Job Overview
- Suva-based position (Fiji)
- Competitive expatriate package
- Join the principal development organisation in the region
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 26 country and territory members. In pursuit of sustainable development to benefit Pacific people, our organisation works across more than 20 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 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.
The Senior Finance Officer will be responsible for the effective financial management, including financial risk assessment, monitoring of internal control, and ensuring the adherence to relevant accounting policies and procedures in the division. The position will also contribute to the finance and procurement shared services initiative of SPC.
The key responsibilities of the role include:
Financial, Planning, Monitoring and Reporting
- Provide support to the Finance Team Leader with the development of annual budgets and allocation of available resources through integrated programming, business planning and project management processes.
- Support the Finance Team Leader in all aspects of financial management of the division including Financial reporting; Acquittal reviews; Forecasting, monitoring of project executions, pipeline, and financial analysis, ensuring all are in line with SPC and donor requirements; Cash Management; Project payables and receivable.
- Ensure integrity and accuracy of financial data in the financial system, including but not limited to cash management, project payables and receivables.
Divisional, Project and Program Financial Management Administration Support
- Provide appropriate coordinated support to divisional staff on donor requirements in planning, delivery and financial administration of all donor-funded projects.
- Liaise with team leaders, development partners and donors to maintain reporting schedules, financial acquittals and arrange for timely disbursements in accordance with signed funding agreements.
- Work with the Procurement and Finance office to provide support to Project managers in resolving Procurement and Finance and contract management issues.
Compliance, Risk Management and Business Process
- Support the Finance Team Leader in the implementation of appropriate systems and internal controls within the Division. This includes collaboration with internal stakeholders where instances of internal control weaknesses are found in order to strengthen these.
- Maintain the accuracy of the division’s project finance information, within Navision and other systems.
- Manage the LRD Admin Helpdesk and provide timely clearance of payments and financial management queries.
Procurement, Grant and Administration Services
- Support the Procurement and Compliance Officer with monitoring of procurement and grant actions undertaken by the division and ensure they are in line with SPC and donor policies and procedures.
- Support the preparation and monitoring of the Division’s annual procurement plan and ensure that annual procurement plans are aligned to LRD annual budget estimates and provide advice to managers should there be large variances.
- Assist with the monitoring of all procurement and grants actions using key databases and workflows to ensure efficiency, completeness, availability of up-to-date information, and to allow effective follow-up action.
People Management
- Create a team environment that fosters and develops effective working relationships and high performance.
- Manage staff performance and support them with training and development.
- Conduct fair, consistent, timely performance planning and review meetings and encourage open communication to discuss performance.
For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description.
Key selection criteria
Qualifications
- A degree in accounting, finance or business administration.
Technical expertise
- At least 5 years of demonstrated professional experience and competence in the same field.
- Experience in financial reporting, compliance, and business processes for projects funded.
- Experience in the preparation of budgets for a medium or large organization, financial reporting and monitoring of budget and cash flows.
- Analytical and demonstrated ability to achieve efficiencies with attention to detail.
- Have a strong understanding and experience in the use of computerized financial management information systems, preferably Navision.
- Experience in dealing with different reporting requirements for multi-currency -donor projects.
- Proven track record in designing and running training courses in finance, budget management and financial management systems.
- Strong numeracy skills, advanced excel spreadsheet skills including macros, and effectively used a recognized accounting package for generation of financial reports.
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 2024 – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.
Remuneration – The Senior Finance Officer is a Band 9 position in SPC’s 2023 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 2,284‒2,856 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 6,739–8,424 (USD 3,061–3,826; EUR 2,900–3,625). 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.
Application procedure
Closing Date – 29 September 2023 – 11:59pm (Fiji time)