Programme Finance Officer

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 surveillance, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.

The Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems (FAME) Division includes the Oceanic Fisheries Programme (OFP) and Coastal Fisheries Programme (CFP). CFP’s goal is to ensure that inshore fisheries, nearshore fisheries and aquaculture in Pacific Island countries and territories are managed and developed sustainably. The programme assists governments and administrations to develop scientifically informed and socially achievable coastal fisheries management policies and systems (national and community-based). It provides a regional framework for sustainable aquaculture, including planning, research and development, and trade, for Pacific Island governments, the private sector and other stakeholders. It assists in developing sustainable nearshore fisheries in Pacific Island countries and territories to provide food security, sustain livelihoods, promote economic growth and assist climate change adaptation.

The Pacific European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP) Programme is a 4-year project, in partnership with the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), with the University of the South Pacific (USP) implementing one component under a separate agreement with the EU. The programme is funded by the European Union and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). SPC is implementing three areas specifically the Programme Management Unit (PMU), oceanic fisheries science and coastal fisheries science and management components. The PEUMP Programme is implemented in all 15 Pacific-ACP countries including Timor-Leste.

The role – Programme Finance Officer is responsible for providing financial administration and management to the overall PEUMP Programme. This role will ensure PEUMP Programme compliance with all SPC procurement, travel, financial policies, and guidelines. The Programme Finance Officer will be responsible for reporting on the finances for all components of the PEUMP Programme and the disbursement of funds to the co-delegatees; Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), as well as other partners.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

• Financial monitoring and reporting for all activities implemented by the PEUMP PMU
• Provide assistance and financial training to other SPC collaborating partners for the PEUMP Programme
• Coordination of financial reporting for overall PEUMP Programme covering all KRAs and the disbursement of funding to co-delegatees
• Coordination of the PEUMP PMU administration

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant field such as accounting or financial management

Knowledge and experience

• At least 8 years of experience in accounting and project financial management
• Experience with procurement procedures and evaluating quotes, bids, tenders and drafting contracts
• Understanding of project management procedures for EU-funded projects, including auditing

Essential skills

• Excellent PC-based computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint, and Internet
• Analytical skills and high level of attention to detail
• Ability to prioritise and meet deadlines with limited supervision
• A team player with the ability to work effectively with a range of stakeholders
• Excellent administrative and organisational skills
• Demonstrated commitment to gender equality and human rights-based approaches

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 – Until 1 April 2023

Remuneration – The Programme Finance Officer is a Band 10 position in SPC’s 2021 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 2,512-3,140 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 7,586‒9,483 (USD 3,492–4,364; EUR 3,081–3,852). 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 relocation grant, removal expenses, airfares, home leave, medical and life insurance and education allowances are available for eligible employees and their recognised dependents. Employees are entitled to 25 days of annual leave and 30 days of sick leave per annum, 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.