National Finance and Administrative Specialist
Salary not disclosedPosted 1 day ago
Closes in 20 days
About the company
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized technical agency of the United Nations working toward the eradication of hunger and food security for everyone under the 2030 Agenda. The FAO Subregional Office for the Pacific Islands (SAP) provides policy, technical, programme and operational support to Pacific Island countries, covering Technical Cooperation Programme projects, Global Environment Facility and Green Climate Fund initiatives, and projects financed by bilateral and multilateral resource partners. FAO maintains an office in Fiji and implements a growing portfolio of activities in agrifood systems, fisheries, forestry, climate resilience, natural resource management, food security and nutrition across Fiji and the Pacific.
About the role
The National Finance and Administrative Specialist is based in the FAO Fiji Office and provides administrative and operational support to assigned projects and programme activities. The role works under the overall guidance of the FAO Subregional Coordinator for the Pacific Islands and the direct supervision of the Administrative Officer (FAO SAP). The incumbent collaborates closely with Lead Technical Officers, the Budget Holder, project coordinators, operations and programme personnel, FAO Fiji Office colleagues, relevant FAO technical and administrative units, and government and implementing partners. The focus areas include administrative and financial management, budget monitoring, payments and advances, financial reporting, records management, travel and event administration, personnel support, internal controls and operational capacity development for the assigned project in Fiji.
Key responsibilities
- Serve as the focal point for administrative and financial support of assigned project activities, ensuring day-to-day actions are processed accurately and on time
- Support preparation and updating of project work plans, budgets, delivery forecasts and operational schedules, and monitor implementation against approved allocations and timelines
- Maintain accurate financial records and supporting documentation for commitments, expenditures, payments, advances, receivables and other project transactions in accordance with FAO procedures
- Review transaction listings and budget status reports, identify errors or unusual charges, follow up on corrections and alert the supervisor to funding gaps or over/under-expenditure
- Prepare project budgets, cash-flow forecasts, and periodic financial reports, including annual and semiannual reports required for donors
- Prepare complete payment packages for eligible project expenses, service providers, implementing partners, personnel and travel, and follow up with responsible units until completion
- Monitor cash advances and operational partner advances, maintain settlement schedules, and follow up on supporting documentation and timely clearance
- Support monthly financial closure processes, reconciliation of project records, and preparation of documentation required for audit or financial review exercises
About the successful candidate
- University degree from an IAU/UNESCO-recognized institution in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Management or a related field
- At least three (3) years of relevant experience in finance, accounting, administration, or project operations support
- Demonstrated experience in budget monitoring, financial reporting, and maintaining financial records
- Knowledge of FAO rules, procedures and systems would be an asset
- Working knowledge of English; knowledge of a local Fiji language would be an advantage
- Must be a national of the country
- Core competencies in Results Focus, Teamwork, Communication, Building Effective Relationships, and Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement