Back Finance and Administration Assistant

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 surveillance, 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.

Pacific Organic and Ethical Trade Community (POETCom), where this position sits, is the peak body of the organics movement in the Pacific and is located within the Land Resources Division of SPC. The membership of POETCom is broad based and multisectoral with representation from organic farmers, farmer organizations, traders, Governments, academic and research institutions, NGOs, private sector businesses. Working with its members, POETCom supports the development of organic agriculture across the region.

The position is supported through the Kiwa Initiative: Nature-based solutions for climate resilience (www.Kiwainitiative.org)). The Kiwa Initiative aims at strengthening the climate change resilience of Pacific Island ecosystems, communities and economies through Nature-based Solutions (NbS), by protecting, sustainably managing and restoring biodiversity. It is based on easier access to funding for climate change adaptation and NbS for local, national authorities, civil society and regional organisations of Pacific Island countries and Territories including the three French overseas territories. The Initiative, managed by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), is funded by the European Union, AFD, Global Affairs Canada, Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).

The Finance and Administration Assistant will provide support to the Organic Learning Farms Network Project through the Division’s central Finance and Administration support services by ensuring efficient and effective delivery of activities in compliance with SPC procurement guidelines as well as donor requirements.

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

• Provide financial and procurement support to ensure the delivery of activities within the program
• Provide administrative support to ensure the delivery of project activities
• Provide logistical support to ensure the successful delivery of project meetings, conferences, technical support, training and learning events
• Assist with other program activities where required

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Diploma level qualification in finance, accounting, or business administration

Knowledge and experience

• At least 5 years’ relevant work experience in a similar role with project administration and systems management
• Demonstrated experience in conference management and event organisation, logistics and travel, including for large, complex regional events, including virtual events
• Knowledge of accounting standards, practices, and procedures

Essential skills

• Experience in managing procurement, purchase orders, invoicing, payments, and other finance processes

• Experience using Navision Software or similar finance software

• Experience in airline ticketing and communicating with airline agents and searching for data / flights / travel information

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 2024

Remuneration – This is a full-time position at Band 7 in SPC’s 2021 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 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.