Senior 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 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 Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Programme (CCES) was established to enable SPC to strengthen and streamline its actions on climate change by bringing together work already undertaken by the organisation under a coherent strategic and technical leadership. In addition, it leads the actions of SPC on climate change and environmental sustainability, works with the Organisation’s regional and international partners and promotes the integration of these issues into all development activities conducted by the Organisation’s divisions.

The role – the Senior Finance Officer will be responsible for overall provision of financial services to and advice on CFU activities and the PMUs of climate finance projects and programmes overseen by CFU. This includes financial management and monitoring of projects directly implemented by CFU, oversight of sound financial management of externally executed projects, specialist advice on financial management and ensuring compliance with SPC policies and development partner requirements, as well as managing and mentoring finance and administration staff in CFU and project PMUs.

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

Financial planning, monitoring, and reporting

• Under the guidance of the CCES Finance Team Leader, support the CFU Coordinator in monitoring and reporting on the CFU portfolio.
• Maintain integrity and accuracy of financial data in the financial system.
• Support all aspects of financial management of the CFU portfolio.
• Review grant acquittals received from PMU finance officer’s for SPC posting, process journals and prepare donor reports as per donor requirements.
• Support financial monitoring and reporting across climate finance projects.
• Monitor grants, letters of agreement, consultancy contracts and other recipients of financial flows within the CFU portfolio.

Compliance, risk management, business processes and financial management

• Support the implementation of appropriate systems and internal controls across the CFU portfolio.
• Lead in the management of corporate financial risks to SPC within the CFU portfolio.
• Provide support for the review and implementation of SPC policies as required.
• Provide support to CFU staff and implementing partners on donor requirements in programme planning, delivery and financial administration across SPC’s climate finance portfolio.
• Support internal and external audit exercises and ensure maximum level of compliance.
• Lead the completion of financial requirements for accreditation, re-accreditation and accreditation upgrade processes for multilateral donors.

SPC project activity implementation

• Support CFU Procurement and Grants Advisor in managing procurement activities related to SPC’s CFU projects.
• Monitor project execution from the operational and financial perspective.
• Support preparation and monitoring of CFU and PMUs’ costed procurement plans and workplans, and lead on any required budget reallocation processes.

Coordination, partnerships and capacity building

• Foster effective working relationships and high performance across PMUs within SPC’s climate finance portfolio.
• Facilitate sharing of lessons learned and development of best practices for financial management within SPC’s climate finance portfolio.
• Build a strong and effective network of financial officers capable of providing services of the highest quality across PMUs.

People management and mentoring

• Monitor the performance and workloads of staff members to ensure objectives are met.
• Ensure corporate requirements are met individually and as a team.
• Create and maintain a team environment that fosters and develops effective working relationships and high performance.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Degree in accounting, finance, business administration or public administration or equivalent body of knowledge and experience

Technical expertise

• At least 7 years’ work experience in a similar role
• Experience in project accounting including budgeting and donor financial reporting
• Demonstrated experience in the use of Financial Management Information Systems and financial monitoring tools
• Coordination and delivery of financial services to multiple projects with various donors and PMUs
• Experience in project design and implementation including project management, writing technical reports and proposals
• Experience in provision of advice, training and other support to PMUs on financial matters and areas of risk and compliance
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office software
• Ability to work under minimal supervision

Language skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Fluency in English

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• 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 Senior Finance Officer is a band 10 position in SPC’s 2024 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 3,568–4,364 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately XPF 527,770–645,457 (USD 4,745–5,804; EUR 4,423–5,409). An offer of appointment for an initial contract will normally be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration being given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale is 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 10% 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.