Deputy Comptroller, Director of Financial Coordination and Policy Division

Job Identification (Reference Number): 12745
Position Title: Deputy Comptroller, Director of Financial Coordination and Policy Division (P)
Duty Station City: Geneva
Duty Station Country: Switzerland
Grade: D-1
Contract Type: Fixed-term (1 year with possibility of extension)
Recruiting Type: Director
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:

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

The Deputy Comptroller and Director of Financial Coordination and Policy Division deputizes for the Comptroller, Director of DFM, and assists them in discharging the responsibilities of the Department with respect to financial management, financial controls, and coordination matters.

The Financial Coordination and Policy Division 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 Deputy Comptroller must demonstrate qualities of leadership as well as relevant experience and qualifications in financial management and coordination, corporate controlling, and in the design and implementation of enhanced financial data analytic systems and structures. The assigned responsibilities of this position include regular liaison with senior management within IOM as well as within the UN system.

Under the overall supervision of the Deputy Director General for Management and Reform and direct supervision of the Comptroller/Director, Department of Administrative and Financial Management (DFM).

Responsibilities:

1. Support the Comptroller in exercising overall financial control and compliance oversight, and in developing forward-thinking finance operating solutions which facilitate the work of IOM globally and fit IOM’s field-based operating structure from a multi-functional perspective.
2. Oversee the financial internal control framework of IOM and initiate revisions as necessary.
3. Lead the development, update and implementation of IOM's global financial management and administrative policy framework in coordination with the other Divisions of DFM as applicable in compliance with IOM Financial Regulations, IPSAS and relevant Governing Bodies decisions.
4. In close collaboration with the Finance and Accounting Division, the Treasury Division and the Budget Division, facilitate comprehensive monitoring and reporting on the financial performance and health of the organization, including project accounts financial performance, providing related guidance and advice to the Divisions, Administrative Centers, Global Offices, Regional Offices, and Field Offices.
5. 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 controls are robust and adaptable to the evolving landscape of global operations. Collaborate closely with stakeholders to implement innovative financial solutions and policies that streamline processes, improve efficiency, and mitigate risks.
6. Provide strategic guidance and support to various divisions and field offices to foster a cohesive and effective financial management environment across the organization.
7. Inspire and motivate team members by fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.
8. Work closely with the DFM divisions to identify risks in accounting, budget, project financials, treasury, or other areas, summarize and report on those to the Comptroller and executive management.
9. Maintain direct coordination and dialogue with Deputy Regional Directors for Management and Reform, and the regional finance teams to facilitate consistency of policy implementation and financial practices across the organization, as well as timely identification of risks, trends and new operational requirements.
10. Coordinate with DFM Divisions on cross-cutting and/or complex cases, to enable efficient advice and resolution.
11. Propose and implement cross-cutting changes to systems, tools, processes, and policies related to financial and administrative management. Work with the other Divisional Directors to ensure that all changes to financial and administrative systems, processes, and tools are well integrated and bring efficiency.
12. Prepare and deliver necessary reports and presentations to senior management, governing bodies and donors on financial and administrative matters. Respond to formal and ad-hoc requests for information and analysis requests.
13. Develop accurate and timely financial management information leveraging business intelligence tools and other reporting platforms. Oversee data analysis to identify opportunities for cost and efficiency savings in financial operations.
14. Implement finance capacity building and workforce retention-related initiatives to facilitate attraction, deployment and retention of talent with desired financial skillset, build an active finance community, and address emerging needs and requirements, including but not limited to the changing finance technological and functional landscape.
15. Maintain comprehensive list of open recommendations by oversight bodies, auditors, and other bodies relevant to the portfolio of DFM and follow up with DFM Divisions, Administrative Centers, Global and Regional Offices, and Field operations in order to facilitate timely implementation and reporting on actions taken by IOM.
16. Lead DFM initiatives and represent DFM as assigned, engage with various internal and external stakeholders to drive strategic financial projects that align with the organization's objectives.
17. Perform any other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

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

Master’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting or related field from an accredited academic institution with fifteen years of relevant professional experience.

Professional accounting certification by an internationally recognized professional accountancy body is an advantage.

Experience

A minimum of fifteen 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;

Experience with analytical tools and new reporting platforms is considered an asset. Possesses excellent knowledge and experience with budgeting, financial, and reporting systems;

A solid understanding of 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

Successful track record in remotely managing teams and functions, including highly decentralized financial and financial teams;

Excellent ability 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;

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 drafting skills;

Knowledge of IOM and/or UN financial regulations, policies, procedures and practices is desired; and,

Demonstrated ability to innovate and manage 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:

1. Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
2. Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
3. Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
4. Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
5. Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators

1. Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
2. Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action-oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
3. Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge, and innovate.
4. Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
5. Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring, and motivational way.

Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators

1. 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.
2. Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.
3. Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty.
4. Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.
5. Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings.

Notes:

Please be informed that a new publication for this position has been assigned due to a system change. However, all applications already received under VN 2024 725 Deputy Comptroller, Director of Financial Coordination and Policy Division (D1) Geneva, Switzerland remain valid and will be processed accordingly.

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. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.