Job Identification (Reference Number): 18392
Position Title: Regional Finance and Budget Officer (P)
Duty Station City: Panama City
Duty Station Country: Panama
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 2026
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 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:
Internal candidates External female candidates Candidates from the following non-represented member states:Second tier candidates include:
All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM and female candidates.
Organizational Context and Scope
Under the overall supervision of the Deputy Regional Director (Management) and direct supervision of the Regional Financial Comptroller, the Regional Finance and Budget Officer oversee and provides strategic and technical support to IOM activities and provides support to all IOM Country Offices (COs) within the Region on budgeting, accounting, and other related financial, budgetary and administrative functions.
Provide first‐line support and guidance to COs within the Region on IOM’s policies and procedures relating to budget, finance, accounting, and treasury, with the view to increasing their effectiveness while considering the specific regional and local context. Facilitate compliance of the COs in the Region with the applicable IOM rules and regulations in the area of general administration and finance in coordination with the Regional Financial Comptroller.Monitor and guide the financial management related practices and control processes of IOM COs in the Region including those relevant to the oversight of financial expenditure and accountability. Highlight any anomalies, non-compliance or unusual practices to the Regional Financial Comptroller, the Regional Risk and Compliance Officer, and/or to the Deputy Regional Director (Management) as needed and propose adequate measures to address those and support their implementation.Review and assess budgets contained in proposals as part of the project development and endorsement process to ensure adequate coverage of all costs.Monitor and analyse the overall budgets and financial situation of COs in the Region. Work closely with Chiefs of Mission/Heads of Office (COMs/HoOs) and Resource Management Officers (RMOs) to prepare annual budget submission, to enable early detection of changes in financial trends, analyse variances between budget and actual expenditure with a view of timely corrective action. Propose budget control process improvements as relevant, in coordination with the Regional Financial Comptroller.Facilitate the timely and accurate recording of financial transactions by the COs in the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system of IOM, with high attention to using appropriate allocation of costs to project, Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and General Ledger (GL) accounts.Advise and provide guidance and support the COs in the preparation of donor financial reports in accordance with IOM’s regulations and established procedures and support the COs in the orderly conduct of project audits/verifications.Guide the COs on the monitoring and implementation of internal controls to prevent fraud and mismanagement and undertake visits to the COs under the responsibility of the Regional Office (RO) and check the application of the internal controls. Provide support to COs to regularly review their procedures and workflows to ensure efficiency and compliance.Provide first-line support, guidance, and training to the resources management and/or other staff in the Region regarding ERP system and other institutional technological solutions relevant to the area of expertise.Monitor and oversee the financial management activities of the RO including oversight of financial expenditure, accountability, and projectization of staff.Guide on preparation for internal and external audits and support IOM’s preparedness and responsiveness in close coordination with the Project Managers and Country Offices and Regional Office management. Carry out verification visits to the COs and review, validate and report on the findings, and provide recommendations on how to address the shortcomings. Share report with relevant colleagues in RO, including the Regional Financial Comptroller, and when necessary, with relevant Units in Headquarters (HQ).Guide the COs on the implementation of Compliance Control Self-Assessment Tool, development of Risk Register Matrix, and other risks assessment and management related tools and ensure the COs comply with them in coordination with the Regional Risk and Compliance Officer.Guide and support the COs on the financial aspects of United Nations (UN) engagement, financial reporting the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) and the implementation of the UN Efficiency Agenda. This will include but not limited to such as UN agreements, joint programs, UN coordination levy, Business Operation System (BOS) and other areas related to the Efficiency Agenda. Support and guide other Units (programs and offices) on matters related to IOM financial rules and regulations with a view to increasing their effectiveness.Act as Office in Charge (OiC) for the Regional Financial Comptroller.Perform any other duties as assigned.Required Qualifications and Experience
Education
Master’s degree, preferably in Finance, Accounting, Public Administration, Business Administration or a related field from an accredited academic institution with seven years of relevant experience; or,University degree in the above fields with nine years of relevant professional experience.Professional certificate as Chartered Accountant, or equivalent is an advantage.Experience
Minimum of five years of progressively evolving experience in financial management with responsibilities for accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, treasury and financial analysis; Experience and an active role in donor financial reporting, audits, accounting controls and risks management is required. Experience at field office level is desired;Proven experience in effectively managing a team; and,Experience with internal control assessments and financial risks management.Skills
Features good communication, exceptional people management, and strong interpersonal skills;Knowledge of IOM and/or UN financial regulations, policies, procedures and practices is desired;Successful track record in remotely managing teams and functions, including highly decentralized financial and accounting practices;High level of computer literacy with proven ability to conceptualize business requirements for technological improvements related to the area of finance;Advanced analytical and financial reporting skills;Knowledge of the Region is an advantage;Proficient in English with excellent drafting skills; 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 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.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.
The list of NMS countries above includes all IOM Member States which are non-represented in the Professional Category of staff members. For this staff category, candidates who are nationals of the duty station's country and who do not have prior experience outside the duty station's country as staff member in the Professional category cannot be considered eligible.
Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.
Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.
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.
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