LVC020-Finance Manager,PacREF
Laucala Campus
Position Number/Title: LVC020-Finance Manager, PacREF
The Opportunity
This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate and dynamic leader to join the University of the South Pacific (USP) and contribute to delivering key strategies and University objectives.
The Pacific Regional Educational Framework (PacREF) Finance Manager position will provide direct support to the Director - PacREF and the Vice Chancellor & President by undertaking management of financial and administrative responsibilities of the PacREF Facilitating Unit as Secretariat to the member countries of the Conference of the Pacific Education Ministers Meeting and the Pacific Heads of Education Systems. The role will also support coordination and resource mobilisation, proposal development and reporting in relation to PacREF implementation working closely with implementing agencies, donor partners and key stakeholders.
The position is responsible for reviewing and processing the funding disbursements made to implementing agencies and tracking cooperation agreements with partners. The manager will be responsible for ensuring all PacREF finance accountabilities are compliant to USP policies and processes. In addition, the position will provide guidance on procurement guidelines in terms of planning and implementation of processes in adherence to terms and conditions as delineated in the implementing agency agreement with funding received by USP specifically earmarked for PFU role and core functions.
Specific Duties
Specific duties may include:
- Provide strategic financial leadership and oversight for the PacREF Facilitating Unit (PFU), ensuring effective financial management and compliance with donor and USP financial policies.
- Lead the preparation of high-level financial reports, investment analyses, and financial performance updates for regional governance mechanisms, including Pacific Heads of Education Systems (PHES), Conference of Pacific Education Ministers (CPEM), development partners, and donors
- Serve as the principal financial focal point with development partners and other funding agencies, on financial management, reporting requirements, and funding arrangements.
- Strengthen financial coordination across PacREF Implementing Agencies and partners (PIFS, SPC-EQAP, UNICEF, UNESCO, USP and other partners), ensuring consistency in financial reporting, budget management and utilization of project resources.
- Lead the preparation, consolidation and review of programme budgets, financial forecasts, funding allocations and expenditure analyses to support informed management and governance decisions with updated funding flow status.
- Provide high-level financial reports, analysis and advice to the Director – PacREF, governance committees, development partners and participating countries.
- Provide strategic oversight of procurement planning and financial aspects of major procurement activities, ensuring compliance with donor and USP procurement policies.
- Support resource mobilisation initiatives through financial analysis, costing, and development of funding proposals.
- Contribute to regional policy discussions and strategic initiatives
- Any other task assigned by Director PacREF/Reporting Line.
The Person we Seek
To be considered for this position, applicants must have:
- A postgraduate qualification (Master's degree or equivalent) in a related discipline, together with at least seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in financial management, including leadership of multi-partner or donor-funded programmes.
- Professional accounting qualifications (e.g. CPA, CA ANZ) would be an advantage.
- Demonstrated experience in strategic financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and financial risk management.
- Proven ability to provide high-level financial advice and present complex financial information to senior executives, governing boards, ministers, development partners, and other high-level stakeholders.
- Strong understanding of donor financial, procurement governance, contract administration, and cooperation agreements.
- Experience in leading audits, responding to audit recommendations, and strengthening internal control systems.
- Excellent analytical, communication, report-writing, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Advanced proficiency in financial systems, management information systems (MIS), and enterprise financial platforms such as Banner Finance, Oracle, SAP, or equivalent systems.
- Demonstrated leadership capability, including the ability to manage competing priorities, stakeholders, and work effectively across diverse cultural and institutional environments.
- Knowledge and understanding of Pacific regional development priorities and education sector financing issues is highly desirable.
Enquiries and further information: Email: myhr@usp.ac.fj
The position is available till 30th April 2027 and may be renewed subject to the availability of project funding.
Salary Range
- FJ$81,690 to FJ$100,073 per annum
Closing Date
The closing date for applications is: 19th July 2026
How to Apply
Click the Apply button to apply for this position online.
The advertisement criteria is available on our University website (www.usp.ac.fj) under Employment Opportunities.
Please include the following documents in your application: Academic Credentials/Transcripts, Cover letter clearly addressing key Selection Criteria and Resume with names of three referees, one of which must be your current or most recent direct work supervisor. Referees will only be contacted if you are selected.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
The University of the South Pacific is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and equitable environment that protects the rights of children; nurture, promote and facilitate mutual respect, constructive empowerment and progress amongst its employees, students, stakeholders including visitors, without being hampered by any form of sexual harassment, sexual abuse or sexual exploitation. We reserve the right to conduct police checks and other screening procedures to ensure a safe environment.
USP is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities to work in an inclusive environment. USP encourages all qualified candidates to apply regardless of their racial, ethnic, religious and cultural background, gender, sexual orientation or disabilities.
