SVN-2026-027 Finance Assistant | G4

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

Organizational Context and Scope

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) in San Jose, Costa Rica and direct supervision of the Senior Finance Associate / Head of Resources Management Officer (HRMO); and, in collaboration with relevant units at Headquarters and the Administrative Centres, the Finance Assistant will be responsible and accountable for managing the resources management functions in the Office in San Jose, Costa Rica.

Responsibilities

1. Extract and input data from various sources in financial or accounting systems;

2. Respond to accounting, budget or financial queries regarding data from staff in the unit and elsewhere;

3. Assist in the preparation of the payroll by executing validity checks on monthly payroll results;

4. Review all types of payments starting from purchase to payment requests verifying that they are duly authorized, and all the supporting documents are attached therewith;

5. Create new Vendor Accounts in WAVE;

6. Verify vendor requests for accuracy and conformance with IOM finance policies and instructions;

7. Perform claim verifications against documentation to ensure that purchases/services are properly authorized and that the goods have been received or services rendered;

8. Prepare necessary receipt and journal vouchers;

9. Assist in the preparation of budget, accounting, financial, statistical reports and other reports as required;

10. Provide assistance to all staff services such as travel, expense claims, document retrieval, etc;

11. Ensure proper and systematic filling of all posted payments and other accounting documents according to the established standards;

12. Responsible for the Petty Cash of the office; and,

13. Perform other related duties as required

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• High School diploma with four years of relevant experience; or,
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finances, or related fields with two years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, E-mail, Outlook; previous experience in Oracle is a distinct advantage;

• Attention to detail, ability to organize paperwork in a methodical way; 

• Discreet, details and clients-oriented, patient and willingness to learn new things; and, 

• Prior work experience with international humanitarian organizations, non-government or government institutions/organization in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage. 

Skills

• Knowledge of financial rules, regulations, procedures and internal controls related to accounting, payments, payroll, petty cash and financial reporting.

• Knowledge of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), including their application to financial transactions, reconciliations and reporting.
• Ability to review payment requests, vendor documentation, claims and supporting documents for accuracy, completeness, authorization and compliance with established procedures.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills, including the ability to extract, input, verify and reconcile financial data from different systems and sources.

• Knowledge of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).

• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to maintain systematic filing, documentation and audit-ready financial records.
• Attention to detail, discretion, client orientation and ability to handle confidential financial information with integrity and professionalism.

• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment and provide timely support to staff on finance-related services, including travel, expense claims and document retrieval.

Languages

All IOM staff members in all categories are required to be fluent in one of the IOM's official languages (English, French, Spanish).

For this position, fluency in english and spanish is required (oral and written).

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 1

• 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 2, if with direct reports

• 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. 

Para aplicar a la vacante la persona candidata debe enviar su aplicación por medio de esta plataforma.

La aplicación debe incluir: 

• CV.
• Una carta de interés (máx.1 página).
• Títulos.

Notas:

1. Este puesto tendrá una duración inicial de 6 meses, con posibilidad de prórroga. El puesto está sujeto a confirmación de fondos.
2. Salario Bruto: Special Short Term G4 - CRC 889.153 mensuales
3. Solo se contactará con los candidatos preseleccionados. 
4. Cualquier oferta que se haga al candidato en relación con esta convocatoria de vacante está sujeta a la confirmación de la financiación.
5. Este puesto está sujeto a contratación local. Solo podrán ser considerados aquellos que posean un permiso de residencia y de trabajo válido para el país en el que se encuentra el puesto.
6. El nombramiento estará sujeto a la certificación de que el candidato es médicamente apto para el puesto, a la verificación de la residencia, al visado y a las autorizaciones del Gobierno correspondiente, cuando proceda.
7. La OIM aplica una política de tolerancia cero ante conductas incompatibles con los fines y objetivos de las Naciones Unidas y de la OIM, incluyendo la explotación y el abuso sexuales, el acoso sexual, el abuso de autoridad y la discriminación por motivos de género, nacionalidad, edad, raza, orientación sexual, origen religioso o étnico o discapacidad.
8. La OIM no cobra ninguna tasa en ninguna fase de su proceso de selección (solicitud, entrevista, tramitación, formación u otras tasas). La OIM no solicita ninguna información relacionada con cuentas bancarias.
9. La OIM solo acepta solicitudes debidamente cumplimentadas presentadas a través del sistema de selección en línea de la OIM. La herramienta en línea también permite a los candidatos realizar un seguimiento del estado de su solicitud.

La Organización Internacional para las Migraciones (OIM) no discrimina por motivos de discapacidad, edad, identidad y expresión de género, orientación sexual, nacionalidad, identidad racial, creencias religiosas, entre otras. La OIM está comprometida con un entorno diverso e inclusivo y por ello su personal proviene de una amplia gama de entornos socioeconómicos y perspectivas del mundo. Se alienta especialmente las candidaturas de mujeres, personas afrodescendientes y personas LGBTIQA+ que se encuentren cualificadas y cumplan los requisitos de cada vacante

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) does not discriminate on the basis of disability, age, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, nationality, racial identity, religious beliefs, among others. IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive environment and therefore its staff come from a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds and world perspectives. Candidates from women, people of African descent and LGBTIQA+ people who are qualified and meet the requirements of each vacancy are especially encouraged. 

Required Skills

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