VN 2024 725 Deputy Comptroller, Director of Financial Coordination and Policy Division (D1) Geneva, Switzerland

Position Title: Deputy Comptroller, Director of Financial Coordination and Policy Division

Job Code: VN 2024 725

Duty Station: Geneva, Switzerland

Classification: Professional Staff, Grade D1

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

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 09 January 2025

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 him/her 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).

Core Functions / 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 fits 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. Provide strategic guidance and support to various divisions and field offices to foster a cohesive and effective financial management environment across the organization.
6. Lead dedicated teams and initiatives aimed at enhancing financial oversight and management within the organization. Inspire and motivate team members by fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Coordinate with DFM Divisions on cross-cutting and/or complex cases, to enable efficient advice and resolution.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. Perform any other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• 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. 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.