Finance Assistant

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 Land Resources Division (LRD) provides effective expert scientific advice, capacity building and services on conservation, development and utilization of plant genetic resources, forest and landscape management, resilient agricultural systems, diversification of livelihood strategies and access to markets to maintain ecosystem services and improve land productivity and the food, nutrition security and resilience of Pacific communities. LRD has expertise in genetic resource conservation, resilient agriculture, biosecurity, pest and disease management, agricultural extension, plant pathology, entomology and animal health. It collaborates with governments, regional organisations, civil society and other SPC divisions to pinpoint the needs and priorities of Pacific countries and communities and provide technical expertise to address them. This mission is realized through four main thematic work areas, or pillars, and a progressively integrated approach to programming that works towards achieving SPC’s development goals. LRD’s integrated programming connects the pillars and its wider alliance with SPC and its seven other divisions, delivering a holistic programme of work for Pacific lands that meets the SPC vision of a region of peace, harmony, security, social inclusion and prosperity so that all people can lead healthy and productive lives.

The Finance Assistant will provide financial support to the Genetic Resources Programme. The incumbent will assist with the financial delivery of projects in accordance with SPC and donor requirements. The incumbent will also provide support for financial accounting and reporting, audits of project activities as well as support for procurement activities.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Implement financial systems to ensure streamlined reporting

• Assist with the management of general accounting and project accounting in accordance with SPC and donor regulations, including ensuring appropriate budgetary controls are in place
• Provide advice to the team on financial policies and procedures
• Work with the senior program staff to design and utilize financial budgeting and reporting templates used within the project and ensure that data input and extraction of data from Navision into templates is streamlined

Provide financial management and administration support

• Work with the senior management of the program to: oversee overall project budget revisions, relocations, monitoring and management for project costed workplans; monitor financial performance/progress, including reconciling project payments to cash books and reporting and project bank reconciliations; support external audits, in accordance with SPC and donor requirements; request funding from donors as per funding agreements
• Provide monthly reports to the Genetic Resources senior management team on project execution rates
• Draft financial reports as required by project grant agreements for review by the Senior finance officer

Provide support for financial accounting

• Support senior program staff and collaborating entities to develop budgets for regional activities, and the subsequent financial management of those activities
• Support project partners with budgeting and monitoring of execution rates, including building their capacity to use financial templates and apply SPC policies
• Monitor the financial delivery as per country planning documents and agreements

Support the compliance of the program with overall LRD and SPC finance and procurement processes and procedures

• Seek opportunities for collaboration with other LRD administration and financial staff to improve efficiency and effectiveness of the projects, programme and division
• Participate in training and capacity building provided by SPC
• Assist with the financial matters for the divisional activities where required

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• A degree in business administration, commerce, accounting or a relevant field

Technical expertise

• At least 5 years’ experience in project accounting or financial administration in a medium to large organization
• Demonstrated understanding of project budgeting, financial reporting, donor reporting, audit requirements, and contracting
• Excellent skills with Financial Management Information Systems (FMIS)
• Advanced computer skills in applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel
• Sound coordination, administrative, networking, and collaborative skills
• Demonstrated experience working with national government agencies in project administration and budgeting

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 – Until 31 December 2026 – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – The Finance 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.