Finance Officer At Pacific Community

Description

The Pacific Community (SPC) is the principal scientific and technical organisation in the Pacific region, supporting development since 1947. We are an international development organisation owned and governed by our 27 country and territory members. In pursuit of sustainable development to benefit Pacific people, our organisation works across more than 25 sectors. We are known for our knowledge and innovation in such areas as fisheries science, public health surveillance, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.

The Geoscience Energy and Maritime Division provides advice, technical assistance, research and training support to Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs). There are three (3) areas of scientific programming and two areas of focus within this division:

1. Oceans and Maritime Programme (OMP) – assists member countries with services that provide applied ocean science and knowledge for evidence-based policy-making and technical solutions for improved ocean and maritime governance, management and capacity development.
2. Georesources and Energy Programme (GEP) – assists member countries by applying technical knowledge in the areas of geoscience and sustainable energy use.
3. Disaster and Community Resilience Programme (DCRP) – assists member countries to demonstrate strengthened resilience through integrated action on disaster risk management, climate change adaptation, natural resource management and increased access to water and sanitation.

The Finance Officer will provide financial support to the BSRP II project and assist with the financial delivery of the overall project in accordance with SPC and donor requirements. The incumbent will provide support in the areas of financial accounting, procurement, contracting and audit of project activities across the 15 project countries.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Implement financial systems to ensure streamlined delivery of activities of the overall project in accordance with SPC requirements

• Assist with the management of general accounting and project accounting in accordance with SPC and Donor regulations, including ensuring appropriate budgetary controls are in place.
• Provide advice to the project team on financial policies and procedures.

Provide financial management and administration support to ensure the delivery of activities and intended outcomes of the overall project in accordance with SPC and donor requirements

• Provide financial management support
• Work with senior project staff to: oversee overall project budget revisions, relocations, monitoring and management for project costed workplans; monitor financial performance/progress, including reconciling project payments to cash book and reporting and project bank reconciliations.

Provide support for financial accounting of regional activities and country-specific activities in all 15 participating countries

• Support senior project staff and collaborating entities to develop budgets for regional activities, and the subsequent financial management of those activities.
• Support in-country project coordinators and Project Implementation Officers with managing country budgets, including building their capacity to use financial templates and apply SPC policies.

Provide financial support to other Geoscience Energy Maritime (GEM) Programme activities where required

• Seek opportunities for collaboration with other GEM administration and financial staff to improve efficiency and effectiveness of the projects, programme and division.
• Participate in training and capacity building provided by SPC.

For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description.

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Tertiary degree in business administration, commerce, accounting, or similar field

Technical expertise

• At least 5 years’ experience in commerce, accounting, business administration, which should include minimum 1 years’ experience in the administration, implementation, and monitoring of a multisectoral development project
• Understanding of project budgeting, financial reporting, donor reporting, audit requirements, and contracting
• Advanced computer skills in applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel
• Sound coordination, administrative, networking, and collaborative skills

Language skills

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written)

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – 3 years – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance

Remuneration – The Finance Officer is a Band 7 position in SPC’s 2023 salary scale, with a commencing taxable salary range of 2,287-2,859 per month, plus local staff benefits. An offer of appointment for an initial contract will normally be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale will be based on annual performance reviews.

Recruitment principles –SPC’s recruitment is based on merit and fairness, and candidates are competing in a selection process that is fair, transparent and non-discriminatory. SPC is an equal-opportunity employer, and is committed to cultural and gender diversity, including bilingualism, and will seek to attract and appoint candidates who respect these values. Due attention is given to gender equity and the maintenance of strong representation from Pacific Island professionals. If two interviewed candidates are ranked equal by the selection panel, preference will be given to the Pacific Islander.

Applicants will be assured of complete confidentiality in line with SPC’s Privacy Policy.