Position Title: Senior Finance Officer

Duty Station : Geneva, Switzerland

Classification : Professional Staff, Grade P4

Type of Appointment : Fixed term, one year with possibility of extension

Estimated Start Date : As soon as possible

Closing Date : 8 December 2019

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. Read more about diversity and inclusion at IOM at www.iom.int/diversity.

Applications are welcome from first- and second-tier candidates, particularly qualified female candidates as well as applications from the non-represented member countries of IOM. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process.

For the purpose of this vacancy, the following are considered first-tier candidates:

1. Internal candiates
2. External female candidates
3. Candidates from the following non-represented member states: Antigua and Barbuda; Cabo Verde; Comoros; Cook Islands; Cuba; Djibouti; El Salvador; Fiji; Gabon; Grenada; Guinea-Bissau; Guyana; Holy See; Iceland; Kingdom of Eswatini; Kiribati; Lao People’s Democratic Republic (the); Latvia; Libya; Marshall Islands; Micronesia (Federated States of); Montenegro; Namibia; Nauru; Palau; Papua New Guinea; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; Samoa; Sao Tome and Principe; Seychelles; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas; Timor-Leste; Tonga; Tuvalu; Vanuatu

Second tier candidates include all external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM and female candidates.

Context

Established in 1951, IOM is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. With 172-member states, a further 8 states holding observer status and offices in over 160 countries, IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

The Accounting and Financial Reporting Division (ACO) is responsible for monitoring, analysing and reporting on the financial position, financial performance, financial risks and financial compliance of the Organization. The Division prepares key financial statements and reports, including the annual Financial Report in compliance with IPSAS (International Public Sector Accounting Standards), and oversees the project financial reporting mechanisms of IOM. To safeguard the Organization’s resources and assets, the Division’s fundamental functions also include developing financial reporting and accounting standards and policies; monitoring compliance with financial policies and procedures; implementing appropriate financial controls, tools and systems; and ensuring integrity of accounting and financial data. The Division also liaises with external and internal auditors and other relevant stakeholders on accounting and financial matters.

Under the general oversight of the Comptroller, Director of the Department of Resources Management (DRM) and direct supervision of the Deputy Comptroller, Director of Accounting and Financial Reporting, the successful candidate will be responsible to contribute to the effective implementation of ACOs financial management oversight functions; to identify, implement and reinforce timely financial risk detection and reporting practices; and to facilitate IOMs compliance with and adherence to emerging financial reporting requirements.

Core Functions / Responsibilities

1. Coordinate the preparation of IOMs consolidated financial data within the central UN system-wide financial reporting processes, to the UN Secretariat and other central mechanisms.
2. Facilitate knowledge management and serve as a resource person on UN system-wide financial reporting and UN Reform specific financial matters to support IOMs compliance and active implementation of the financial and administrative aspects of the UN Reform at central, regional and country office level.
3. Support the role of the Deputy Comptroller, Director of Accounting and Financial Reporting as IOMs financial focal point for the UN Reform, including facilitation and monitoring the implementation of related decisions and follow-up actions to meet the requirements.
4. Analyse internal and external financial information requests and emerging trends in strategic financial management to support the implementation of innovative approaches and policies that enhance the Organization’s efficiency and effectiveness in financial reporting.
5. Actively contribute to the financial risk monitoring, reporting and advisory functions of ACO, make recommendations to reduce and control financial risk, including with respect to ensuring that financial control measures outlined in IOMs policies, processes and systems target the risks identified effectively and proportionately.
6. Coordinate and implement assigned ACO initiatives addressing systemic financial and accounting compliance issues identified, including those raised by the oversight bodies of IOM, ensuring that financial risks management and control effectiveness considerations are appropriately reflected and implemented within such processes.
7. Prepare concise, analytic reports, internal guidelines, briefing notes, updates and draft decision papers, highlighting critical factors for consideration and contributing to effective information sharing as well as to forming IOMs position on the related financial subject matters.
8. Work closely with other Divisions of DRM, with Headquarters (HQ) departments, with the Administrative Centres, with Regional and Country Offices to ensure effective feedback and information flow.
9. Liaise with respective professional working groups, networks, within and outside the United Nations system and represent IOM as assigned.
10. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or a related field from an accredited academic institution with seven years of relevant professional experience; or
• University degree in the above fields with nine years of relevant professional experience.
• Professional certification as Chartered Accountant (CA) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), or Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) will be a distinct advantage.

Accredited Universities are the ones listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database (https://whed.net/home.php).

Experience

• Extensive experience in financial management and accounting and experience in financial policy development.
• Experience in financial systems implementation and financial data management with a view to financial risk management, compliance and internal controls is an advantage.
• Extensive financial coordination and/or field support experience preferably within a UN entity.
• Knowledge of IOMs and/or the UNs financial policies, practices and systems is desired.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills, excellent writing skills, ability to present information in a comprehensive, clear and concise manner both in writing and verbally.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct analyses, accompanied with ability to edit a range of different materials, including but not limited to financial policies, related instructions, guidelines and reports for different audiences.
• Advanced computer literacy, especially database tools, SAP or another ERP software.

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish. For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of French and/or Spanish is an advantage.

Required Competencies

Values – all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.
• 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.

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 action 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 potential.
• Empowering others & building trust: creates an atmosphere of trust and an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.
• Strategic thinking and vision: works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link: https://www.iom.int/sites/default/files/about-iom/iom_revised_competency…

Competencies will be assessed during a competency-based interview.

Other

Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile.

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 endorsed by the Appointments and Postings Board will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.

Internals of the Organization and NMS candidates, as well as external female candidates, will be considered as first-tier candidates. This vacancy is also open to second-tier candidates.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.