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.
Pacific Women Lead (PWL) is a new AUD 170 million Pacific regional development program, funded by the Australian Government. Commencing in 2021 for an initial period of five years, components of PWL will be managed and delivered by HRSD under its Business Plan and work programme for 2021-2025. The PWL program goal is that Pacific women and girls, in all their diversity, are safe and equitably share in resources, opportunities and decision-making, with men and boys. There are three end-of-program outcomes envisaged: (1) Women’s leadership promoted; (2) Women’s rights realised; and (3) Pacific regional partners increase the effectiveness of regional gender equality efforts.
The Finance and Administration Officer will support the Grants & Finance Officer in financial, logistical and administrative activities to ensure efficiency of the Pacific Women Lead Program.
The key responsibilities of the role include:
- General finance support
- Logistics support for meetings, events and workshops
For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the job description provided.
Key selection criteria
Qualifications
- A bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting or administration
Knowledge and experience
- At least 3 years’ experience in project accounting and financial reporting in a reputable organization.
- Demonstrated experience in conference management and event organization, logistics and travel coordination.
- Demonstrated experience managing procurement, purchase orders, invoicing, payment and other finance processes.
Essential skills
- Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office, especially MS Excel
- Proven ability to effectively manage information, multi-task and work under pressure to meet tight deadlines
- Experience using Navision Software or similar finance software
- Excellent interpersonal and representational skills with experience in building and maintaining effective working relationships with a range of different individuals and organisations
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 – Until 6 January 2025
Remuneration – This is a full-time position at Band 7 in SPC’s 2021 salary scale, with a commencing taxable salary range of 2,232-2,790 per month, plus local staff benefits. An offer of appointment for an initial contract will 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.
How to apply
Application procedure
Closing Date – 13 December 2021 at 11:45pm Fiji time
Applicants must apply online at http://careers.spc.int/.
Hard copies of applications will not be accepted.
For your application to be considered, you must provide us with:
- an updated resume
- contact details for three professional referees
- a cover letter detailing your skills, experience and interest in this position
- responses to all screening questions.
Please ensure your documents are in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.
Applicants should not attach copies of qualifications or letters of reference. These documents may be requested at a later stage.
For international staff in Fiji, only one foreign national per family can be employed with an entity operating in Fiji at any one given time. The Pacific Community does not support dual spouse employment.
Please ensure that you respond to all the screening questions. If you do not respond to the screening questions, your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed at shortlisting stage.
Screening Questions:
- Refer to one example where you have been involved in the financial management of a project funded by sources external to your organisation. Please highlight two key lessons you have learned from that process.
- Relating to one procurement system with which you are familiar, identify three main principles of procurement and select the one principle you feel is most important and explain why you selected this particular principle.
- Please describe your experience in travel and logistics management/administration for fieldwork survey (or workshop), and identify three lessons learned.