Switzerland: Senior Financial Policy Officer

Position Title : Senior Financial Policy 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 : 10 January 2017

Reference Code: VN 2016/263

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. 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 environment. Applications from qualified female
candidates are especially encouraged. For the purpose of the vacancy, the following candidates
are considered as first-tier candidates:

1. Internal candidates
2. Qualified applicants from the following NMS countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Bahamas, Botswana, Belize, Congo, Cabo, Verde, Djibouti, Micronesia (Federated States of), Gabon, Gambia, Guyana, Iceland, Cambodia, Comoros, Lesotho, Luxembourg, Libya, Montenegro, Marshall Islands, Mongolia, Mauritania, Maldives, Namibia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Seychelles, Slovenia, Suriname, El Salvador, Swaziland, Timor-Leste, Trinidad and Tobago, United Republic of Tanzania, Holy See, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of), Vanuatu, Samoa
3. External female candidates.
   Context:

The Accounting Division (ACO) of IOM is responsible for monitoring, analyzing and reporting on
the financial position and financial performance of the Organization. The Accounting Divisions
fundamental functions include preparing key financial statements and reports including the
Annual Financial Report using International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS);
developing and implementing accounting policies, procedures, as well as related internal
controls and oversight mechanisms to ensure integrity of accounting data and safeguard the
Organizations resources and assets; controlling accounting master data structures within IOMs
SAP based ERP system (PRISM); and liaising with external and internal auditors and other
stakeholders on accounting and financial reporting related issues and concerns.
Under the direct supervision of IOM Chief of Accounting (CoA) and in close coordination with
the other divisions of DRM, the Senior Financial Policy Support Officer will be responsible for
developing and updating financial policy management papers and instructions as related to
sound financial management, financial controls and financial reporting practices of IOM
worldwide, whilst performing regular reviews of related procedures and the integrity and
appropriateness of financial and accounting master data structures within IOMs ERP system
(called PRISM).

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. In close coordination with the CoA, and with due regard to the IOM’s Financial Regulations and the applicable IPSAS requirements, develop and keep updated IOMs financial policies, including accounting and financial reporting policies and procedures, relevant manuals, instructions and procedures. Ensure such policies are regularly reviewed and amendments are initiated according to changes in the regulatory and operational requirements of IOM.
2. Research and analyse financial management best practices relevant to IOMs operations.
3. Draft impact assessment papers on new financial procedures and solutions under consideration by IOM in response to new operational business modalities and needs.
4. Take the lead on the coordinating the implementation of approved policy and procedure changes as assigned, coordinate and consult impacted IOM organizational units giving due consideration to statutory, management and project reporting aspects, as well as IOM system requirements, resources needs and the decentralized nature of its operations.
5. Periodically review the financial reporting structures of IOM, financial information data flow, IOM Chart of Accounts and other master data structures in PRISM, and propose changes addressing alterations to meet both operational and reporting needs. Ensure that clear and comprehensive guidelines are available and updated to facilitate appropriate application of such structures by all organizational units of IOM.
6. Contribute to reviewing IOMs periodic financial reports with a view to improving their presentation.
7. Analyse recommendations and lessons learnt from internal and external audits relevant to financial reporting, accounting practices and systems as well as to related internal controls, ensure proper follow up and action on relevant recommendations and suggest ways to improve guidelines and related policies.
8. Provide guidance on the interpretation and application of IOM financial policies and procedures from statutory, management and project reporting perspective to field offices, Regional Offices, central and decentralized units.
9. Draft information papers on IOMs applicable financial management policies and procedures for internal and external readers, as required. Design tools and templates to facilitate coherency and consistency of related information sharing by various IOM organization units and field offices.
10. Work closely with the other Divisions of DRM, other Headquarters departments, especially those responsible for IOM on-the-ground operations, with the Manila and Panama Administrative Centers and with the Regional Offices, to identify areas in need of strengthened awareness raising in relation to sound financial management, reporting and related internal controls and propose methods for addressing those needs globally.
11. Draft guidelines and training materials contributing to the capacity building of IOM staff involved in financial management, reporting and accounting functions in central units and field offices as well. Deliver in-house training sessions relevant to the professional area.
12. Maintain, further develop and liaise with respective professional working groups, networks, within and outside the United Nations system and represent IOM on related fora as assigned.
13. Undertake duty travels as required for performing the responsibilities.
14. 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.**Experience**

• Extensive experience in financial management and policy design, accounting, budgeting, internal control assessment and (internal and/or external) audit;

• Experience with international institutions coupled with experience with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and/or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS);

• Knowledge of IOM/UN accounting systems, software and procedures is desired;

• Strong communication skills, ability to present information in a comprehensive, clear and concise manner both in writing and verbally.

• 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;

• Computer literacy, especially database tools, SAP or other ERP software.

Languages
Fluency in English is required. Working knowledge of French and/or Spanish is an advantage.

Desirable Competencies:
Behavioral

• Accountability – takes responsibility for action and manages constructive criticisms
• Client Orientation – works effectively well with client and stakeholders
• Continuous Learning – promotes continuous learning for self and others
• Communication – listens and communicates clearly, adapting delivery to the audience
• Creativity and Initiative – actively seeks new ways of improving programmes or services
• Leadership and Negotiation – develops effective partnerships with internal and external stakeholders;
• Performance Management – identify ways and implement actions to improve performance of self and others.
• Planning and Organizing - plans work, anticipates risks, and sets goals within area of responsibility;
• Professionalism - displays mastery of subject matter
• Teamwork – contributes to a collegial team environment; incorporates gender related needs, perspectives, concerns and promotes equal gender participation.
• Technological Awareness - displays awareness of relevant technological solutions;
• Resource Mobilization - works with internal and external stakeholders to meet resource needs of IOM.
  Other:

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.

The appointment 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.

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications via PRISM, IOM e-Recruitment
system, by 10 January 2017 at the latest, referring to this advertisement.

For further information, please refer to:
http://www.iom.int/cms/en/sites/iom/home/about-iom-1/recruitment/how-to-apply.html
In order for an application to be considered valid, IOM only accepts online profiles duly
completed.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. You can track the progress of your application on
your personal application page in the IOM e-recruitment system.

Posting period:
From 21.12.2016 to 03.01.2017