Risk Management and Compliance Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) was established in 1951 and is a Related Organization of the United Nations. It is the leading UN agency in the field of migration, working closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners. IOM's mission is to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, saving lives and protecting people on the move. The organization drives solutions to displacement and facilitates pathways for regular migration while providing services and advice to governments and migrants. IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. The organization operates in numerous countries worldwide, with a diverse workforce dedicated to addressing the challenges of migration.

Job Overview:
The Risk Management and Compliance Officer will work under the direct supervision of the Chief of Mission (COM) and in close collaboration with the Head Resources Management Officer and the Head of Programs (HoP) in IOM Costa Rica. This position is crucial for the development and implementation of risk management and compliance systems and practices within the organization. The officer will contribute to strengthening internal controls and ensuring adherence to financial regulations through effective management, accurate reporting, and transparent use of resources. The role involves coordinating the identification of risks, updating risk registers, and monitoring the implementation of risk treatment plans. The officer will also support management in embedding risk management into planning and decision-making processes, ensuring that all project activities include relevant compliance-related information. Additionally, the officer will monitor compliance of operations with IOM rules and regulations, review transactions, and flag inconsistencies to relevant stakeholders. The position requires a proactive approach to developing and improving compliance processes and practices, contributing to an effective internal control environment, and preparing for audits.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Risk Management and Compliance Officer include:

• Coordinating the regular identification of risks and updating risk registers.
• Monitoring the implementation of risk treatment plans.
• Supporting management in embedding risk management into planning and decision-making processes.
• Collecting and preparing risk information for internal analysis.
• Working closely with Programme Managers to ensure compliance-related information is included in all project activities.
• Monitoring compliance of operations with IOM rules, regulations, and policies.
• Reviewing transactions and procedures, flagging inconsistencies to the COM and other relevant officers.
• Ensuring proper documentation and verification of resource use in accordance with strategic plans and donor agreements.
• Contributing to the implementation of planning, expenditure tracking, and verification of financial transactions. 1
• Developing and improving compliance processes to maintain an effective internal control environment. 1
• Strengthening internal controls by reviewing documentation and control mechanisms for vendors and partners. 1
• Preparing for and responding to internal and external audits and following up on audit recommendations. 1
• Analyzing and interpreting policies to generate solutions to complex issues. 1
• Preparing and delivering training sessions on risk management and compliance topics. 1
• Traveling on short notice within the country to support compliance and risk-related activities. 1
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Risk Management and Compliance Officer position include:

• A Master’s degree in Business/Public Administration, Finance, Accounting, Audit, Compliance, or a related field from an accredited institution, along with five years of relevant professional experience; or a University degree in the same fields with seven years of relevant experience.
• Professional certification as Chartered Accountant (CA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Risk Management Assurance (CRMA), or Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) is an advantage.
• Knowledge of IOM accounting systems, software, and procedures is a distinct advantage.
• Familiarity with IOM/UN mandates, field operations, and organizational policies is essential.
• Strong personal commitment, maturity of judgment, and integrity are crucial for this role.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in Business/Public Administration, Finance, Accounting, Audit, Compliance, or a related field from an accredited academic institution. Alternatively, a University degree in the aforementioned fields with seven years of relevant professional experience is acceptable. Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience:
Candidates should have exposure to and experience in UN or humanitarian field operations and emergencies across various geographical locations and functional areas. Experience in monitoring and evaluation and/or audit is considered an advantage. Additionally, candidates should have working experience in complex environments, demonstrating the ability to navigate challenges effectively.

Languages:
All IOM staff members are required to be fluent in one of the IOM's official languages, which include English, French, and Spanish. For this position, fluency in English is required, both oral and written. A working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is desirable and will be evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
The position is internationally recruited, and professional staff are required to be mobile. Any offer made to the candidate is subject to funding confirmation and will require all necessary clearances, including medical and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security checks. The application process is strictly managed, with no late applications accepted. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims and objectives, including discrimination and harassment. Candidates are expected to uphold high ethical standards and integrity throughout the recruitment process. IOM does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through the IOM WAVE system.