• Applications for this role will close on: 05 August 2022 – 5.00pm GMT+12
  • Location of role: Suva, Fiji
  • Fixed Term (full time) contract: 2 years
  • Reporting to: Director Strategy Operations & Culture
  • Job Description available to download:  https://oxfam.box.com/s/b8glgjzb1nf4rvmcllybowgumzeq6ne3
  • Please contact Recruitment Co-Ordinator Divono Vakatale for any questions: [email protected]

All applications must be lodged online only via this BambooHR platform: https://oxfampacific.bamboohr.com/jobs/view.php?id=182

Shaping a stronger Oxfam for people living in poverty.

Job Purpose         

Directly line manage Oxfam in the Pacific’s Finance, Programs Management and Risk as well as Safeguarding portfolios. This role will be responsible for envisioning, systemising, operationalising and enabling new ways of working to support organisational change and a behavioural shift towards a multi stakeholder-focused delivery model. It will require a leader that is adept in collaborative business modelling in ambiguous settings to support internal culture development and socialisation of supporting behaviours. This will include the effective mobilisation of support functions to Oxfam in the Pacific’s programming partners to enable the delivery of sustainable, high-quality, and technically sound initiatives. The role will also work closely as deputy to the Director SOC to progress the strategic intent to transition to an independent affiliate.

The role line manages a team of Grant Coordinators, Regional Financial Accountant and Regional Management Accountant as well as Safeguarding Lead and will oversee the portfolios for Finance and Performance Management Risk Unit (PMRU)of the organisation.

The role will ensure that efficient contract management processes are developed and followed in line with Oxfam standards and that program teams implementing donor funded contracts meet quality and compliance expectations. The role will oversee staff responsible for compliance and accountability including Safeguarding implementation as well as reporting, data capture and analysis, as it relates to the overall health of the OiP program portfolio. The role will support country level capacity building, oversight of risks and provide dedicated support to high-risk programs requiring additional management functions if and when required in addition to managing the financial portfolio of the organisation. The role will be responsible for the administrative functions of the Fiji Office including being based in Fiji.

This position works closely with Managers across the thematic pillars in the region and across divisions., Country Coordinators and   as well as other internal stakeholders such as Portfolio Managers and Contract Management Coordinators based in Australia and New Zealand and plays a key representational role within Oxfam.

Context

Following a journey of self-reflection, Oxfam in the Pacific has developed a Regional Strategy that is founded on Oxfam and the Pacific’s values (openness, flexibility, respect, equity, justice, solidarity, collaboration, sharing and humility), and a commitment to feminist principles and safeguarding which guide our ways of work and behaviour.

The Pacific Regional Strategy speaks to the programmatic and operational direction for the new Pacific Region, aiming to deliver local ownership and leadership of change processes. The total portfolio for the region is approximately AUD$15 million per annum. The Pacific regional platform works to support the following countries: Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Fiji and the Polynesia Micronesia country cluster comprising of Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, Niue, Kiribati, Palau, Nauru, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) (Micronesia).

Country teams operate with a mix of direct implementation and via partners, the goal being to increase strategic partnerships where appropriate. Oxfam in the Pacific will strengthen evidence-based programming, learning and innovation across the region through the establishment of a Partnership, Evidence, Learning and Innovation Hub (PELIH). The Hub will be responsible for establishing systems and processes for cross-regional learning, innovation and impact measurement.

While Oxfam has passed its one-year point of its transition process (under an overall safe journey process, the SoC Hub still has much to progress within the transition with a significant amount of work outstanding including setting and developing the strategic direction of the SOC Hub and embedding a new service culture. As such it was decided the SOC Hub would benefit from a deputy function to support the Director SOC in driving the SOC Hub to further advance the transition Milestones associated with the SOC Hub.

