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 ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM's workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

Applications are welcome from internal and external candidates. 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, internal and internal-equivalent candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.

Organizational Context and Scope

Under the overall supervision of the Deputy Regional Director for Management in Panama, the Chief of Global Accounting, and the Head of Manila Institutional Financial Services (MIFS), and the direct supervision of the Panama Institutional Financial Services (PIFS) National Accounting and Financial Compliance Officer the incumbent will be member of the Panama Institutional Financial Services (PIFS) and responsible and accountable for the review and endorsement of Projects Financial Reporting, including but not limited to providing support and guidance on accounting, financial and project matters to Offices to support compliance with IOM´s overall accounting regulations, rules, policies, and procedures.  

General Accounting Work. 

Supervise and process the following: 

1. Provide support and guidance to assigned Country Offices (COs) on accounting, financial and project matters and assist in making recommendations to PAC Financial Services, Finance and Accounting Division (FAD), Regional Offices and/or Resources Management Officers (RMOs)/Chiefs of Mission (CoMs) on both procedural and policy improvements and efficiencies in the accounting/finance area. 

2. Provide project balance review results with the Office of Inspector General (OIG), as needed. 
3. Escalate any material findings and provide status updates to the National Accounting and Financial Compliance Officer of PIFS, MIFS, FAD, TSY or Regional Office (RO), as applicable. 
4. Review/analyze projects, coordinate findings with Country Offices, monitor responses and continuously follow up on unresolved issues until expected results are achieved. 
5. Review tickets assigned through the Financial Coordination Platform (FinCoorP) and maintain a high level of tickets completion/resolution, to avoid having long overdue tickets. 
6. Review of the Project Information and Management Application (PRIMA) for the endorsement of the assigned CO´s Donor Financial Reports. 

Supervise and Process: Project Financial Report Review and Endorsement 

1. Review and analyze project financial reports for assigned COs to verify compliance with donor agreements (budget, interest, funding, etc.) while checking that reports are reconciled with WAVE Financials prior to donor submission. 

2. Review and endorse emergency project reports and intervene in the issue-resolution process in a timely manner to support urgent reporting requirements related to L3 emergencies.
3. Evaluate issues and risks identified in the review, summarize findings, and coordinate with RMOs, Finance staff or Project Managers. Before endorsement, verify that all findings are resolved and deviations from IOM policies and procedures are properly coordinated with the PIFS National Accounting and Financial Compliance Officer and approved by FAD/DRM, as needed. 
4. Facilitate the timely endorsement of project financial reports received to ensure that reporting deadlines and requirements by Donors are satisfied. 
5. Provide guidance and assistance to COs on financial reporting requirements to donors if necessary (e.g., application of rules, calculation of interest). 
6. Calculate interest and provide certification for interest earned, as needed. 
7. Coordinate with other Departments to verify conformity with specific donor reporting requirements and apply the donor reporting checklist.
8. Maintain statistics of donor financial reports received and endorsed. 

Supervise and Process: Project Balance Review (PBR) 

1. Provide periodic in-depth analyses of project balances for assigned COs to verify that expenses are within confirmed funding, revenue is recognized timely, reporting requirements are met and projects with potential deficit are detected. 

2. Monitor that emergency projects PBR are submitted and reviewed in a timely manner.

3. Identify issues and evaluate risks/exposure notes during the review and provide recommendations on the resolution of issues. Summarize findings and recommendations for coordination with COs, ROs, ProcessCentral Support Team (PCST), MIFS CAS - General Accounting and FAD for appropriate action. 

4. Facilitate the closure of completed projects in WAVE. 

5. Update the project recap file for submission to FAD. 

6. Provide training to COs finance staff, newly hired Regional Accountants and temporary staff on IOM project reporting

7. Travel to COs as may be required in the performance of assigned tasks. 

8. Provide assistance to PCST and WAVE Team on technical issues and enhancements.

9. Maintain the timely upload and completeness of endorsed financial reports and Project Reviews to SharePoint. 

10. Perform other duties as may be required. 

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• High school diploma with seven years of relevant professional experience; or,

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Management or related field from an accredited academic institution, with five years of relevant professional experience. 

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or equivalent is highly desirable.

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

Experience

• Sound knowledge of accounting systems within ERP systems, such as SAP/Oracle. 

• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and standards (such as IPSAS and/or IFRS) and internal controls is required. 
• Experience in audit is an advantage. 
• Proficient in MS Office applications.

Skills

• Good analytical and problem-solving skills. 

• Ability to meet deadlines. 

• Well-organized. 

Languages

All IOM staff members in all categories are required to be fluent in one of the IOM's official languages (English, French, Spanish).

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written).

Working knowledge of Spanish is desirable.

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 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, 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, if with direct reports

• 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

Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category.

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.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.

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.

No late applications will be accepted. 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