Accounting Officer

Position Title: Accounting Officer

Job Code: VN 2024 72

Duty Station: Geneva, Switzerland

Classification: Professional Staff, Grade P3

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

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 13 February 2024

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. Candidates from the following non-represented member states:

Antigua and Barbuda; Barbados; Botswana; Cabo Verde; Comoros; Congo

(the); Cook Islands; Dominica; Fiji; Grenada; Guinea-Bissau; Holy See;

Iceland; Kiribati; Lao People’s Democratic Republic (the); Madagascar;

Marshall Islands; Micronesia (Federated States of); Namibia; Nauru;

Palau; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas; Tonga; Tuvalu; Uzbekistan; Vanuatu

Second-tier candidates include:

All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states.

Context:

The Finance and Accounting Division (FAD) 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.

FAD also prepares key financial statements and reports, including the annual Financial Report in compliance with IPSAS (International Public Sector Accounting Standards) and annual IOM financial results mapped according to the Data Standards on the United Nations (UN) System-wide Financial Reporting. The Division also works very closely with the UN and has a dedicated role on UN financial liaison.

IOM is currently implementing a Business Transformation (BT) initiative. BT initiative seeks to deliver an entire Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) replacing its current system in 2024.

Within FAD and the overall guidance of the Chief of Global Accounting and direct supervision of the Senior Accounting Officer, the incumbent will be responsible and accountable for the analysis and preparation of financial reports and for substantively contributing to the development and implementation of accounting policies and procedures of the Organization.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Prepare the draft AFR (Annual Financial Reporting) and the FMR (Financial Management Reporting). Prepare financial narrative descriptions, analyses, and overviews related to IOM operations.
2. Prepare the CEB (Chief Executives Board for Coordination) annual report, ensuring that schedules are prepared in correct and due form in accordance with communicated guidelines and acting as the IOM focal point for the CEB.
3. Manage and supervise the work of the Financial Reporting Officer. Correct and adapt their analytical work, assess performance, and ensure the provision of capacity-building opportunities as required.
4. Coordinate FAD activities with the delocalized units in Manila and Panama in consultation with the Senior Accounting Officer.
5. Liaise with other accounting and finance management staff in HQ, Manila, and PanamaFinancial Services, and across the organization and provide advice and guidance concerning current and challenging in-depth accounting processes, financial reporting, and analysis.
6. Analyze accounts, key financial data, and reports, proposing solutions and improvements including for analytical spreadsheets.
7. Review and approve templates to improve the visual understanding of a range of financial and accounting matters.
8. Develop detailed solutions to accounting issues, irregularities, or anomalies.
9. Provide advice and guidance for the development, testing, and global rollout out of new finance and accounting technological solutions.
10. Draft inputs for and/or participate in the review and revision of IOM financial policies, processes, practices, and training materials, and recommend KPIs and related reporting to further the potential for efficiency gains.
11. Ensure the provision of information and documents required by the external auditor during interim and certification audits, and prepare replies to internal and external audit observations concerning IOM operations.
12. 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 five years of relevant professional experience; or,

• University degree in the above field with seven years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Management experience at the international level in financial management, accounting, monitoring and in providing project management support;
• Experience in preparing and analyzing a wide range of financial documents and reports;
• Proven experience in the management, implementation, and business use of integrated financial management information systems (ERP) relevant to accounting and finance such as Oracle or similar;
• Proven experience with external and internal audit engagements, as well as interpreting and/or implementing internal accounting standards (i.e. IFRS, IPSAS);
• Experience in managing staff; and,
• Experience of working in the field mission(s) is highly desirable.

Skills

• Knowledge of IOM financial management procedures and policies;
• Knowledge of Oracle or similar ERP;
• Strong knowledge of IPSAS (International Public Sector Accounting Standards);
• Excellent Excel and data mining and reporting skills;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Knowledge of IOM project management;
• Excellent analytical skills, ability to solve complex finance-related problems and provide advice to mission finance staff and project managers on accounting matters;
• Tact and discretion in managing relationships;
• Proven track record of working independently and good planning and organizational skills;
• Proven capacity to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations internally and externally; and,
• Ability to work effectively and harmoniously within a team of colleagues from varied cultures and professional backgrounds.

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 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.

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, and makes people feel safe, respected, and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – Behavioural Indicators level 2

• 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 2

• 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.p df

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 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.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and background verification 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 in Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.