Finance Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a leading intergovernmental organization that provides services and advice concerning migration to governments and migrants alike. Established in 1951, IOM has grown to encompass over 173 member states and operates in more than 100 countries worldwide. The organization aims to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, focusing on the needs of migrants and the communities they are part of. IOM's mission includes providing humanitarian assistance, supporting sustainable development, and fostering international cooperation on migration issues.

Job Overview:
The Finance Assistant position at IOM Vanuatu is a critical role that supports the financial management functions of the organization. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of the Chief of Mission and the Head of Resources Management, collaborating with various units within the organization. The Finance Assistant will be responsible for extracting and inputting data into financial systems, responding to financial queries, assisting in payroll preparation, and ensuring compliance with financial policies. This role requires a detail-oriented individual who can manage multiple tasks effectively while maintaining a high level of accuracy in financial reporting and documentation. The Finance Assistant will also play a key role in cash flow forecasting, vendor request verification, and the preparation of various financial reports, contributing to the overall financial health of IOM Vanuatu.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Assistant will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to: extracting and inputting financial data from various sources into accounting systems; responding to accounting, budget, or financial queries from staff; assisting in payroll preparation by executing validity checks; reviewing payment requests to ensure proper authorization and documentation; assisting in cash flow forecasting and monitoring; verifying vendor requests for accuracy; performing claim verifications against documentation; preparing necessary receipts and journal vouchers; assisting in the preparation of budget and financial reports; providing assistance to staff services such as travel and expense claims; ensuring systematic filing of all accounting documents; managing the office's petty cash; and performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma with four years of relevant experience, or a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or related fields with two years of relevant professional experience. Accredited universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, is essential, and experience with SAP is a distinct advantage. Candidates should demonstrate attention to detail, organizational skills, discretion, and a client-oriented approach. Previous work experience with international humanitarian organizations or government institutions in a multicultural setting is also advantageous.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a high school diploma with significant relevant experience or a bachelor's degree in a related field such as Business Administration, Accounting, or Finance. The degree must be from an accredited institution recognized by the UNESCO World Higher Education Database, ensuring that candidates have a solid foundation in financial principles and practices.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience if they hold a bachelor's degree, or four years of experience if they have a high school diploma. Experience should include proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, and familiarity with SAP or similar accounting software. Candidates should also have experience working in international humanitarian organizations or government institutions, demonstrating their ability to navigate complex financial environments and adhere to organizational policies.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, both oral and written. Additionally, working knowledge of Bislama and/or French is considered an advantage. IOM's official languages are English, French, and Spanish, and proficiency in these languages will be evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, meaning only candidates holding a valid residence and work permit for Vanuatu will be considered. The appointment will be contingent upon medical fitness certification, verification of residency, and necessary government authorizations. The 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. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct that is incompatible with its objectives, including discrimination and harassment. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through its online recruitment system.