Head, Financial and Administrative Compliance Unit

Job Description

Job Identification (Reference Number): 14526
Position Title: Head, Financial and Administrative Compliance Unit  
Duty Station City: Geneva
Grade: P-4
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: 08 May 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 ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM's workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

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, Dominica, Federated States of Micronesia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Holy See, Iceland, Israel, 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:

The Department of Financial and Administrative Management (DFAM) oversees and manages the organization's global financial, budgetary, treasury, accounting, and administrative functions.  

​​The Financial Coordination and Policy Division of DFAM oversees the global financial controlling framework of the Organization, facilitating compliance with the Organization’s financial regulations, policies, and standards. It coordinates the comprehensive monitoring and analysis of budgetary and financial risks in close coordination with the other divisions of the Department. It oversees, develops, and regularly updates IOM’s financial management rules and procedures; provides financial advisory services and integrates the applicable financial principles into IOM’s non-financial policies. The Division also provides financial advisory services to IOM on financial controls, financial risks, financial conditions in legal agreements and other related topics. Additionally, the Division supports L3 emergency operations and offers guidance for global projects managed from Headquarters, facilitating associated financial and administrative processes. It supports capacity-building initiatives in the area of finance and administration and leads strategic initiatives to drive change and strengthen the financial and administrative workforce and solutions deployed by IOM. The Division’s work facilitates IOM’s financial management globally, ensuring it remains robust, adaptable, and closely aligned with both operational and strategic objectives. 

​The Head, Financial and Administrative Compliance Unit must demonstrate qualities of leadership as well as relevant experience and qualifications in financial management and coordination and corporate controlling. The assigned responsibilities of this position include regular liaison with management within IOM, IOM regional and field offices, as well as within the UN system. 

​Under the overall supervision of the Comptroller and Director of the Financial and Administrative Management Department and direct supervision of the Deputy Comptroller/Director of Financial Coordination and Policy Division (FCP).

Responsibilities

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Develop, enhance, and monitor financial and administrative compliance tools tailored to IOM’s field and project-based operating structure. Adopt a multi-functional approach that integrates inputs from various operational levels, emphasizing the needs and challenges faced by field operations.
2. Act as DFAM focal point on issues relating to capacity building and knowledge management initiatives in the area of financial and administrative management.
3. Track and analyse open recommendations issued by oversight bodies, auditors, and other bodies relevant to financial and administrative compliance in order to facilitate timely implementation and reporting on actions taken by IOM. 
4. ​In close collaboration with the Finance and Accounting Division, the Treasury Division, and the Budget Division, facilitate comprehensive monitoring and reporting on financial risks across the organization. This includes assessing project financial risks, identifying potential vulnerabilities, and providing related guidance and advice to strengthen financial risk management practices
5. Facilitate consistent dialogue with regional and HQ finance teams to ensure uniformity in compliance practices. Establish a structured process for collecting feedback from ROs and field offices to identify deficiencies, trends, and root causes. Use this information to inform ongoing improvements to compliance frameworks and tools and to report to management. 
6. Lead dedicated teams and initiatives aimed at enhancing financial oversight and management within the organization. These efforts should align with IOM’s strategic objectives and operational needs, ensuring that financial and administrative compliance is robust and adaptable to the evolving landscape of global operations. 
7. ​Propose and support the implementation of cross-cutting changes to systems, tools, processes, and policies related to financial and administrative processes and compliance. Collaborate with the other division management to ensure that all changes to financial and administrative compliance are well identified and being controlled efficiently. 
8. Prepare and deliver necessary reports and presentations to senior management, governing bodies, and donors on financial and administrative compliance matters. Respond to formal and ad-hoc requests for information and analysis requests.
9. Monitor and support the financial management of HQ implemented projects, including monitoring of financial health of the respective project accounts, facilitating the preparation of financial and donor reports in coordination with the HQ departments in charge of the financial management and implementation of the projects. Liaise with Project Managers, departmental Resource Management Officers, and the relevant units in HQ and Administrative Centres as required.
10. Coordinate and support ad hoc external auditing of HQ-managed projects as well as multi-country audits involving HQ projects. Ensure that audit observations with impact on accounting and financial management policies and procedures are properly and timely addressed through corresponding modifications to procedures or in the system of internal controls.
11. Act as payment and/or budget approver for HQ-related expenses as assigned. 
12. Support the establishment of financial and administrative procedures ensuring regular financial review of projects managed in Headquarters, follow up findings and facilitate resolution. 
13. ​Develop accurate and timely financial management information leveraging business intelligence tools and other reporting platforms. Prepare regular data analysis to identify opportunities for cost and efficiency savings. 
14. Perform any other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education:

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

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience:

• A minimum of seven years of progressively evolving leadership experience in financial and administrative compliance monitoring and evaluation within an international, decentralized, and/or multinational environment. 
• Experience in managing a team.
• ​Experience with analytical tools and new reporting platforms is considered an asset. Possesses excellent knowledge and experience with budgeting, financial, and reporting systems. 
• ​Experience using large Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions is required, with the ability to navigate complex financial systems to control, manage and analyse data effectively. Familiarity with ERP platforms in financial and administrative operations is critical to ensuring seamless integration, accuracy, and compliance in transaction processing and reporting. 
• ​A solid understanding of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). 
• ​Progressive experience in field operations of similar-sized international organizations to IOM is an advantage. 
• ​Demonstrated ability to prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive management reports. 
• ​Experience working within international institutions, such as IOM or other United Nations organizations.​

Skills:

• Proficiency in MS Office applications and strong computer literacy skills are essential;
• ​Knowledge of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) is an asset;
• ​Familiarity with IOM/UN accounting systems, software, and procedures, as well as regulations, policies, and procedures, is highly desirable;
• ​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. Ability to innovate and design policies, structures, and systems that improve the efficiency and effectiveness of financial and administrative functions;
• ​Features good communication, exceptional people management, and strong interpersonal skills;
• ​Proficient in English with excellent writing skills;
• ​Knowledge of IOM and/or UN financial regulations, policies, procedures, and practices is desired; and,
• ​Demonstrated ability to innovate and manage through transitions.​​​ 

Languages:

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

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 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.

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

Vacancies close at 23:59 local time in 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, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.

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.

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