The Pacific Community (SPC) invites applications for the position of *Project Assistant (GCCA+SUPA)* in the Geosciences, Energy & Maritime Division, located at its regional office in Suva, Fiji.
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 Geoscience Energy and Maritime Division provides advice, technical assistance, research and training support to Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs). There are three areas of scientific programming and two areas of focus within this division:
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Oceans and Maritime – Driving growth in blue economies through well-informed and inclusive action from integrated solutions for ocean and coastal management and maritime and transport.
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Geo-resources and Energy – Strengthening the management of the Earth’s non-living resources through responsible harnessing of mineral resources, including metalliferous and development minerals, and clean and renewable energy resources, such as solar, wind, and geothermal for sustainable development.
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Disaster and Climate Resilience – Improving resilience and sustainability through the management of disaster risk and assessment of hazards. This includes building resilience through wider support for climate change, disaster risk management (DRM) initiatives, and water and sanitation initiatives.
The overall objective of the Global Climate Change Alliance Plus Scaling up Pacific Adaptation (GCCA+SUPA) project is to enhance climate change adaptation and resilience within ten Pacific island countries (Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Tonga and Tuvalu). The specific objective is to strengthen the implementation of sector-based, but integrated, climate change and disaster risk management strategies and plans.
The role – Project Assistant (GCCA+SUPA) will assist with the administrative and financial delivery of the overall project in accordance with SPC and donor (EU) requirements. In particular, the position holder provides the back-up support for coordination, monitoring, financial accounting, procurement, contracting and audit of project activities in five of the ten project countries.
The key responsibilities of the role include the following:
· Assist with the administration and the delivery of the overall GCCA+ SUPA project
· Assist with developing and implementing financial procedures for the overall project in accordance with SPC and donor (EU) requirements
· Provide the back-up coordination and monitoring for delivery of project activities in five countries
· Provide the back-up support for financial accounting, procurement, contracting and audit of project activities in five countries.
For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the job description provided.
Key selection criteria
Qualifications
· Tertiary degree or equivalent in business administration, commerce, accounting or similar field.**
Knowledge and experience
· At least 5 years’ experience in commerce, accounting, business administration, which should include minimum 1 years’ experience in the administration, implementation and monitoring of a multisectoral development project.
· Experience in procurement especially with the tender process.
· Understanding of project budgeting, financial reporting, donor reporting, audit requirements, and contracting.
· Relevant experience in the management of logistics for small and large national and international events.
Essential skills
· Sound coordination, administrative, networking, and collaborative skills
· Good interpersonal skills with people from all sections of society, and from different cultures, countries and institutions; experience working with national government agencies in project administration and budgeting.
· Advanced computer skills in applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel
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 30 June 2023
Remuneration – This is a full-time position at Band 7 in SPC’s 2020 salary scale, with a commencing taxable salary range of FJD 2,232-2,790 per month, plus local staff benefits. An offer of appointment for an initial contract will 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.
How to apply
Application procedure
Closing Date – 29 September 2020
Applicants must apply online at: http://careers.spc.int/
Hard copies of applications will not be accepted.
To be considered for this role, you must provide us with:
· an updated resume
· a cover letter detailing your skills, experience and interest in this position
· responses to all screening questions
Please ensure your documents are in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.
Applicants should not attach copies of qualifications or letters of reference. These documents may be requested at a later stage.
Please ensure that you respond to all of the screening questions. If you do not respond to the screening questions, your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed at shortlisting stage.**
Only Fijian citizens are eligible to apply for this role.
Screening Questions:
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Refer to one example where you have been involved in the financial management of a project funded by sources external to your organisation. Please highlight two key lessons you have learned from that process.
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Relating to one procurement system with which you are familiar, identify three main principles of procurement and select the one principle you feel is most important and explain why you selected this particular principle.
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Describe three key steps you would take to set up a reporting system to track the delivery of the project activities in one country – please address the financial and technical deliverables.
To help us with our recruitment effort, please indicate in your email/cover letter where (ngotenders.net) you saw this job posting.