Financial Policy Specialist

Job Identification (Reference Number): 12785
Position Title: Financial Policy Specialist
Duty Station City: Geneva
Duty Station Country: Switzerland
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: 05 February 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:

The Financial Coordination and Policy Division (FCPD) of the Department of Financial and Administrative Management (DFM) at IOM oversees the global financial operating framework of the Organization, ensuring compliance with its financial regulations, policies, and standards. The Division coordinates comprehensive monitoring and analysis of budgetary, financial compliance, and monetary risks in close collaboration with other DFM divisions and organizational units.

​​ Within FCPD, the Financial Policy Unit is responsible for developing and updating IOM’s global financial and administrative policies and procedures in full compliance with the financial regulatory framework of the Organization and international standards, ensuring accountability, transparency, and efficiency in financial resource management. The Unit facilitates the introduction of innovative practices and collaborates with other organizational divisions or units in developing policies with financial components. It also supports the Comptroller and DFM Divisional Heads to ensure that documents and communications issued to Governing Bodies by DFM adhere to established standards. In addition, the Unit conducts risk assessments related to financial arrangements and directly engages in contractual negotiations on financial matters with external parties to maintain alignment with organizational policies, meet operational needs and implement effective risk mitigation strategies. Furthermore, the Unit supports financial collaboration within the United Nations system, contributing to IOM’s participation in relevant engagements and ensuring alignment with UN financial regulations and practices.

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Financial Policy Officer, the Financial Policy Specialist will lead the development and updating of corporate policies and guidelines related to financial management and oversight. This role involves providing expert guidance on complex financial policy interpretation and practical implementation, supporting the negotiation of donor conditionalities in agreements and contracts, and advising on financial risks and mitigation strategies to ensure alignment with organizational objectives and compliance with financial regulations. Additionally, the Financial Policy Specialist will ensure that these policies account for IOM’s decentralized structure, enhancing the organization’s overall financial governance and risk management framework.

Responsibilities

1. Provide expert support and guidance for the development and refinement of financial and administrative policies, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, regulatory requirements, and best practices, while addressing operational challenges and promoting efficiency.
2. Lead negotiations on financial terms with donors and third parties, ensuring compliance with IOM’s regulatory framework, reviewing critical contractual clauses, and providing expert guidance on non-standard financial provisions.
3. Provide expert input on comprehensive impact assessments for implementing new business models, ensuring thorough evaluation of financial implications.
4. Advise on the application and interpretation of IOM’s financial regulatory framework, maintaining robust internal controls within a decentralized resource management structure.
5. Proactively identify and escalate financial risks, driving timely resolution and mitigation strategies.
6. Ensure that fraud prevention measures and effective financial controls are embedded within all financial and administrative policies effectively.
7. Provide guidance and advice on interpreting and applying UN system-wide financial policies, procedures, guidelines, and reporting requirements.
8. Offer expert guidance in preparing IOM’s consolidated financial data for central UN system-wide financial reporting processes.
9. Liaise with professional working groups and networks within and outside the United Nations system, representing IOM as assigned.
10. Conduct detailed analysis of audit recommendations related to financial management policies, ensuring necessary revisions to financial policies and internal control systems.
11. Oversee financial aspects of donor assessments and complex audit or verification queries, ensuring alignment with IOM’s financial standards.
12. Prepare high-level information papers, reports, guidelines, presentations, and training materials for senior management and key stakeholders.
13. Contribute to the preparation of statutory documents for submission by DFM to the Executive Office and Governing Bodies, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and alignment with organizational standards.
14. Oversee the day-to-day organization and coordination of the work of the team assigned, ensuring smooth operations, efficient task allocation, and effective collaboration to meet organizational objectives and deadlines.
15. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications for Internal Candidates

Education

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

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Audit, Law, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with seven years of relevant professional experience; or,
• Bachelor’s degree with nine years of relevant professional experience;
• Professional certification as Chartered Accountant (CA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) or enrolment in the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) or similar will be a distinct advantage.

Experience

• Proven experience in financial management, internal control assessment, and compliance advisory roles;
• Demonstrated experience in negotiations with donors, partners, and/or auditors;
• Experience working within international institutions, such as IOM or other United Nations organizations; and,
• Proven experience in effectively liaising with senior management on financial management matters.
• Demonstrated experience in researching, drafting policies and procedures, and formulating related recommendations;

Skills

• Strong negotiation and communication skills, ability to present information in a comprehensive, clear, and concise manner both in writing and verbally;
• Ability to conduct analyses, 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;
• Knowledge of IOM and/or United Nations financial regulations, policies, procedures, and financial reporting practices is desired; and,
• Experience in financial oversight and public administration is considered an advantage.

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. 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.

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