Finance and Administration 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 26 country and territory members. In pursuit of sustainable development to benefit Pacific people, our organisation works across more than 20 sectors. We are known for our knowledge and innovation in such areas as fisheries science, public health, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.

The Human Rights and Social Development Division has a vision for just, equitable and resilient Pacific societies and it aims to achieve this by advancing human rights, equality and social inclusion for all Pacific people, grounded in cultural values and principles.The work of this Division includes work previously undertaken by the Regional Rights Resource Team (RRRT) in the area of human rights and the Social Development Programme (SDP) in the areas of gender equality and social inclusion, culture and youth development.

In line with its vision, the work of the Division will encompass the following focal areas:

• Objective 1: Governance for human rights and social development: Strengthen inclusive, transparent and active governance for human rights and social development.
• Objective 2: Gender equality and social inclusion: Mobilise, empower and build conditions for gender equality, equity and social inclusion in society and development.
• Objective 3: Culture: Promote, preserve and protect positive expressions of culture.
• Objective 4: Social innovation and learning: Enhance knowledge, learning and innovative solutions to accelerate impact on human development priorities.

The Finance and Administration Officer will be responsible for reporting, recording and facilitating HRSD finances in compliance with the SPC’s financial policies and procedures.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

• Management, Leadership and Office Administration
• Financial & Procurement reporting, budgets, and monitoring
• Financial & Procurement Policies, Compliance, Risk Management and Business Process
• Divisional Advice and Support

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Degree in accounting and financial management and or public administration

Knowledge and experience

• At least 10 years of demonstrated professional experience and competence in financial reporting, compliance, and business processes for donor funded projects
• Extensive experience (at least 5 years) in project/programme leadership, management, networking, communication skills, report and funding proposal writing
• Experience in preparation of budgets for a medium or large organization, financial reporting and monitoring of budget and cash flows

Essential skills

• Strong analytical ability and demonstrated ability to achieve efficiencies
• Strong understanding and experience in use of computerized accounting systems, preferably Navision
• Dealing with different reporting requirements in multi-currency -donor projects

Language skills

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written) with a working knowledge of French being an advantage

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Cross-cultural skills and the ability to work with team members from different cultural backgrounds

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – 3 years

Due to the current travel restrictions caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic, and the priority SPC places on its staff safety, health and well-being, please note that there may be delays in taking up the appointment. These matters will be discussed thoroughly with successful candidates. In most cases, any appointment and on-boarding would only commence when relocation to the duty station is permitted.

Remuneration – The Finance and Administration Officer is a Band 9 position in SPC’s 2021 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 2,229‒2,786 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 6,731–8,413 (USD 3,098–3,872; EUR 2,734–3,417). 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. Remuneration of expatriate SPC staff members is not subject to income tax in Fiji; Fiji nationals employed by SPC in Fiji will be subject to income tax.

Benefits for international employees based in Fiji – SPC provides a housing allowance of FJD 1,350–3,000 per month. Establishment and relocation grant, removal expenses, airfares, home leave, medical and life insurance and education allowances are available for eligible employees and their recognised dependents. Employees are entitled to 25 days of annual leave and 30 days of sick leave per annum, and access to SPC’s Provident Fund (contributing 8% of salary, to which SPC adds a matching contribution).

Languages – SPC’s working languages are English and French.

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.