Finance Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) was established in 1951 and is recognized as the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration. IOM works closely with governmental and non-governmental partners to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. The organization provides services and advice to governments and migrants, ensuring that migration is safe, orderly, and dignified. IOM operates in over 100 countries worldwide, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to addressing the challenges and opportunities of migration. The organization's mission is to ensure that migration benefits both migrants and society, and it is committed to upholding the rights of migrants and promoting their well-being.

Job Overview:
The Finance Assistant position at IOM is a critical role that involves managing the financial resources of the organization in The Gambia. The successful candidate will work under the overall supervision of the Officer-In-Charge of the Banjul Country office and directly report to the National Finance Officer. This role requires close coordination with various units at the Mission and Administrative Centres. The Finance Assistant will be responsible for a range of financial management functions, ensuring compliance with IOM policies and standards. The position demands a high level of accuracy and attention to detail, as the Finance Assistant will be tasked with extracting and inputting data into financial systems, responding to financial queries, and assisting in the preparation of financial reports. The role is essential for maintaining the integrity of financial operations and supporting the overall mission of IOM in promoting humane migration.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Assistant will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to: extracting and inputting data from various sources into financial or accounting systems; responding to accounting, budget, or financial queries from staff; following up on staff and vendor advances to ensure timely liquidation; reviewing payment requests to verify authorization and supporting documents; performing monthly bank reconciliations; verifying vendor requests for accuracy and compliance with IOM finance policies; conducting claim verifications to ensure proper authorization and receipt of goods/services; preparing necessary receipt and journal vouchers; assisting in the preparation of budget, accounting, financial, and statistical reports; providing assistance to staff services such as travel and expense claims; ensuring systematic filing of all posted payments and accounting documents; managing the office's petty cash; and performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Finance Assistant position must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or a related field. Alternatively, a high school certificate combined with two years of relevant professional experience is acceptable. It is essential that candidates have a strong understanding of financial management principles and practices, as well as familiarity with IOM's financial policies and procedures. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, is required, and experience with SAP is considered a distinct advantage. Candidates should demonstrate attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to work methodically. A client-oriented approach, patience, and a willingness to learn are also important attributes for this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Finance Assistant position includes a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or a related field from an accredited university. Candidates with a high school certificate must have at least two years of relevant professional experience to qualify for the position. It is important that the educational qualifications are from institutions recognized in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database, ensuring that the candidate has received a quality education that meets international standards.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have relevant experience in financial management or accounting roles. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, is essential, and prior experience with SAP software is a distinct advantage. Candidates should have a demonstrated ability to organize paperwork methodically and possess a keen attention to detail. Experience working with international humanitarian organizations or in a multi-cultural setting is highly desirable, as it indicates the candidate's ability to navigate diverse environments and understand the complexities of working in such contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both oral and written, is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of French and any local language is considered an advantage, as it enhances communication with diverse stakeholders. IOM's official languages are English, French, and Spanish, and proficiency in these languages will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments to ensure candidates meet the language requirements effectively.

Additional Notes:
The Finance Assistant position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that only candidates holding a valid residence and work permit for The Gambia will be eligible for consideration. Any offer made to the candidate is contingent upon funding confirmation. This selection process may also be used to fill similar positions in various duty stations, and recommended candidates will remain eligible for appointment in similar roles for a period of 24 months. Candidates must be medically fit for appointment, and their residency, visa, and authorizations will be verified by the concerned government where applicable. IOM maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct that contradicts the organization's aims and objectives, including sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, and discrimination. IOM does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system.