Finance Team Leader 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 unique 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 Statistics for Development Division (SDD) is based in SPC’s headquarters in Noumea, New Caledonia. The division employs approximately 20 staff, all of whom are all based in Noumea. SDD’s goal is to help the Pacific Island Countries and Territories achieve “highly competent and sustainable national statistics systems that meet national and international statistics needs for evidence-based policy, planning and monitoring.” SDD has a regional statistical system leadership and coordination role; and also supports the region directly in data infrastructure, collection, statistical methodology, analysis and dissemination.

The role –the Finance Team Leader will be responsible for the provision of financial services to the division’s programmes and projects. Additionally, the role supports the implementation of the shared services vision in the division: by working through collaboration between central finance and across divisions. The role is responsible for complex financial monitoring with multiple donor partners, with staff working across multiple locations.

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

Shared Services in the division

• Lead the SPC Finance and Procurement shared services agenda within the division in close collaboration with the central finance team.
• Work closely with finance team leaders in other divisions, and in collaboration with the finance managers

Financial planning, monitoring, and reporting

• Lead by overseeing the role of finance officers in all aspects of financial management in the division.
• Support audit exercises or due diligence probes led by finance in central, donors, partner organisations or internal auditors.
• Ensure financial accounting systems for project and operations are maintained.
• Provide high quality technical financial advice to management.

Divisional, project and programme financial administration support

• Provide appropriate coordinated support to divisional staff, working across programme areas on donor requirements in programme planning, delivery, and financial administration of all donor-funded projects.
• Work with finance officers to liaise with project team leaders, development partners and donors to ensure project or division finance and administration staff maintain reporting schedules, financial acquittals and arrange for timely disbursements.
• Liaise with development and implementing partners at planning stage on financial agreements.

Compliance, risk management and business processes

• Oversee and ensure appropriate systems and internal controls are implemented.
• Lead finance’s input to the division’s risk management processes.
• Lead in the division’s review and implementation of applicable SPC finance policies.

Procurement and Grant services

• Ensure all procurement and grant processes undertaken by the division are in line with SPC and donor policies and procedures.
• Work with the procurement office to monitor key databases and workflows for all procurement and grant activities.

People management

• Create a team environment that fosters and develops effective working relationships and high performance.
• Manage staff members responsible for the administration, operations, and logistics of the Division.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Degree in accounting, finance, or business administration.

Technical expertise

• At least 10 years of experience and demonstrated competence in same field with 5 years in leadership role. This includes project management or administration experience with major donors.
• Sound collaboration and team working skills
• Strong analytical ability and demonstrated ability to achieve efficiencies.
• Demonstrated competency with business and data analysis design and reporting.

Language skills

• Fluency in English.

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Ability to work in a multi-diverse and multi-cultural environment.
• Knowledge of Pacific Island countries and territories is an advantage.

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – This vacant position is budgeted for 3 years and is subject to renewal depending on performance and funding.

Remuneration – The Finance Team Leader is a Band 11 position in SPC’s 2023 salary scale, with a starting salary range of SDR (special drawing rights) 4,206-5,161 per month, which converts to approximately XPF 637,132-781,844 (USD 5,636-6,916; EUR 5,339-6,552). An offer of appointment for an initial contract will be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration being given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale will be based on annual performance reviews. SPC salaries are not presently subject to income tax in New Caledonia.

Benefits for international staff employees based in New Caledonia – SPC provides subsidised housing in Noumea. Establishment and repatriation grant, removal expenses, airfares, home leave travel, health and life and disability insurances and education allowances are available for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Employees are entitled to 25 working days of annual leave per annum and other types of leave, 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 bilinguism, 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 begiven to the Pacific Islander. Applicants will be assured of complete confidentiality in line with SPC’s private policy.