Position Title : Head, Emergency Support Unit
Duty Station : Geneva, Switzerland

Classification : Professional Staff, Grade P4
Type of Appointment : Fixed term, one year with possibility of extension
Estimated Start Date : As soon as possible

Closing Date : 31 December 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. External female candidates:
3. Candidate from the following non-represented member states:
Antigua and Barbuda; Barbados; Comoros; Congo (the); Cook Islands;
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;
Samoa; Sao Tome and Principe; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas;
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 units.

Within FCPD, the Emergency Support Unit supports the management of resources allocated to
IOM’s emergency responses under the Scale-Up Protocol phase and, more broadly, to the
Department of Humanitarian Response and Recovery (DHRR). The Unit contributes to the
oversight and compliance of such responses by providing emergency protocols related
guidance and advisory support to Regional Offices, and Resources Management Officers of the

Country Offices, as well as to DHRR projects managed from Headquarters. It facilitates the
timely, compliant, and efficient operation of financial and administrative workflows, while
promoting cross-functional adherence to institutional policies and processes and offering
analytical guidance to enhance decision-making.

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Comptroller/Director of the Financial Coordination
and Policy Division, and in close coordination with the Director of the Department of
Humanitarian Response and Recovery (DHRR), the Head of the Emergency Support Unit will
be responsible and accountable for overseeing and managing the Unit’s operations. This
includes monitoring the financial health of the operations in the Unit’s purview, delivering
efficient transaction processing, as well as providing support and advisory services in
accordance with IOM’s financial regulations, rules, and procedures.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Supervise the Emergency Support Unit (ESU) in compliance with IOM standards, processes,
rules, and regulations.

2. Monitor and oversee the financial management of the Unit's assigned project portfolio,
including:

• Monitor and oversee the financial performance, identify unusual trends, and alert stakeholders

to avoid deficits, underspending, or no-cost extensions.

• Provide expert support to the DHRR management, Project Managers and the Resources

Management Officers of the Country Offices implementing Scale-Up emergency projects in
ensuring timely and quality donor financial.

• Establish and maintain procedures for regular financial reviews of projects, ensuring follow-up

on findings and timely resolution.

3. Ensure financial and administrative compliance with IOM regulations, policies, and
procedures, addressing discrepancies or inconsistencies, as required.

4. Coordinate and provide expert support to the audits for Scale-Up emergency projects,
DHRR-managed projects, and multi-country audits. Address audit observations impacting
accounting and financial management areas.

5. Manage DHRR’s annual budget submission and ensure spending aligns with approved
allocations.

6. Oversee Human Resources functions for DHRR, provide expert support and guidance to the
Country Offices during Scale-Up emergencies. Maintain and manage a roster of resources
management staff for surge deployments in Scale-Up emergencies.

7. Liaise with Emergency Coordinators, Regional Directors and Chiefs of Missions on funding
levels and resources management aspects of Scale-Up emergency activities.

8. Brief DHRR and DFM leadership on resources management issues, highlighting areas for
improvement, risks, opportunities, or potential financial exposure. Prepare analytical reports to
inform decision-making and risk management.

9. Represent DFM in Scale-Up emergency task forces, consultation meetings, and technical
working groups related to resources management. Provide expert support and guidance for
donor negotiations on financial and administrative conditions of contributions and agreements.

10. In close coordination with the other DFM units, update guidelines and procedures for
Scale-Up emergency operations, ensuring clarity and efficiency. Coordinate revisions to
resources management sections of the Emergency Operations Manual.

11. Foster knowledge management on Scale-Up emergency resources management by
developing tools, addressing long-term needs, and enhancing operational outcomes. Lead
training and staff development programmes for resources management staff in Scale-Up
emergencies.

12. Strengthen internal controls and fraud prevention efforts by ensuring compliance with IOM
policies and procedures, identifying vulnerabilities, and proposing mitigating measures.

13. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in in Accounting, Finance, Public Administration, Business Administration, or

a related field from an accredited academic institution with seven years of relevant professional
experience; or,

• University degree in the above fields with nine years of relevant professional experience;
• Professional certification as chartered accountant (CA) or certified public accountant (CPA),

Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), or Association of Chartered Certified
Accountants (ACCA) will be a distinct advantage.

Experience

• Proven experience in accounting, financial management, and reporting within large-scale

operations;

• Demonstrated ability to prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive financial and management

reports;

• Experience working within international institutions, such as IOM or other United Nations

organizations;

• Proven experience in successfully liaising with senior management on financial transactions

and related matters; and ,

• Experience in the financial and administrative management of emergence operations at the

field is highly desired.

Skills

• Proficiency in MS Office applications and strong computer literacy skills are essential;
• Experience using large Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions is required, with the

ability to navigate complex financial systems to manage and analyze data effectively. Familiarity
with ERP platforms in financial and administrative operations is critical to ensuring seamless
integration, accuracy, and compliance in transaction processing and reporting;

• Knowledge of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) is an asset;
• Familiarity with IOM/UN accounting systems, software, and procedures, as well as regulations,

policies, and procedures, is highly desirable; and,

• Experience in financial oversight and public administration is considered an advantage.

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

1 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, 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.

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 endorsed by the Appointments and Postings Board 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 Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No
late applications will be accepted.

How to apply:

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications via PRISM, IOM e-Recruitment
system, by 31 December 2024 at the latest, referring to this advertisement.

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.

For further information please refer to: www.iom.int/recruitment

Posting period:

From 18.12.2024 to 31.12.2024

No Fees:

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.

Requisition: VN 2024 718 Head, Emergency Support Unit (P4) Geneva, Switzerland (59340372)
Released
Posting: Posting NC59340373 (59340373) Released