Assistant Director, Financial Affairs

Vacancy Notice 1619

INTERPOL is the world’s largest international police organization, with 196 Member Countries. Created in 1923, it facilitates cross-border police co-operation, and supports and assists all organizations, authorities, and services whose mission is to prevent or combat international crime. 

INTERPOL strives to achieve a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcomes applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. To achieve our Diversity goals, we encourage applications from women and nationals of under/unrepresented member countries who are passionate about our mission. INTERPOL’s recruitment process is merit-based hence all hiring decisions are made considering the applicant’s qualifications and the needs of the Organization.

Job Title: Assistant Director, Financial Affairs
Reporting To: Director, Finance and Corporate Services

Location: Lyon
Type of contract: Fixed-term Contract
Duration (in months): 36.00 

Grade: 2   
Number of post (s): 1
Level of Security screening: Enhanced
Deadline for application: 03 March 2026

Conditions applying for all candidates

Only professional experience for which candidates can provide official proof of employment will be considered. Candidates could be requested to provide copies of such official documents prior to interviews/test.

Subsequent extension to this post will be subject to the terms of the Organization’s Staff Manual, to satisfactory performance and to availability of funds.

Tests/interviews in connection with this selection procedure will take place approximately three to four weeks after the deadline for applications. Applicants are kindly requested to plan their availability during this period; accordingly, in case they are short-listed.

​Selected candidates will be expected to report for duty approximately two to three months after receiving an offer of employment at the latest.

This selection exercise may be used to generate a reserve list of suitable candidates that may be used to address Organization's similar staffing needs in the future.

SUMMARY OF THE ASSIGNED DUTIES

The Executive Directorate Resource Management (EDRM) is responsible for the strategic and operational management of INTERPOL’s financial, human, and corporate resources to ensure the effective delivery of the Organization’s global mission.

The Directorate of Finance and Corporate Services (FCS) oversees all financial governance, budgeting, accounting, treasury, and control functions, ensuring compliance with international public sector accounting standards (IPSAS), financial regulations, and the decisions of INTERPOL’s governing bodies, and manages corporate services in general services, procurement, contract, travel and events, and language services.

The Assistant Director, Financial Affairs is responsible for the integrated planning, coordination, supervision, and execution of all financial operations under FCS, providing strategic leadership to the three units under its leadership (Budget and Analysis, Financial Accounting and Control, and Treasury and Accounts Payable). S/he ensures the timely, accurate, and compliant delivery of financial services across the Organization, enabling the Director FCS, to fulfill financial, statutory, governance, and strategic responsibilities. The incumbent is also responsible for ensuring close coordination and alignment of financial policies, processes, and resource planning with other units notably Procurement and Contracts Management, General Services, Human Resource Management, and Strategic Business Planning to ensure that financial considerations are fully integrated into cross-functional operations and that all budgetary, procurement, and staffing decisions are financially sound, compliant, and strategically aligned. Furthermore, the incumbent engages proactively with all units across the Organization to ensure finance is understood in clear, accessible terms, to provide timely and practical financial support aligned with INTERPOL’s rules and procedures, and to enable effective business delivery at all levels. 

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND ACTIVITIES

1. Provide strategic leadership and integrated oversight of all financial functions under FCS:

• Lead, coordinate, and integrate the activities of the Head of Budget and Analysis, Financial Controller, and Head of Treasury and Accounts Payable to ensure cohesive financial planning, execution, and reporting across the Organization.
• Ensure alignment of budgetary, accounting, and treasury activities with INTERPOL’s Strategic Plan, financial regulations and rules, IPSAS, and decisions of the Executive Committee and General Assembly.
• Chair weekly financial coordination meetings with the three unit heads to resolve cross-functional issues, harmonize reporting, and ensure timely delivery of financial outputs.
• Monitor performance of the three sub-units against agreed KPIs and deliverables and provide feedback and corrective guidance as necessary.
• Act as the primary liaison between the three financial units and the Director FCS, to ensure seamless operational flow and strategic coherence.
• Coordinate closely with the Assistant Director of Procurement and Contracts Management, Head of General Services, the Director of Human Resource Management and Assistant Director of Strategic Business Planning to ensure financial implications of INTERPOL activities, staffing, procurement, asset management, and service contracts are assessed, integrated, and aligned with the Organization’s overall financial strategy and risk appetite.

