financial management practices aligning with UNIDO’s   regulatory framework.

Bank Master Data Management and Systems Oversight

• Direct the governance of bank master data management within UNIDO’s ERP and financial systems, ensuring the   highest levels of data accuracy, integrity, and security.
• Modernize bank master data governance through enhanced validation protocols, continuous data‑quality monitoring,   automation of controls, and strengthened payment‑risk prevention mechanisms.
• Oversee the resolution of exceptions, including payment discrepancies and master data mismatches, coordinating   corrective measures with relevant departments.
• Lead the preparation and analysis of reports concerning bank master data management, recommending and   implementing improvements to systems and workflows.
• Ensure timely and accurate responses to audit findings, monitoring the implementation of corrective actions.
• Oversee end-to-end compliance and internal control coverage for flagship and high-value projects, ensuring that   financial verification and quality assurance standards are consistently upheld; monitor the implementation of   corrective actions and control measures, tracking progress against agreed timelines and reporting outcomes to     senior management.

Other Duties Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by the Director of the Division, contributing to broader organizational objectives and priorities.

3. Core Values and Competencies

Core Values

WE LIVE AND ACT WITH INTEGRITY: work honestly, openly and impartially.

WE SHOW PROFESSIONALISM: work hard and competently in a committed and responsible manner.

WE RESPECT DIVERSITY: work together effectively, respectfully and inclusively, regardless of our differences in culture and perspective.

Key Competencies

WE FOCUS ON PEOPLE: cooperate to fully reach our potential –and this is true for our colleagues as well as our clients. Emotional intelligence and receptiveness are vital parts of our UNIDO identity.

WE FOCUS ON RESULTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: focus on planning, organizing and managing our work effectively and efficiently. We are responsible and accountable for achieving our results and meeting our performance standards. This accountability does not end with our colleagues and supervisors, but we also owe it to those, we serve and who have trusted us to contribute to a better, safer and healthier world.

WE COMMUNICATE AND EARN TRUST: communicate effectively with one another and build an environment of trust where we can all excel in our work.

WE THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX AND INNOVATE: To stay relevant, we continuously improve, support innovation, share our knowledge and skills, and learn from one another.

Managerial and Leadership Competencies

WE ARE STRATEGIC, DECISIVE, PRINCIPLED AND INSPIRATIONAL: As managers, we are strategic and fair in driving our team’s performance. As leaders, we are a source of inspiration, stand for norms and standards established in the UN Charter and duty bound to defend these ideals with a principled approach.

WE ARE INCLUSIVE AND ACCOUNTABLE: As managers, we are inclusive in our approach and maintain constructive engagement with all our stakeholders. As leaders, we embrace all personnel and stakeholders and are accountable mutually within UNIDO, within the system, to beneficiaries and the public and beyond.

WE ARE MULTI-DIMENSIONAL AND TRANSFORMATIONAL: As managers, we go beyond conventional methods to help our organizational units strengthen their own agility and adaptability to change. As leaders in the UN system, we have a vision, which is integrated and engaged across the pillars of Peace and Security, Human Rights and Development.

WE ARE COLLABORATIVE AND CO-CREATIVE: As managers, we foster a team spirit and create meaningful opportunities to hear the voices of those around us, while realizing that only by working together can we accomplish our mission. As leaders, we see the inter-dependency of imperatives of the UN Charter and personally champion a collaborative inter-agency, multi-stakeholders and cross-thinking approach.

4. Minimum Organizational Requirements

Education: First-level university degree (bachelor’s or equivalent) in economics, finance, accounting, business administration or other related fields is required. Advanced university (master’s or equivalent) degree or Doctorate in the same fields are accepted with a reduced requirement for years of professional experience.

Experience: A minimum of professional experience aligned with the educational level is required, as follows:

• First-level university degree (Bachelor’s): at least 13 years of relevant professional experience.
• Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent): at least 10 years of relevant professional experience.
• Doctorate: at least 8 years of relevant professional experience.

• Professional experience in financial management, including at least 5 years’ experience in a supervisory role at the international level is required.
• Progressive experience in financial planning, controlling, verification and advisory services, preferably in an international organization or a public sector is required.
• Experience in maintaining and managing master data within ERP systems is required.
• Experience in field-based organizations is desirable.
• Demonstrated experience leading financial verification, compliance oversight, and risk mitigation for grants or donor‑funded operations within an international organization or similarly complex environment is required.
• Track record of designing or implementing innovations such as automation-enabled controls, risk‑based verification models, analytics dashboards, or workflow improvements in ERP‑based financial systems is desirable.
• Background in piloting new tools, methodologies, or system enhancements and successfully scaling them across units to improve compliance, efficiency, or service delivery is desirable..

Languages:  Fluency in written and spoken English is required.  Fluency in or working knowledge of French or Spanish, or of another United Nations language, is desirable.

For further information on salaries, refer to the International Civil Service Commission website: https://icsc.un.org/

Employees of UNIDO are expected at all times to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and respect for diversity, both at work and outside. Only persons who fully and unconditionally commit to these values should consider applying for jobs at UNIDO.

All applications must be submitted online through the Online Recruitment System. Correspondence will be undertaken only with candidates who are being considered at an advanced phase of the selection process. Selected candidate(s) may be required to disclose to the Director General the nature and scope of financial and other personal interests and assets in respect of themselves, their spouses and dependents, under the procedures established by the Director General.

Visit the UNIDO careers site for details on how to apply: https://careers.unido.org/ 

NOTE: The Director General retains the discretion to make an appointment to this post at a lower level.

Notice to applicants:
UNIDO does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. If you have received a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Vacant positions within UNIDO are advertised on the official UNIDO website. Should you have any questions concerning persons or companies claiming to be recruiting on behalf of UNIDO and requesting payment of a fee, please contact: recruitment@unido.org