Financial Policy Officer

Call for Applications

Position Title: Financial Policy Officer

Duty Station: Geneva, Switzerland

Classification: Professional Staff, Grade UG

Type of Appointment: Special short-term ungraded, nine months with possibility of extension

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 01 June 2023

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.

Internal and external candidates will be considered for this vacancy. For the purposes of this vacancy, internal candidates are defined as staff members holding a regular, fixed-term or short-term graded or ungraded contract, including Junior Professional Officers (JPOs), staff on Special Leave Without Pay (SLWOP), and staff members on secondment/loan released by the Organization, unless otherwise specified in their contract. Staff members holding a regular, fixed-term or short-term graded contract will not retain their contract type if appointed to an ungraded position.

Context:

The Finance and Accounting Division (FAD) in the Department of Financial and Administrative Management (DFM) of IOM is responsible for monitoring, analysing and reporting on the financial position, financial performance, financial risks and financial compliance of the Organization and manages the related financial control framework and processes of IOM. The Division develops and regularly updates IOM’s financial management rules and procedures; provides financial advice and support services to management, field, and regional offices; integrates the applicable financial principles to IOM’s non-financial policies; develops new financial and accounting approaches in response to emerging operational needs; and facilitates knowledge management, policy interpretations; change management and communication in the related areas. FAD also manages the global financial controlling and oversight framework of the Organization; prepares key financial statements and reports on the financial position and performance of the Organization in compliance with the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS); ensures integrity of accounting data; controls the financial master data structures, data flows and financial processes within the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system; and liaises with external and internal auditors and other stakeholders on accounting and finance related issues and matters.

Under the overall supervision of the Director of FAD and direct supervision of the Senior Financial Policy Officer, the Financial Policy Officer will contribute to the development and update of corporate financial policies and guidelines concerning financial management and oversight, respond to multiple requests requiring policy interpretation and practical implementation, advice on financial risks and mitigate measures that take into account the decentralized set-up of IOM.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Contribute to negotiating standard financial conditions with donors and other third parties and review relevant clauses in agreements submitted to FAD.
2. Provide guidance on implications of non-standard financial provisions on contracts that entail provisions not in line with IOM relevant policies, instructions, regulations, and rules.
3. Participate in the development and update of IOM`s corporate financial policies, procedures and processes related to financial management and control environment, that meet organizational strategic objectives and operational needs, and contribute to any other institutional policy having a financial impact.
4. Prepare impact assessments in response to new operational business modalities and other requirements derived from the implementation of IOM Internal Governance Framework.
5. Provide guidance and assistance on the interpretation and application of IOM financial policies and procedures to other Divisions, Country Offices, Regional Offices, and decentralized units.
6. Escalate any financial compliance issue and risk scenario identified.
7. Review and assess internal and external audit recommendations, and research relevant financial management best practices.
8. Attend to the financial aspects of central donor assessments and complex audit queries related to financial matters as assigned.
9. Prepare a variety of information papers, reports, guidelines, presentations, and training materials as assigned.
10. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Law or a related field from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience; or,
• University degree in the above fields with seven years of relevant professional experience.
• Certification in compliance or financial management is an advantage.

Experience

• Experience in financial management and policy design, internal control assessment, and compliance advisory role; and,
• Experience on contractual negotiations is a distinct advantage.

Skills

• Knowledge of IOM/UN financial policies, systems and procedures is desired;
• Strong negotiation and communication skills, ability to present information in a comprehensive, clear and concise manner both in writing and verbally; and,
• Demonstrated ability to conduct analyses, excellent writing skills, 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.

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish.

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge in French and/or Spanish language is an advantage.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Notes

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

Required Competencies:

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

• 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

• 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.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link.

https://www.iom.int/sites/default/files/about-iom/iom_revised_competency_framework_external.pdf

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.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. Subject to certain exemptions, vaccination against COVID-19 will in principle be required for individuals hired on or after 15 November 2021. This will be verified as part of the medical clearance process.

Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.95) Released