The Pacific Community (SPC) invites applications for the position of Finance Team Leader located at its headquarters in Noumea, New Caledonia.
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 Operations and Management Directorate (OMD) provides corporate services to all SPC Divisions and Programmes. It consists of three key departments: Finance, Human Resources and Information Services. OMD is focused on improving the effectiveness of systems, policies and management to provide high-quality customer-oriented services.
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 Fisheries Information and Knowledge team, communications, and the Programming, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning team.
The role – The Finance Team Leader will be responsible for the provision of financial services to the Division’s programmes and projects, and supports the implementation of the shared services vision in the division which supports a new way of working through collaboration between central finance and divisions.
The key responsibilities of the role include the following:
1. Shared services in the division
• Lead the SPC Finance and Procurement shared services agenda within the division in close collaboration with the central finance team.
• Be responsible for the division’s uptake of the shared services work.
• Work closely with finance team leaders in other divisions, and in collaboration with the finance managers.
2. Financial planning, monitoring and reporting
• Lead in all aspects of financial management in the division.
• Support audit exercises or due diligence probes led by finance in central, donors, partner organisations or internal auditors.
• Ensure financial accounting systems for project and operations are maintained.
3. Divisional, project and programme financial administration support
• Provide appropriate coordinated support to divisional staff, working across programme areas on donor requirements.
• Liaise with project team leaders, development partners and donors to ensure project or division administration staff maintain reporting schedules, financial acquittals.
• Liaise with development and implementing partners at planning stage on financial agreements to ensure they meet all SPC financial requirements with supporting documentation.
• Facilitate capacity building programmes for project focal points and beneficiaries on SPC finance and procurement policy requirements and processes.
4. Compliance, risk management and business processes
• Maintain the division’s project finance information.
• Oversee and ensure appropriate systems and internal controls are implemented.
• Lead finance’s input to the division’s risk management processes.
• Lead in the division’s review and implementation of applicable SPC finance policies, as required.
5. Procurement and Grant services
• Ensure all procurement and grant processes undertaken by the division are in line with SPC and donor policies and procedures.
• Work with the procurement team to facilitate the preparation and monitoring of the Division’s annual procurement plan.
6. People Management
• Creating a team environment that fosters and develops effective working relationships and high performance.
For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description.
1. Qualifications
• Degree in accounting, finance or business administration, with an information technology major or minor.
2. Technical expertise
• At least 10 years’ experience and demonstrated competence in same field with 5 years in leadership role. This includes project management or administration experience with major donors.
• Sound collaboration and team working skills.
• Strong analytical ability and demonstrated ability to achieve efficiencies.
• Demonstrated competency with business and data analysis design and reporting.
3. Language skills
• Fluency in English.
4. Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness
• A team player, with the ability to work in a multi-diverse and multi-cultural environment.
• Knowledge of Pacific Island countries and territories is an advantage.
Contract Duration – This vacant position is budgeted for 6 years and is subject to renewal depending on performance and funding.
Due to the current travel restrictions caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic, and the priority SPC places on its staff safety, health and well-being, please note that there may be delays in taking up the appointment. These matters will be discussed thoroughly with successful candidates. In most cases, any appointment and on-boarding would only commence when relocation to the duty station is permitted.
Remuneration – The Finance Team Leader is a Band 11 position in SPC’s 2021 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 4,113–5,045 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately XPF 602,042–738,463 (USD 5,717–7,012; EUR 5,045–6,188). An offer of appointment for an initial contract will 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. SPC salaries are not presently subject to income tax in New Caledonia.
Benefits for international staff employees based in New Caledonia – SPC provides subsidised housing in Noumea. 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 matching 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.
This vacancy is archived.