Finance and Administration Officer - Safe Agricultural Trade Facilitation through Economic Integration in the Pacific (SAFE Pacific) Project

• Suva-based position (Fiji)
• Competitive expatriate package
• Join the principal development organisation in the Pacific 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 advice, technical assistance, research and training support to Pacific Island countries and territories on all aspects of agriculture and forestry. This includes plant protection, conservation, plant genetic resources, animal health and production, agroforestry, biosecurity and trade facilitation, and sustainable systems for agriculture, forestry and land management. This work has two objectives: improved food and nutritional security, and resilient communities. The division’s services are provided through seven technical/thematic teams: Animal Health and Production; Plant Health; Biosecurity and Trade Facilitation; Forest and Agriculture Diversification; Crop Production and Extension; Genetic Resources; and Forests and Trees. 

The Pacific Regional Integration Support (PRISE) Programme is a EUR 37m programme aimed to support greater economic integration among the small and scattered countries of the region, and between the Pacific Region and the global economy. The overall objective is to contribute to improving the economic and social benefits for 15 Pacific countries from the African, Caribbean, Pacific Group of States arising from stronger regional economic integration. SPC is taking the lead in implementing 2 key outputs with an allocation of EUR 12m: Output 1.2 Sanitary and Phytosanitary services are improved; and Output 2.3: Strengthened competitiveness of sustainable agricultural value-chains in the Pacific. PRISE Outputs 1.2 and 2.3 with the title ‘Safe Agricultural trade Facilitation through Economic integration in the Pacific’ (SAFE Pacific) project will be managed and implemented by SPC in all 15 Pacific Africa Caribbean and Pacific countries. 

The Finance and Administration Officer will provide support to the SAFE Pacific Project with budget preparation, execution, financial monitoring, audit compliance and efficient administration through the Division’s central Finance and Administration support services. 

The key responsibilities of the role include: 

• Budget preparation, monitoring and financial reporting
• Project accounting, audit and compliance
• Project and overall program administrative support 

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

Key selection criteria 

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in accounting, finance and or business administration 

Knowledge and experience

• At least 6 years of experience in a similar role
• Experience working with project leaders and partners at a strategic level
• Demonstrated experience in project budgeting, financial reporting, administration
• Demonstrated audit experience and knowledge of financial compliance requirements 

Essential skills

• Good understanding of programs/projects
• Experience with use of financial management information systems (SPC uses Microsoft Navision)
• Sound coordination, administrative, networking and negotiation skills
• Advanced computer skills in applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel 

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 2024

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 Finance and Administration Officer is a Band 8 position in SPC’s 2021 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 1,994‒2,493 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 6,022–7,528 (USD 2,772–3,465; EUR 2,446–3,058). 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 insurance are available for eligible employees only. 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 – 24 June 2021 – 11:45pm Fiji time

Applicants must apply online.

Hard copies of applications will not be accepted.

For your application to be considered, you must provide us with: 

• an updated resume
• contact details for three professional referees
• 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.

For international staff in Fiji, only one foreign national per family can be employed with an entity operating in Fiji at any one given time. The Pacific Community does not support dual spouse employment.

Please ensure that you respond to all 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.

Screening Questions: 

1. What are 2 common financial risks in a large-scale project and how can they be mitigated?
2. Financial compliance is of utmost importance to any project. How can you ensure that the project activities are in compliant with SPC and donor requirements?
3. Describe a system/process you have put in place in current/past work experience to streamline financial reporting to different stakeholders