Grants and Finance Officer (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, 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.

Pacific Women Lead (PWL) is a new AUD 170 million Pacific regional development program, funded by the Australian Government. Commencing in 2021 for an initial period of five years, components of PWL will be managed and delivered by HRSD under its Business Plan and work programme for 2021-2025. The PWL program goal is that Pacific women and girls, in all their diversity, are safe and equitably share in resources, opportunities and decision-making, with men and boys. There are three end-of-program outcomes envisaged: (1) Women’s leadership promoted; (2) Women’s rights realised; and (3) Pacific regional partners increase the effectiveness of regional gender equality efforts.

The Grants and Finance Officer will support all aspects of financial and grants management for HRSD’s Pacific Women Lead programme. This will include project accounting, audit, budgetary controls and monitoring of financial performance/progress in compliance with SPC and DFAT policies and procedures. The position will also support procurement for approved activities across the HRSD PWL program, contracts and project assets, and the disbursement of funds. The position will provide the program staff with financial advice, support the completion of assigned project and donor reporting, manage audit functions and assist with the administrative and coordination duties associated with the project. The key responsibilities of the role include:

Budget preparation, monitoring, and financial reporting

• Prepare project and programme financial budgets, including work plans, operational costs, and specific activities. Work closely with programme team leaders and grant partners in the budget design and preparation.

Project accounting, audit, and compliance

• Facilitate all preparations for any project audit and support any external review or evaluation on financial and grant matters. Liaise with auditors to provide required documentation in a timely manner.

Oversight and reporting of project grants activities

• Maintain a grants register and regularly update based on project progress and discussions with project team, grantees and other stakeholders. Develop action plans with project staff to deal with poor performing grantees and manage through the register.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting or business administration.
• Professional membership of CPA or master’s degree in accounting, business, commerce or public finance would be an advantage

Knowledge and experience

• At least five years of experience in a similar role
• Demonstrated understanding of project budgeting, financial reporting, donor reporting, audit requirements and financial management of grants
• Experience with use of financial management information systems

Essential skills

• Sound coordination, administrative, networking and collaborative skills
• Knowledge of DFAT/donor and SPC finance, granting and procurement systems
• Applying procurement and granting policy and procedures
• Work experience in the Pacific Islands region
• Experience in the Navision financial management system

Language skills

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written) with a working knowledge of French being an advantage

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

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

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – 3 years – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance

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 Grants and Finance Officer is a Band 8 position in SPC’s 2022 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 1,994‒2,493 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 5,883–7,354 (USD 2,852–3,565; EUR 2,393–2,991). 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 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 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.