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 unique 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 Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems (FAME) Division is one of SPC’s oldest Divisions and it has been providing scientific and technical expertise to support fisheries management and sustainable development in the Pacific for over 60 years. FAME’s goal is that fisheries resources of the Pacific region are sustainably managed for economic growth, food security and environmental conservation. FAME includes the Oceanic Fisheries Programme (OFP) and Coastal Fisheries Programme (CFP). OFP is the region’s centre for oceanic fisheries science and information, providing essential data collection, data management and modelling and analysis services to the Pacific. CFP provides science and technical support to PICTs to enhance the management of coastal fisheries, and the sustainable development of aquaculture and nearshore livelihoods across the region. The work of OFP and CFP are supported by the FAME Director’s Office, which includes the Information Section, communications, and monitoring, evaluation and learning.
The role – the Senior Finance Officer (GCF – RTP) will be responsible for the provision of financial services to the GCF Regional Tuna Program (GCF-RTP) and supports the SPC shared services way of working through collaboration between central finance, FAME and GCF-RTP activities..
The key responsibilities of the role include the following:
Financial planning, monitoring, and reporting
- Support the Programme Coordinator in monitoring and reporting on the GCF-PMU portfolio including forecasting, pipeline analysis and monthly / quarterly / annual reconciliations.
- Maintain integrity and accuracy of financial data in the financial system within Navision and other systems.
- Support all aspects of financial management of the GCF-PMU portfolio through integrated programming, business planning and project management processes.
- Review grant acquittals for SPC posting, process journals and prepare donor reports as per donor requirements.
- Support financial monitoring and reporting across climate finance projects to meet with SPC and CI-GCF Unit requirements.
- Support the development and management of rolling and annual budgets.
- Ensure budget revisions and supervision align with donor guidelines.
- Ensure compliance with donor financial requirements and audits.
- Prepare and generate comprehensive monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, annual, and ad-hoc financial reports and analyses as required by the FAME Finance Team and/or CI-GCF.
- Monitor grants, letters of agreement, consultancy contracts and other recipients of financial flows within the GCF-RTP portfolio.
Compliance, risk management, business processes and financial management
- Support the implementation of appropriate systems and internal controls across the GCF RTP portfolio.
- Lead in the management of corporate financial risks to SPC within the GCF-RTP portfolio.
- Provide support to GCF-RTP staff and implementing partners on donor requirements in programme planning, delivery and financial administration.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders where instances of internal control weaknesses are found and troubleshoot solutions to address them.
- Support internal and external audit exercises and ensure maximum level of compliance.
- Maintain an efficient information and records management system for the GCF-RTP in collaboration with GCF-PMU Programme Coordinator and implementing partners.
SPC project activity implementation
- Support the preparation of requests for proposals, requests for quotations and expressions of interest in line with SPC and donor requirements.
- Monitor project execution from the operational and financial perspective including making recommendations for the adjustment of project activities to ensure the execution rate matches the progress of time.
- Support preparation and monitoring of costed procurement plans and workplans, and lead on any required budget reallocation processes.
Coordination, partnerships and capacity building
- Liaise directly with internal and external stakeholders on project administration issues, country-specific financial policies and financial reporting matters
- Coordinate operational support and orientation for new GCF-RTP staff including provision of inductions, briefings, training and tools on finance and procurement policies and procedures, financial management, monitoring and reporting.
- Facilitate sharing of lessons learned and development of best practices for financial management within the GCF-RTP.
People management and mentoring
- Monitor the performance and workloads of staff members to ensure objectives are met.
- Ensure corporate requirements are met individually and as a team including the performance planning and assessment cycle and the requirements of finance, audit and risk reporting.
- Mentor staff to ensure that they can deliver high quality financial and administrative services to the GCF-RTP.
For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description.
Key selection criteria
Qualifications
- Degree in a relevant field such as accounting, finance, business administration, public administration or equivalent body of knowledge and experience.
Technical expertise
- At least 7 years of work experience in a similar role.
- Experience in project accounting including budgeting and donor financial reporting.
- Demonstrated experience in the use of Financial Management Information Systems and financial monitoring tools.
- Experience in coordination and delivery of financial services to complex and large-scale projects.
- Experience in project design and implementation including project management, writing technical reports and proposals.
- Experience in provision of advice, training and other support on financial matters and areas of risk and compliance.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office software.
Language skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Fluency in English.
Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness
- Ability to work under minimal supervision.
- Knowledge of Pacific Island countries and territories is an advantage.
Salary, terms and conditions
Contract Duration – This contract is budgeted for 3 years and is subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.
Remuneration – the Senior Finance Officer (GCF – RTP) is a band 10 position in SPC’s 2025 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 2,575‒3,218 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 7,750–9,687 (USD 3,424–4,280; EUR 3,153–3,942). 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 1,500–5,200 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 bilinguism, 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 begiven to the Pacific Islander. Applicants will be assured of complete confidentiality in line with SPC’s private policy.
How to apply
Application procedure
Closing date: 13 April 2025 – 11:00 pm (Noumea time)
Job Reference: CR000399
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 with contact details for three professional referees
- a cover letter detailing your skills, experience and interest in this position
- responses to all screening questions
Your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed at shortlisting stage if all the above documents are not provided. Applicants should not attach copies of qualifications or letters of reference.
Please ensure your documents are in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.
SPC does not charge a fee to consider your application and will never ask for your banking or financial information during the recruitment process.
Screening questions (maximum of 2.000 characters per question):
- What purpose does a programme management unit provide in a Green Climate Fund Project?
- What are the roles finance officers in the Accredited and Executing Entities of Green Climate Fund projects?
- What attributes should be included in a financial risk assessment of a grantee?