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, education, 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. 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.

The role – Finance and Procurement Officer will support to the EU funded SAFE Pacific Project with budget preparation, financial monitoring and reporting, audit compliance, procurement and grants and efficient administration through the Division’s central Finance team. The key primary focus of this role is to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the project in strict adherence to the Pacific Community (SPC) and donor requirements.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Budget preparation, monitoring, and financial reporting

• Monitor the overall project budget and forecasts, including against the following specific areas: Income and expenditure against Project plan or annual workplan and budgets, outputs and outcomes including monthly analysis of project expenditure provided to project management team, commitments and project executions and project acquittals.
• Provide well informed advice to supervisors on budget execution rates and outlining challenges and solutions as much as possible.
• Prepare timely multi-purpose project financial (numerical and narrative) reports for SPC, donor, and any external project committee or board, technical working groups and others. Reports could include the following: actuals against budget, preparation of financial (numerical and narrative) reports for the bi-annual project Steering Committee, costed activity or outcomes against workplans, project executions and related risks, cash management and audit issues.

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.
• Support the implementation of appropriate systems and internal controls within the Division.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders where instances of internal control weaknesses are found to strengthen these.

Procurement and Grants Services

• Prepare all requests for proposals, requests for quotations and expressions of interest in line with SPC and donor requirements.
• Provide accurate advice and information to supervisors and staff on the different requirements of procurement and grants.
• Facilitate all evaluation processes and ensure they are compliant with SPC requirements.

Overall administrative support

• Management of project administrative support needs and delegation of duties if needed.
• Provide administrative and logistical support for staff travel, workshops and trainings where required.
• Contribute to the SPC Finance and shared services agenda which includes knowledge sharing, process refinements / reviews and increasing collaboration.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Degree in accounting, finance, business administration or project management or equivalent body of knowledge and experience.

Technical expertise

• At least 7 years of demonstrated professional experience and competence in project administration and/or finance.
• Experience in financial reporting, compliance, and business processes for projects funded.
• Demonstrated experience in managing procurement and grant processes.
• Experience in preparation of budgets, financial reporting and monitoring of budget and cash flows.
• Analytical ability and demonstrated ability to achieve efficiencies with attention to detail.
• Strong understanding and experience in use of computerized financial management information systems, preferably Navision.
• Ability to foster healthy relationships with vendors and suppliers.
• Dealing with different reporting requirements in multi-currency -donor projects.

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 31 December 2025 – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – The Finance and Procurement Officer is a band 9 position in SPC’s 2024 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 2,284‒2,856 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 6,808–8,509 (USD 3,038–3,798; EUR 2,832–3,540). 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 10% 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.