2.  Direct the annual budget cycle and financial planning process:

• Oversee the entire budget development, review, consolidation, and submission cycle, ensuring alignment between programmatic needs, financial capacity, and governance approvals.
• Lead the preparation of the draft multi-year budget and financial strategy for review and approval by the Director FCS, and the Strategic Management Board.
• Coordinate with the Strategic Business Planning unit to ensure budget allocations directly support organizational priorities and performance indicators.
• Provide authoritative analysis and recommendations on resource reallocation, cost optimization, and financial risk exposure to senior management and governance bodies.
• Ensure all budget documentation is accurate, transparent, compliant, and presented in a manner that meets the expectations of the Advisory Group on Financial Matters, the Executive Committee and the General Assembly, and prepare documentation as necessary.

3.  Ensure financial integrity, accountability, and audit readiness:

• Oversee the preparation of high-quality, IPSAS-compliant financial statements, ensuring robust internal controls, accurate record-keeping, and timely financial closure.
• Oversee the coordination of the annual external audit process, including preparation of audit packages, facilitation of auditor access, implementation of audit recommendations, and follow-up on corrective actions.
• Ensure all financial reporting systems (including SAP/ERP) are configured for auditability, segregation of duties, and data integrity.
• Work closely with the Financial Controller to maintain a strong control environment, prevent fraud, and ensure compliance with international anti-money laundering and financial crime standards.
• Advise the Director FCS, on emerging financial risks, control gaps, and regulatory changes requiring organizational response including appropriate insurance to mitigate financial exposure effectively where appropriate.

4.  Manage treasury, cash flow, and financial risk strategically

• Provide strategic oversight of global cash flow forecasting, investment strategy, foreign exchange, and liquidity risk management.
• Ensure treasury operations are aligned with the Organization’s rules and financial policies, and that payment processes are efficient, secure, and compliant.
• Review and approve treasury policies, banking relationships, and investment guidelines before submission to the Director FCS, for final endorsement.
• Monitor performance of the investment portfolio and ensure regular reporting to the Investment Committee and senior management.
• Ensure close coordination between Treasury and Accounts Payable and Procurement, Contract, Travel & Mission, to optimize payment timing, reduce costs, and enhance supplier relationships and efficiency in internal processes.

5. Provide expert advice and operational support to the Director, FCS

• Prepare briefings, policy papers, and presentations for the Director FCS to use in engagements with the Strategic Management Board, Executive Committee, AGFM, member countries, and external auditors.
• Act as the primary point of contact for financial matters between FCS and other Directorates, ensuring alignment with corporate policies and cross-functional initiatives.
• Support the Director FCS in the management of the Advisory Group on Financial Matters (AGFM), including preparation of reports, coordination of meetings, and liaison with national financial representatives.
• Contribute to the development of financial strategy, reform initiatives, and digital transformation of financial systems under the FCS Director’s leadership.
• Engage directly with all units across the Organization to translate financial policies and constraints into practical, understandable guidance, ensuring that non-financial managers are equipped to make informed, compliant decisions that support business delivery without compromising financial integrity. Provide tailored support, training, and clarification on financial rules to foster a culture of financial ownership and accountability throughout the Secretariat.

6.  Perform any other duties as required by the hierarchy

• Represent the Director FCS, in interdepartmental committees, working groups, or task forces as assigned.
• Ensure continuous improvement of financial processes, systems, and team capability through innovation, training, and knowledge sharing.
• Perform any other duty as required.

QUALIFICATIONS, COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS

Education and qualification required:

• Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Professional certification (e.g., CPA, ACCA, CFA, or equivalent) highly desirable.

Experience required:

• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in financial management, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role managing complex financial operations within an international organization or equivalent large public sector entity.
• Proven experience in directing multi-disciplinary finance teams and overseeing budgeting, accounting, treasury, and audit functions simultaneously.
• Demonstrated experience working with IPSAS, IFRS, and international public sector financial regulations.
• Experience in managing financial systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and implementing financial reforms or ERP upgrades.

Languages:

• Fluency in English is essential.
• Proficiency in French is highly desirable.
• Working knowledge of another official INTERPOL language (Arabic or Spanish) is an asset.

Abilities required:

• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex financial information to non-financial audiences at senior levels.
• Proven leadership and people management skills, including performance management, staff development, and team motivation.
• Strategic and tactical decision-making ability, with sound judgment under pressure.
• Experience in managing change, driving process improvements, and leading cross-functional teams.
• Ability to synthesize complex data into clear, actionable insights.

Special aptitudes

• Personal and professional maturity
• Ability to maintain objectivity and apply logical, inductive reasoning
• Ability to work independently and in teams with minimal supervision
• High level of initiative, creativity, and curiosity
• Strong multicultural sensitivity and diplomatic acumen
• Excellent listening and negotiation skills
• Willingness to travel and work beyond normal office hours as required.