Job Responsibilities

Technical

PMRU

  • Identify, assess and ensure the ongoing and effective management of financial and contract-related risks in country and regional programs including reviewing incoming and outgoing contracts for risk and contractual precedence.
  • Across OiP’s contract portfolio, support the Director of SOC and Director of Programs and Business Development to ensure projects adhere to program cycle best practice and comply with Oxfam program management systems, policies and donor requirements.
  • Review and approve documents as part of the program management cycle, such as Oxfam Project Agreements. Develop and manage the provision of ongoing mentoring and support to the Grant Coordinator team to improve the quality of reporting across OiP projects and ensure donor requirements are met.
  • Analysis of PMRU contract management processes and practices and take a lead in the implementation of changes and systems development in order to optimise efficiencies and project quality across all program portfolios.
  • Overall coordination of the contracts managed within the PMRU, including ensuring the circulation of reporting calendar, task prioritisation and allocation.
  • Together with Director Programs and Business Development, deliver culturally sensitive capacity building support for the development of effective program management systems to program/project managers.
  • Ensure effective data capture and management systems are in place across the PMRU and Programs teams to maintain key program information, in line with donor policies and standards. Support, and at times lead, coordination of internal and donor accreditation and audit processes.
  • Lead development of the OiP annual safeguarding action plan as it relates to program procedures and processes, and coordinate six-monthly progress reporting. Support programs teams in implementing safeguarding and safe programming best practice, including implementation of effective risk assessment processes.
  • Across the PMU, work with finance to ensure that OiP cost recoveries are maximised and appropriately allocated in line with finance guidelines, including reviewing and updating the Cost Recovery Model as required.
  • Adhere to the Oxfam gender standards and actively pursue gender equality, thereby strengthening the impact of Oxfam’s work
  • Undertake acting responsibilities for Director SOC during periods of travel and leave, up to 4-6 weeks per year as requested
  • Other duties as delegated

Finance

  • Steward performance management across the Pacific region by leading the regional financial planning, budgeting and reporting process.
  • Lead Regional planning process and prepare the regional operational plan, budget and reports as per OI standards and processes
  • Lead business intelligence activities, performing proactive monitoring and analysis to drive strategic business decisions and continuous improvement activities
    • Support the development of KPIs and action planning to meet targets
    • Understand the key drivers / scenarios that impact performance
    • Analyse the impact of different financing strategies on regional programs
    • Monitor funding pipeline – perform portfolio analysis of funding gaps vs. spending budget.
  • Provide strategic financial counsel to the Director SOC and Executive/Regional Director, ensuring they have regular, accurate and timely financial information.
  • Work in coordination with the regional and country business development leads to ensure financial sustainability of programs and work in the region
  • Develop a comprehensive knowledge of major programs and management issues in the countries in the region.
  • Support Collective Resource Allocation (CRA) decisions by ensuring the Global Program Influencing and Investment Framework (GPIIF) ratios are correctly interpreted and maintained.
  • Support communication and information flow between Oxfam International Finance, affiliates and countries, acting as a key link between the Regional platform and Executing Affiliates
  • Support a climate of continuous professional improvement in finance across the region, identifying key gaps and training opportunities for staff.
  • Assist with staff training in key finance related issues and procedures, working closely with the relevant executing affiliates.
  • Support financial governance by ensuring the Director Strategy, Operations and Culture (SOC), Executive Director and Executive Leadership team have quality financial information that is presented according to defined processes and timelines (i.e. budget submissions from countries).
  • Monitor regional grants and ensure compliance with institutional donor policies by partner organisations / partners in coordination with regional affiliates that have signed contracts with donors.

