Finance & Programme Assistant - PPAC

• Attractive local package
• Friendly and supportive team environment
• Join the principal development organisation in the Pacific region

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 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 Human Rights and Social Development Division has a vision for just, equitable and resilient Pacific societies and it aims to achieve this by advancing human rights, equality and social inclusion for all Pacific people, grounded in cultural values and principles.The work of this Division includes work previously undertaken by the Regional Rights Resource Team (RRRT) in the area of human rights and the Social Development Programme (SDP) in the areas of gender equality and social inclusion, culture and youth development.

In line with its vision, the work of the Division will encompass the following focal areas:

• Objective 1: Governance for human rights and social development: Strengthen inclusive, transparent and active governance for human rights and social development.
• Objective 2: Gender equality and social inclusion: Mobilize, empower and build conditions for gender equality, equity and social inclusion in society and development.
• Objective 3: Culture: Promote, preserve and protect positive expressions of culture.
• Objective 4: Social innovation and learning: Enhance knowledge, learning and innovative solutions to accelerate impact on human development priorities.

The Finance and Programme Assistant will be supporting the Pacific People Advancing Change (PPAC) programme through finance and capacity- building assistance. The key responsibilities of the role include:

Project Financial Management

• Facilitate grant payments and acquittals
• Support the PPAC phase transition with process tracking
• Maintain process surveillance on payments and acquittals

Logistics and support for Meeting/Events

• Support country officers to develop budgets for regional and national activities
• Provide logistical and administrative support to activities
• Ensure timely disbursal of DSA and support to workshop participants

Finance Capacity-Strengthening

• Support the design and delivery of financial management and budget training for grantees
• Review relevant documents during the phase transition including proposed budgets and draft acquittals
• Supporting with grantee queries and requests for advice and support

Project Administration Support

• Set agendas, takes minutes and organise files for PPAC programme meetings
• Ensure staff are regularly maintaining time sheets where required
• Order programme supplies and equipment as needed

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• A degree in finance, administration, accounting, or equivalent work experience

Knowledge and experience

• At least 3 years relevant work experience in project accounting and financial reporting
• Experience in training, coaching, mentoring and/or developing learning tools
• Demonstrated experience in event organization, logistics and travel        

Essential skills

• Basic Accounting skills
• Advanced computer skills in Microsoft software applications
• Demonstrated organizational and multi-tasking skills

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 31 December 2025

Remuneration – The Finance and Programme Assistant is a Band 7 position in SPC’s 2022 salary scale, with a commencing taxable salary range of 2,232-2,790 per month, plus local staff benefits. 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.

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 – 30 May 2022 at 11:45pm Fiji time

Applicants must apply online at http://careers.spc.int/

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.

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.

Only Fijian citizens are eligible to apply for this role.

Screening Questions:

1. Describe an example of when you provided training, mentoring, or simply helped someone else to understand finance or a financial concept. Were you successful? Did you learn something in the process?
2. Please describe your background in financial administration (including reporting) and procurement (including facilitation of procurement processes) for donor-funded projects.
3. Please describe your experience with preparing budgets for workshops or events.