Regional Financial Comptroller (P)

Job Description

Job Identification (Reference Number): 12820
Position Title: Regional Financial Comptroller (P)
Duty Station City: Panama City
Duty Station Country: Panama
Grade: P-5
Contract Type: Fixed-term (1 year with possibility of extension)
Recruiting Type: Professional
Vacancy Type: Vacancy Notice
Initial duration: 1 year with possibility of extension
Closing date:  30 January 2025
 

Introduction:

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 candidates
                 2.    External female candidates:
                 3.    Candidates from the following non-represented member states:

Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Comoros, Congo (the), Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Guinea-Bissau, Holy See, Iceland, Kiribati, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Madagascar, Marshall Islands, Namibia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu

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

Context:

Under the overall supervision of the Regional Director and direct supervision of the Deputy Regional Director (Management), with a secondary reporting line to the Comptroller / Director of Department of Financial and Administrative Management (DFM), the Regional Financial Comptroller is responsible for steering, monitoring, and facilitating IOM’s financial and administrative functions across the Region, including facilitating compliance of financial controls and processes adopted by Country Offices in the Region with IOM’s global financial policies, regulations, and procedures. 

In this capacity, the Regional Financial Comptroller delivers strategic financial advisory services and support to Country Offices by promoting the integration of IOM’s financial principles within broader operational frameworks. The Regional Financial Comptroller facilitates the provision of efficient financial and administrative services at both regional and local levels, while also identifying, mitigating, and escalating financial risks as necessary. In addition, the Regional Financial Comptroller champions capacity-building initiatives in finance and administration, driving change and strengthening IOM’s financial workforce, systems, and internal controls. The Regional Financial Comptroller frequently collaborates with DFM Divisions and engages with UN agencies and donor representatives at both regional and country levels.

Responsibilities

1. Lead the development and implementation of both short- and long-term financial management plans and strategies at the regional level, aligning with IOM’s global financial policies, regulations, and procedures.
2. Provide strategic financial advice to Regional Office management and the management of Country Offices in the Region in line with the IOM’s financial policy framework, ensuring effective oversight and compliance with financial controls across the Region in collaboration with HQ, Administrative Centers, and Country Offices. 
3. Provide guidance and first-line support to Resource Management Officers (RMOs) and finance staff on financial, administrative and financial control matters, providing training and guidance on financial and administrative policies, ensuring that processes are efficient and aligned with IOM’s global policies while being adaptable to local contexts.
4. Monitor financial and administrative processes at the Regional and Country Office levels by facilitating compliance and promoting operational efficiency in coordination with HQ, Administrative Centers, and Country Offices. Conduct periodic visits to Country Offices in the Region to provide guidance, assess capacities, and improve compliance. Communicate the outcomes of these visits to Regional Office management and the Department of Financial and Administrative Management.
5. Strengthen the financial internal control environment across the Region, coordinating with regional global counterparts, particularly with the Regional Risk and Compliance Officer and DFM, to address gaps and prevent fraud or mismanagement. Facilitate the implementation of Compliance Control Self-Assessment Tool across the Region, contribute to the development of Risk Register Matrix, and other risks assessment and management related tools. Monitor and facilitate the segregation of duties within the Country Offices, including but not limited to role assignments in IOM’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. 
6. Perform approval, reviews, or authorizations within the authorities delegated by IOM polices and/or line managers, in close coordination with global counterparts.
7. Oversee comprehensive financial planning, monitoring and reporting across the Region, including monitoring project financial performance, with an emphasis on promptly identifying changes in the financial health of Country Offices. 
8. Identify, assess, and mitigate financial risks in collaboration with Regional and Country office management, the Regional Risk and Compliance Officer, and other stakeholders. Escalate significant financial risks and emerging trends to DFM and senior regional management.
9. Oversee the Regional Office's budget submission process, monitoring expenditures to ensure adherence to approved allocations and financial policies. Monitor Country Offices’ budget submissions and periodic forecasts, ensuring financial sustainability and adequate coverage of common costs.
10. Under the guidance of the Treasury Division, facilitate the optimization of cash management and bank account structures across the Region, ensuring alignment with IOM’s global financial strategies. Promote global institutional payment solutions, streamlining processes and reducing transaction costs across the Region.
11. Monitor compliance with donor financial reporting requirements, facilitate good quality project financial report preparation by Country Offices and timely submission for internal endorsements.
12. Maintain and monitor audit recommendations and oversight findings, ensuring timely follow-up and resolution by Country Offices.
13. Supervise finance and administrative staff at the Regional Office, ensuring processes are in place to maintain compliance with IOM’s rules and standards. 
14. Lead regional finance capacity-building initiatives, focusing on talent development and retention within the financial function. Foster a robust finance community across the Region, encouraging continuous learning, peer collaboration, and alignment with IOM’s global financial strategies. Serve as a key champion of change, facilitating the adoption of technological and policy updates across the region 
15. Represent IOM in inter-agency financial and administrative discussions, including participation in regional and local OMTs, donor meetings, and other external forums.
16. Perform any other duties as assigned. 
     

Qualifications

Education

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting or related field from an accredited academic institution with ten years of relevant professional experience; and,
• University degree in the above with twelve years of relevant professional experience.
• Professional accounting certification by an internationally recognized professional accountancy body is an advantage.

Experience

• A minimum of ten years of progressively evolving leadership experience in financial management with responsibilities for accounting, financial reporting and financial analysis within an international, decentralized, and/or multinational environment.;
• Demonstrated experience in conducting financial analysis, feasibility studies, including trend and ratio analysis. Capable of presenting complex financial matters and experienced in negotiating with member states and donors;
• Excellent knowledge and experience with budgeting, financial, and reporting systems, including ERP;
• A solid understanding and substantial work experience with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS); and,
• Progressive experience in field operations of similar sized international organizations to IOM is an advantage. 

Skills

• Features good communication, exceptional people management, and strong interpersonal skills;
• Knowledge of IOM and/or UN financial regulations, policies, procedures and practices are  desirable;
• Successful track record in remotely managing teams and functions, including highly decentralized financial and accounting practices;
• Skilled in operating a complex financial monitoring framework, including policies and procedures tailored to operational needs;
• Demonstrated understanding of a decentralized operating model and its complexities;
• Proficient in English with excellent drafting skills; and,
• Demonstrated ability to innovate and manage transitions.

Languages

IOM's official languages are English, French, and Spanish. All staff members are required to be fluent in one of the three languages.

For this position, fluency in English and Spanish are required (oral and written).

Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is an advantage.

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 three 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.

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.

The list of NMS countries above includes all IOM Member States which are non-represented in the Professional Category of staff members. For this staff category, candidates who are nationals of the duty station’s country and who do not have prior experience outside the duty station’s country as staff member in the Professional category cannot be considered eligible.

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

IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies

Required Skills

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