SPC invites applications for the position of Finance Officer, Projects with the Applied Geoscience and Technology Division, located at its Regional Office in Suva, Fiji.
Applied Geoscience and Technology Division
The division, which was established when the former SOPAC was integrated with SPC in January 2011, has three technical work programmes: Geoscience for Development programme, Water and Sanitation, and Disaster Reduction. Its services to SPC’s members include assessments of the potential of ocean and onshore mineral resources, maritime boundary data collection, coastal protection and management, geo-hazard assessment, water, waste-water, sanitation, disaster risk management, mapping and surveying (including GIS and remote sensing), and natural resources economics. The division’s work provides guidance on scientific and technical aspects of the region’s seabed mineral resources, supports development of national policy and regulatory frameworks, and contributes to geoscientific and geotechnical understanding of the underlying causes of environmental vulnerability in the region. Its work also focuses on developing knowledge-based adaptation strategies for coastal and near shore environments, water and sanitation, disaster risk reduction and awareness raising, and technical capacity building and capacity supplementation. The division seeks to maintain a reputation for excellence as the region’s principal provider of geoscientific services.
The role
The Finance Officer, Projects works under the Finance team within the Operational Management Directorate Division of SPC’s Applied Geoscience and Technology Division (AGTD). The role reports to the Accountant, who is overall responsible for the provision of financial services to AGTD. This position is responsible for the provision of reliable and accurate financial management and auditing of all project funds. The Finance Officer, Projects interacts with programme project teams, SPC Corporate services teams and also with donor agencies. This position is also responsible for supervision of finance assistant projects, finance assistant banking, finance assistant procurement, payments and invoicing within AGTD.
The position of Finance Officer, Projects encompasses the following major functions or key result areas:
- Project accounting, which includes auditing, donor reporting, project work plans and budgets and verification of project postings;
- Project financial management, which includes reconciliations, cash flow management, file management and verification;
- Country projects management, which includes reporting template design, development of training tools, project meeting attendance, design of audit TORs, and formulation of annual financial reports for audit;
- Preparation of division budget papers, which includes assisting in the preparation of AGTD budget papers for division meetings; and
- Additional financial tasks, which include the verification of all project transactions and postings, verification of all project and AGTD payments, and processing of AGTD payments and orders when required.
The Profile
The Finance Officer, Projects will be used to working in a dynamic and challenging environment. This person will be committed to providing an excellent and timely service to a variety of clients through being highly motivated and organised whilst demonstrating a proactive approach at all times. This person will have an ability to think on their feet, problem solve and provide innovative solutions, whilst working as part of a wider team. Excellent interpersonal skills are critical to the success of this role.
Key Selection Criteria
1. Qualifications Degree in accounting and/or financial management. 2. Experience At least three years' relevant experience and background in project accounting, project finances and project budget management. Experience of working in a financial capacity on donor-funded projects. Strong numerical skills and advanced Excel spreadsheet skills (including macros). Demonstrated experience of using recognised accounting packages for generation of financial reports. Operational experience with accounting software packages (Navision system would be an advantage). A firm understanding of database fundamentals. A good working knowledge of accounting practices, international and local banking procedures, exchange rates and foreign currency. 3. Language skills An excellent command of both written and spoken English is required, with a working knowledge of French being an advantage. 4. Cultural awareness Cultural sensitivity and demonstrated understanding of developing countries with particular knowledge of Pacific Island countries and territories being an advantage.Remuneration
The Finance Officer is a Band 8 position within SPC’s 2014 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 1,798–2,248 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 5,028–6,286 (USD 2,754–3,443; EUR 2,024–2,531). An offer of appointment for an initial contract will normally be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration being 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, however, be subject to income tax.
Benefits
SPC provides a housing allowance of FJD 1,170–2,625 per month. Establishment and relocation grant, removal expenses, airfares, home leave, medical insurance and education allowances are available for eligible employees and their recognised dependents. Employees are entitled to: 25 days annual leave and 30 days sick leave per annum; life insurance; 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.
As an equal-opportunity employer, SPC recruits on merit, but if two interviewed candidates are ranked equal by the selection committee, preference will be given to nationals of Pacific Island countries and territories.
Closing date: 19 June 2014.