Leadership

  • Assist with leading the development, monitoring and review of program budgets and support thematic program managers to fulfil their financial and budget management responsibilities
  • Lead and line manage teams in countries through face to face and virtual management and ensure Oxfam’s performance management policies and procedures are adhered to
  • Ensure that all teams collaborate with each other and coordinate their work effectively by sharing lessons and planning and learning together
  • Work with the Director Partnerships, Evidence, Learning and Innovation (PELI) to ensure that all partners receive the support they need to deliver their work effectively and that adequate opportunities are provided for staff and partners to collaborate, reflect and learn from each other’s work

Management

  • Line manage direct reports, performance management and staff development and design and implement team development initiatives which lead to the development of a high-performing and highly engaged team
  • Ensure all staff under supervision demonstrate good human resource practice and comply with Oxfam policies and procedures.
  • Implement and monitor equity, diversity, child safe and staff health and wellbeing policies and procedures within areas of delegation building a safe and inclusive team culture.
  • Monitor workloads and work environment for self and take reasonable steps to minimise risks to self and others, including through active planning of surge support options
  • Provide administrative oversight of the Fiji office including approvals based on delegation of authority,

Budget / Financial management:

  • Work with teams to ensure allocations of funds across the portfolios are in line with donor commitments, ensure accurate and timely financial reports/acquittals and that financial and narrative reports are consistent.
  • Support the Program Managers in the strategic formulation and allocation of budget

Other

  • Contribute to the development, implementation and review of organisational policies and procedures, particularly in the areas of safeguarding, disability inclusion and gender
  • Work with the teams to ensure that Oxfam teams are aware of and are equipped to comply with Oxfam program and back donor policies and contractual requirements.
  • Eager and required to adhere to Oxfam’s principles and values as well as the promotion of gender justice and women’s rights.
  • Understanding of and commitment to adhere to equity, diversity, gender, child safety and staff health and wellbeing principles.

Job Requirements

Essential

  • High quality people management, interpersonal and negotiation skills
  • Excellent analytical, planning and coordination skills
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills in a cross-cultural environment.
  • Demonstrated skills in donor contract management

Personal Attributes

  • Leadership skills and the ability to inspire and motivate others
  • Capacity to work under pressure – resilient and optimistic
  • Ability to work as a member of a team and without supervision
  • Ability to manage competing priorities and capacity to balance work demands with other life needs and to model appropriate work style to colleagues
  • A problem solver and solution focused approach to work
  • Discretion and ability to maintain confidentiality
  • Patience, tolerance for other perspectives and good inter-personal skills
  • Understanding of and commitment to Oxfam’s development philosophy, principles and objectives
  • High levels of computer literacy, preferably with familiarity with enterprise software such as NGO-Online, Box, and MYOB.
  • Ability to demonstrate sensitivity to cultural differences and gender issues, as well as the commitment to equal opportunities.
  • Ability to demonstrate an openness and willingness to learn about the application of gender/gender mainstreaming, women’s rights, and diversity for all aspects of development work.
  • Commitment to Oxfam’s safeguarding policies to ensure all people who come into contact with Oxfam are as safe as possible.

Experience:

  • Experience of supervising and coordinating the work of a team across a complex portfolio, balancing workloads and optimising team performance and engagement.
  • Experience in developing, implementing and monitoring effective contract management systems and procedures; and building capacities of teams in these areas.
  • Country based experience of program development practice including management of the program cycle, developing theory of change, developing MEL frameworks etc.
  • Demonstrated experience in driving continuous improvement of business processes and systems to achieve effectiveness and efficiencies
  • Experience of managing finance portfolios for large organisations and budget development including the prioritisation of resources and preparing financial acquittals.
  • Demonstrated experience in mentoring / coaching staff to increase their skills and knowledge with a focus on staff retention and career development

Key Attributes:

  • Ability to demonstrate sensitivity to cultural differences and gender issues, as well as the commitment to equal opportunities.
  • Ability to demonstrate an openness and willingness to learn about the application of gender/gender mainstreaming, women’s rights, and diversity for all aspects of development work.
  • Commitment to Oxfam’s safeguarding policies to ensure all people who come into contact with Oxfam are as safe as possible.

