New Caledonia (France): Process Improvements & Internal Controls Advisor

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 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 role – the Process Improvements & Internal Controls Advisor will be responsible to identify and implement continuous improvement to business processes and internal controls including system controls, including suggesting recommendations for updating of SPC policies and procedures in close collaboration with all divisions across SPC.

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

1. Process mapping

• Evaluate and analyse the current OMD-Finance business processes across SPC,

• Develop a phased work plan on a priority basis to complete the analysis,

• Liaise with team members and collaborate to map the existing processes and workflows.

1. Improvements to Business Process and Workflows

• With guidance from Finance Director, lead the process for continuous improvements to business process,

• Identify improvements to business processes and workflows referencing best practise in consultation with the various business process owners,

• Document suggested changes to streamline business processes and workflows for a smarter way of doing business,

• Review implications on the finance system and efficiency, accuracy and improved internal controls.

1. Communicate improvements to all stakeholders

• Lead the preparation of;

o regular communication to team members and SPC divisions and programmes,

o SPC Intranet update including main page & FAQ’s as well as current user manuals,

o training stakeholders as needed,

relating to the impending implementation of the business process and workflow changes,

• Update the associated SPC policies and procedures taking into account organisational approval process to do so.

1. Implement and maintain improvements

• Train and re-educate all users affected by the business process and workflow changes using all available organisational methods for successful change management,

• Oversee the implementation until the changes are bedded-in and become daily practise supporting the users as required,

• Maintain up to date documentation of change to business processes and workflows as continuous improvements are implemented,

• Serve as the Finance focal point on system development projects to ensure finance processes are understood and incorporated into future system developments in the organisation.

1. Improve Finance system security set up

• Based on business process and workflow documentation, set up finance system user security for each role ensuring separation of duties and relevant system access for all modules.

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

Key selection criteria

1. Qualifications

• Master’s degree in accounting, financial management or similar relevant areas.

2. Technical expertise

• 10 years of relevant experience, including at least 3-5 years of active involvement in financial and related business processes in a reputable organization, using modern financial management and information systems,

• Experienced user of MS Navision or similar; skilled in development and improvements of financial processes,

• Strong practical experience in accounting and financial reporting through computerised systems in a commercial, government or international organization,

• Experience with documenting business requirements and implementing internal controls,

• Ability to analyse data problems and find resolution,

• Able to take ownership of issues/projects and see their resolution/execution to completion,

• A strong interest in the areas ensuring accurate data management and being an advocate for the financial system plus the ability to pick up system enhancements to assist users,

• Ability to work under pressure to meet strict deadlines and be able to prioritize and execute several tasks concurrently,

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

3. Language skills

• Excellent written and oral communications skills for effective communication in English.

4. Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Excellent interpersonal skills with a collaborative, inclusive mindset and leadership,

• Cultural sensitivity and awareness, and the ability to effectively work with team members from different cultural backgrounds,

• Knowledge of Pacific Island countries and territories is an advantage.

Salary, terms and conditions

Required start date– As soon as possible

Contract Duration– This position is budgeted for two years and is subject to renewal depending on performance and funding.

Remuneration– the Process Improvements & Internal Controls Advisor is a Band 11 position in SPC’s 2019 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 4,022–4,931 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately XPF 574,566–704,457 (USD 5,711–7,002; EUR 4,815–5,903). 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 relocation grant, removal expenses, airfares, home leave, medical and life insurance, and education allowance are available for eligible employees and their recognised dependents. Employees are entitled to 25 days of annual 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.

Equal opportunity– SPC is an equal opportunity employer. Recruitment is based entirely on merit; in cases where two short-listed candidates are judged to be of equal rank by the selection committee, preference will be given to Pacific Island nationals.

Child protection– SPC is committed to child protection, irrespective of whether any specific area of work involves direct contact with children. SPC’s Child Protection Policy is written in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child.**Police clearance** – Successful candidates will be required to provide a police clearance certificate.

Application procedure

Closing date: 20^th October 2019

Job Reference: AL000225

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

Please ensure your documents are in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.

All positions at SPC have specific screening questions. If you do not respond to all of the screening questions, your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed at shortlisting stage.

Screening questions:

1. Provide concrete business processes improvements you have initiated during your recent assignments (types of processes and nature of improvement and their impact on the organisation).

2. Provide concrete examples of internal control deficiencies you would have identified during your most recent assignments, measures taken to improve those internal controls and impact on the organisation. Also provide linkage of those control measures with COSO framework.

3. Explain how you would have managed the above changes in your organisation, challenges encountered and how they were overcome.