Finance and Administration Assistant (x2)

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 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 Human Rights and Social Development (HRSD) Division has a vision for just, equitable and resilient Pacific societies. It aims to achieve this by advancing human rights, equality and social inclusion for all Pacific people, grounded in cultural values and principles.

In line with its vision, the work of the Division encompasses the following objectives:

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: Enhance knowledge, learning and innovative solutions to accelerate impact on human development priorities.

The Finance and Administration Assistant (x2) will support the administrative and financial delivery of a range of GEM projects in accordance with SPC and Donor requirements. The responsibilities will include the management of project accounting, audit, and budgetary controls, monitoring of project sub contractual requirements, support for procurement of works and services contracts, support for the development and acquittal of country grant agreements funding with Pacific Island countries.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Financial and procurement support

• Support the delivery of financial and procurement reports using SPC financial systems.
• Monitor project expenditure against approved budget on a monthly basis.
• Conduct financial analysis of project delivery for decision-making.
• Ensure financial transactions and project procurements comply with SPC’s Financial and Procurement guidelines.

Travel and logistics management

• Manage travel requirements for programme staff, including liaising with travel agents on itinerary and tickets.
• Ensure travel is budgeted for and in line with the work plan.
• Support the development of budgets for regional workshops and field travel needs.
• Facilitate travel arrangements for regional and national workshops.

Administration and operations support

• Manage day-to-day administration and operations work.
• Manage and monitor project filing systems, including the archiving and backup of project documents, information and data in a format suitable for supporting mid-term and terminal evaluations.
• Effectively manage project assets records.
• Provide support on programme related matters as and when required.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• A degree in a relevant field such as accounting, financial management or business administration.

Technical expertise

• At least 5 years of experience in project finance and administration.
• Demonstrated experience in donor project finance and administration.
• Demonstrated experience in financial audit administration.
• Strong analytical ability and demonstrated understanding of complex accounting or finance issues in a development context.

Language skills

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written)

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – These 2 vacant positions is budgeted for 2 years subject to extension depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – The Finance and Administration Assistant is a Band 7 position in SPC’s 2023 salary scale, with a commencing taxable salary range of FJD 2,287-2,859 per month, plus local staff benefits. 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.

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.