Education:

  • Degree or Post Graduate level qualifications in Finance/Accounting or equivalent professional industry experience.,

Professional membership in relevant Accounting body.

Organisational Values:

  • Accountability – Our purpose-driven, results-focused approach means we take responsibility for our actions and hold ourselves accountable. We believe that others should also be held accountable for their actions.
  • Empowerment – Our approach means that everyone involved with Oxfam, from our staff and supporters to people living in poverty, should feel they can make change happen.
  • Inclusiveness – We are open to everyone and embrace diversity. We believe everyone has a contribution to make, regardless of visible and invisible differences.

Travel

  • Ability to travel away from home, often to remote programmatic sites within the Pacific for up to 12 weeks per annum, including periodic travel abroad for global meetings.

Languages

  • Fluent in written and spoken English. Ideally the ability to also work in an additional local language

Child Safeguarding

As an agency undertaking work both nationally and internationally and in humanitarian response, Oxfam takes its duty of care seriously to safeguard children and recognises that it must meet community expectations and the trust placed in its personnel to maintain the highest standards of conduct with children. Therefore, all positions are required to understand and comply with the Child Safeguarding Policy, Code of Conduct, toolkit and Social Media User Policy.

  • This role requires Oxfam representation when occasionally visiting the field (overseas and domestic).
  • This role requires access to information relating to children.
  • This role involves making decisions which may affect children, including volunteers and other supporters under the age of 18.

Key Behavioral Competencies
(based on Oxfam’s Leadership Model)

Competencies

Decisiveness                   

  • We are comfortable to make transparent decisions and to adapt decision making modes to the context and needs.

Influencing                      

  • We have the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders in a way that leads to increased impact for the organization We spot opportunities to influence effectively and where there are no opportunities we have the ability to create them in a respectful and impactful manner.

Humility                           

  • We put ‘we’ before ‘me’ and place an emphasis on the power of the collective, nurture the team and play to the strengths of each individual. We are not concerned with hierarchical power, and we engage with, trust and value the knowledge and expertise of others across all levels of the organization.

Relationship Building    

  • We understand the importance of building relationship, within and outside the organization. We have the ability to engage with traditional and non-traditional stakeholders in ways that lead to increased impact for the organization.

Listening

  • We are good listeners who can see where deeper levels of thoughts and tacit assumptions differ. Our messages to others are clear and consider different preferences.

Mutual Accountability

  • We can explain our decisions and how we have taken them based on our organizational values.  We are ready to be held to account for what we do and how we behave, as we are also holding others to account in a consistent manner.

Agility, Complexity, and Ambiguity

  • We scan the environment, anticipate changes, are comfortable with lack of clarity and deal with a large number of elements interacting in diverse and unpredictable ways.

Systems Thinking

  • We view problems as parts of an overall system and in their relation to the whole system, rather than reacting to a specific part, outcome or event in isolation. We focus on cyclical rather than linear cause and effect. By consistently practicing systems thinking we are aware of and manage well unintended consequences of organizational decisions and actions.

Strategic Thinking and Judgment

  • We use judgment, weighing risk against the imperative to act. We make decisions consistent with organizational strategies and values.

Vision Setting

  • We have the ability to identify and lead visionary initiatives that are beneficial for our organization and we set high-level direction through a visioning process that engages the organization and diverse external stakeholders.

Self-Awareness

  • We are able to develop a high degree of self-awareness around our own strengths and weaknesses and our impact on others. Our self-awareness enables us to moderate and self-regulate our behaviors to control and channel our impulses for good purposes.

Enabling

  • We all work to effectively empower and enable others to deliver the organizations goals through creating conditions of success. We passionately invest in others by developing their careers, not only their skills for the job.  We provide freedom; demonstrate belief and trust provide appropriate support.

A copy of the above Job description can be found on the following linkhttps://oxfam.box.com/s/b8glgjzb1nf4rvmcllybowgumzeq6ne3