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 USD 20 million donor-funded ‘Promoting Just, Engaged, Civic-minded and Transparent Governance in the Pacific Project’ (‘PROJECT Governance’) is focused on strengthening democratic institutions and promoting sound, just, and responsive governance in the Indo-Pacific region. The activities of Project Governance will improve the functioning of government institutions, civil society organizations and media as well as promoting transparency and accountability, opportunities for representation and inclusion of citizen interests in political and decision-making processes, upholding the rule of law, strengthening democratic institutions, and protecting rights and civil liberties, especially of women and other marginalized sectors.
The Finance and Project Officer will support the HRSD Project Governance with budget preparation and amendments, execution, financial monitoring, audit compliance and efficient administration through the Division’s central Finance and Administration support services.
The key responsibilities of the role include:
- Budget preparation, monitoring and financial reporting
- Project accounting, audit and compliance
- Project and overall program administrative support
- Sub Grant Management
For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the job description online.
Key selection criteria
Qualifications
- A tertiary degree in finance or accounting
Knowledge and experience
- At least 6 years’ experience in project accounting in an international or regional organisation including experience with financial management information systems
- Understanding of project budgeting, financial reporting, donor reporting, audit requirements, and efficient systems for international funds transfer
- Knowledge of budgetary processes in PICTs and working directly with PICTs in project financial management
- Experience using Navision Software or a similar software is an advantage
Essential skills
- Experience in managing procurement, purchase orders, invoicing, payment and other finance processes
- Sound coordination, administrative, networking, and collaborative skills
- Advanced computer skills in applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel
- Good interpersonal skills with people from all sections of society, and from different cultures, countries and institutions, experience working with national government agencies in project financial management
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 Project Officer is a Band 8 position in SPC’s 2021 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 1,994‒2,493 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 6,022–7,528 (USD 2,772–3,465; EUR 2,446–3,058). 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.
How to apply
Application procedure
Closing Date – 12 October 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:
- What do you think are the key stages in a grant management cycle and important considerations for an organisation such as SPC?
- Briefly explain why compliance with organisational and donor procurement policies and procedures is critical for organisations such as SPC and describe three basic guiding principles or best practice requirements you would follow in undertaking procurement or grant processes.
- Provide an example where you have strengthened the capacity of an organisation to undertake procurement and/or grant processes that are efficient, effective and compliant with organisational and donor policies and procedures.