Job Description
Introduction
Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants.
IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.
IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration
This is an expedited recruitment process, open for applications from internal and internal-equivalent candidates only.
Organizational Context and Scope
Under the overall supervision of the Deputy Regional Director (Management) and direct supervision of the Regional Financial Comptroller, the Regional Finance Officer oversees and provides strategic and technical support to IOM activities and provides support to all IOM Country Offices (COs) within the Region on budgeting, accounting, and other related financial functions.
Responsibilities
- Provide specialized operational and technical support and guidance to COs within the Region on IOM’s financial policies and procedures with particular focus on finance, accounting, treasury and transaction quality, with a view to increasing their effectiveness while considering the specific regional and local context.
- Facilitate and monitor compliance of the COs in the Region with the IOM financial rules and regulations in coordination with the Regional Financial Comptroller.
- Review and assess financial management practices and control processes implemented by COs, identifying financial risks, control weaknesses or recurring issues, and drive coordinated corrective actions and process improvements to safeguard organizational resources and improve operational effectiveness. Escalate significant matters to the Regional Financial Comptroller, the Regional Risk and Compliance Officer, and/or to the Deputy Regional Director (Management) as needed.
- Review the financial aspects of project proposals during development and endorsement processes, including assessment of costing assumptions, structure and financial feasibility, in line with IOM policies.
- Support COs in monitoring budget implementation and financial performance by analysing expenditure trends and variances between budget and actual expenditure, and advising on corrective measures, in coordination with the Regional Financial Comptroller.
- Promote the timely and accurate recording of financial transactions by the COs in the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system of IOM, ensuring appropriate allocation of costs to projects/ accounts.
- Provide expert technical guidance to COs in the preparation of donor financial reports and during audits/verifications, in accordance with IOM regulations and established procedures.
- Guide COs on the implementation and monitoring of internal controls to prevent fraud and mismanagement, including undertaking monitoring visits to the COs to review their procedures and workflows to ensure efficiency and compliance.
- Identify regional capacity gaps and develop and implement capacity building plans, training materials and knowledge-sharing initiatives; provide expert guidance to staff in the Region on ERP modules and other institutional technological solutions relevant to financial operations.
- Monitor and oversee the financial management activities of the RO including oversight of financial expenditure, accountability, and projectization of staff.
- Provide specialized guidance on preparation for internal and external audits and contribute substantively to IOM’s preparedness and responsiveness in close coordination with the Project Managers (PMs), COs and RO management.
- Participate in verification visits to the COs contribute to the review and validation of findings, and contribute to the formulation of practical recommendations to address the shortcomings.
- Guide the COs in the application of financial risk and compliance tools, including Compliance Control Self-Assessment Tool, in coordination with the Regional Risk and Compliance Officer.
- Provide strategic financial and operational guidance to the COs related to United Nations (UN) engagement, including UN agreements, joint programs, UN coordination levy, Business Operation System (BOS) and other areas related to the Efficiency Agenda.
- Guide and support other Units on matters related to IOM financial rules and regulations with a view to strengthening compliance and operational efficiency.
- Perform any other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications and Experience
Education
- Master’s degree, preferably in Finance, Accounting, Public Administration, Business Administration or a related field from an accredited academic institution with seven years of relevant experience; or,
- University degree in the above fields with nine years of relevant professional experience.
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Professional certificate as Chartered Accountant, or equivalent is an advantage.
Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.
Experience
- Progressively evolving experience in financial management with responsibilities for accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, treasury and financial analysis;
- Experience and an active role in donor financial reporting, audits, accounting controls and risks management is required. Experience at field office level is desired;
- Proven experience in effectively managing a team; and,
- Experience with internal control assessments and financial risks management.
Skills
- Features good communication, exceptional people management, and strong interpersonal skills;
- Knowledge of IOM and/or UN financial regulations, policies, procedures and practices is desired;
- Successful track record in remotely managing teams and functions, including highly decentralized financial and accounting practices;
- High level of computer literacy with proven ability to conceptualize business requirements for technological improvements related to the area of finance;
- Advanced analytical and financial reporting skills;
- Knowledge of the Region is an advantage;
- Proficient in English with excellent drafting skills; and,
- Demonstrated ability to innovate and manage transitions.
Languages
All IOM staff members in all categories are required to be fluent in one of the IOM's official languages (English, French, Spanish).
At least a working knowledge of another language (including one of the six official UN languages, and/or a language that may be widely spoken in the country context) is desirable.
For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written).
Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) is an advantage.
Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.
Required Competencies
IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.
Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:
- Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
- Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
- Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
- Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
- Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.
Core Competencies – behavioural indicators Level 3
- Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
- Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
- Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
- Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
- Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.
Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators Level 3
- Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organization’s vision. Assists others to realize and develop their leadership and professional potential.
- Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.
- Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty.
- Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.
- Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings.
Notes
Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile. Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category. Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation. This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.
Appointment will be subject to all clearances, including medical and security as well as accreditation, any residency or visa requirements. Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.
IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and any forms of discrimination. IOM is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children.
IOM conducts reference checks and background verification, including through system wide databases such as ClearCheck, to help ensure that candidates have no record of misconduct, including on sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, or fraud. Candidates are expected to uphold these standards and principles at all times.
IOM does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process—whether for application, interview, processing, training, or otherwise—and does not request any information related to bank accounts.
IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM WAVE system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies
Required Skills
Job info
Contract Type: Special Short Term Graded (Up to 9 months)Initial Contract Duration: 9 months
Org Type: Regional Office
Vacancy Type: Special Vacancy Notice
Recruiting Type: Professional
Grade: P-4
Is this S/VN based in an L3 office or in support to an L3 emergency response?: No