Finance and Administration Assistant

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Finance and Administration Assistant
Location: Suva
Country: Fiji
Deadline Date: 8 December 2024 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The Pacific Community (SPC) is the principal scientific and technical organisation in the Pacific region, established in 194

• It is an international development organisation owned and governed by 27 country and territory members. SPC supports sustainable development across more than 25 sectors, focusing on areas such as fisheries science, public health surveillance, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. The organization aims to enhance the quality of life for Pacific people through knowledge and innovation.

Job Overview:
The Finance and Administration Assistant will play a crucial role in providing finance, accounting, and administrative support to the Educational Quality and Assessment Programme (EQAP). This position involves preparing regular financial reports, assisting in budget and audit preparations, and providing overall administration and accounting support to the division. The assistant will work closely with the Finance Team Leader to ensure effective financial management and administration of various projects, contributing to the overall success of EQAP's mission to enhance educational quality in the Pacific region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key responsibilities of the Finance and Administration Assistant include:

• Project Accounting Support: - Assist in compiling information for donor reports. - Help the Team Leader compile work plan budgets and monitor project implementation. - Reconcile and compile financial reports for audits. - Liaise with auditors on queries.
• Financial Management and Administration Support: - Oversee program and project budget revisions and monitor financial performance. - Manage purchase requisitions, invoicing, receipting, payments, and reconciliations for project-related activities. - Arrange travel for staff and participants, processing per diems and travel-related expenses.
• Financial Accounting Support for Regional Activities: - Collaborate with the finance team leader to develop budgets for regional activities and manage their financial aspects. - Support in-country staff with managing country budgets and building their capacity in financial management. - Monitor financial delivery according to country planning documents.
• Financial Support for EQAP Activities: - Seek collaboration opportunities with other EQAP staff to improve project efficiency. - Assist with financial matters for other EQAP and divisional activities as needed.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a diploma in business administration, commerce, accounting, or a similar field, or equivalent knowledge and experience. Additionally, candidates should have technical expertise in project accounting or financial administration, with at least 5 years of experience in a medium to large organization. Familiarity with Navision Software or similar finance software is essential, along with experience in logistics management and procurement. Strong PC skills, particularly in Microsoft programs, are also required, along with the ability to manage information effectively and work under pressure.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a diploma in business administration, commerce, accounting, or a related field. This educational background is crucial for understanding the financial and administrative functions required in this role.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 5 years of experience in project accounting or financial administration within a medium to large organization. This experience is vital for managing the financial aspects of various projects and ensuring compliance with organizational policies.

Languages:
Excellent English communication skills, both oral and written, are mandatory for this position. The ability to work in a multicultural environment and demonstrate cultural awareness is also essential.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is until 30 November 2027, subject to renewal based on funding and performance. The Finance and Administration Assistant is classified as a band 7 position in SPC’s 2024 salary scale, with a starting taxable salary range of FJD 2,287-2,859 per month, plus local staff benefits. Recruitment is based on merit and fairness, with a commitment to cultural and gender diversity. Only Fijian citizens are eligible to apply for this role, and SPC ensures complete confidentiality in line with its Privacy Policy. Applicants must submit an updated resume, a cover letter, and responses to screening questions to be considered for the position.