FINANCE AND PROJECT ASSISTANT –  Pacific Community

• 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 25 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: Mobilise, 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.

SPC has entered the Pacific Partnership to end Violence against Women and Girls project (herein referred to as Pacific Partnership or PPEVAWG), in partnership with UN Women and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS). The goal of this project is to promote gender equality and prevent violence against women and girls. The SPC component of the project is led by the Human Rights and Social Development Division (HRSD) and implemented in collaboration with SPC’s Educational Quality and Assessment Programme (EQAP). This component aims to equip school students, schools and communities to understand and apply human rights and responsibilities, gender equality, inclusion and non-violence in four countries: Kiribati, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. This position of Project Coordinator is a full-time position, once-off contract under this project and manages a team of up to 7 staff.

The Finance and Project Assistant will provide support to the HRSD Project PPEVAW with logistics for travel and workshops, regional events, administrative support in the implementation of the project, assistance in preparing donor reports.

 

The key responsibilities of the role include:

KRA 1: Project Accounting and Financial Management

• Preparation of donor reports as required by PPEVAW Project grant agreement
• Assists in compiling activity plan budgets
• Attends to financial queries raised by project team, donors, SPC corporate

KRA 2: Travel and Logistics for Meetings and Events

• Develops budgets for regional workshops and other activities
• Develops communications such as Government Protocol letters and Administrative Notes for events that are precise and use appropriate language
• Ensures all events/travel follow SPC procedures for procurement and travel

KRA 3: Project and overall program administrative support

• Sets agendas, takes minutes and organizes files for SPC internal PPEVAW Project meetings
• Ensures all project related SPC staff that are giving partial time to the project are regularly maintaining time sheets
• Orders project supplies and equipment as needed

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

 

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Diploma in Finance and Accounting

Knowledge and experience

• At least 3-4 years’ experience in project accounting in an international or regional organization
• Demonstrated experience with financial management information systems such as Navision software
• Experience in travel and logistics management
• Experience in managing procurement, purchase orders, invoicing, payment, and other finance processes        

Essential skills

• Demonstrated organizational, administrative, and multi-tasking skills
• Experience in airline ticketing and communicating with airline agents
• Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to work across a wide range of individuals in a multicultural environment

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 – 2 years and 6 months – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance

Remuneration – The Finance and Project 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.