The General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) is a regional fisheries management organization (RFMO) established under the provisions of Article XIV of the FAO Constitution. The main objective of the GFCM is to promote the development, conservation, rational management and best utilization of living marine resources as well as the sustainable development of aquaculture in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea.
To this end, the GFCM formulates and recommends appropriate measures for the conservation and rational management of living marine resources and ensures these recommendations are implemented; constantly reviews the economic and social aspects of the fishing industry, recommending specific measures in connection with its development; promotes and carries out training, research and development activities, in addition to cooperation and technical assistance in fisheries-related fields; collects, publishes and disseminates information on exploitable living marine resources and on fisheries exploiting these resources; promotes programmes for marine and coastal fisheries enhancement.
To further support these endeavors, the GFCM adopted the GFCM 2030 Strategy towards the sustainability of Mediterranean and Black Sea fisheries as a regional reply to the objectives enshrined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 and the FAO Strategic Objective 2, in order to ensure that the alarming trend in the status of commercially exploited fish stocks is reversed by means of the five targets relating to i) Fisheries and ecosystems: healthy seas and productive fisheries; ii) Compliance and enforcement: a level playing field to eradicate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing; iii) Aquaculture: a sustainable and resilient sector growing to its full potential; iv) Livelihoods: decent employment and engaged fishers towards profitable fisheries; and v) Capacity development: technical cooperation, knowledge sharing and efficient partnerships in a subregional perspective.
The post is located at the GFCM headquarters at Palazzo Blumenstihl, Via Vittoria Colonna 1, 00193 Rome, Italy.
Reporting Lines:
The Finance Officer (GFCM Project Cycle and Programme Support) reports to the GFCM Executive Secretary under the day-to-day technical guidance of the Programme Officer and in coordination with the Programme Associate, supports the GFCM technical teams at headquarters and in the field as well as maintains regular contact with relevant FAO Divisions, FAO Regional Offices and Country Offices in the GFCM area of application.
Technical Focus:
Execution of general ledger functions oriented towards the improvement of the planning, monitoring and reporting of financial and accounting operations for the implementation of the GFCM projects.
Key Results:
The collection and analysis of financial information to support the delivery of various financial services/activities in the delivery of GFCM projects.
Specific Functions:
Participates in the formulation of financial advice to support the development of strategies for the efficient planning and utilization of the resources entrusted to the Organization by the GFCM Membership, donors and partners.
Performs analytical tasks associated with the monitoring and reporting of budgetary performances to support the delivery of GFCM projects in accordance with FAO policies and regulatory frameworks.
Elaborates statutory reports, management reports, financial statements and/or reports to donors as well as other specific reports, including for submission to the GFCM Committee on Administration and Finance (CAF), donors and other external partners, in accordance with established reporting requirements.
Assists project managers and lead technical officers throughout selected phases of the project cycle, supporting the opening and closure of projects, providing cost-feasibility assessments, assisting formulators with the preparation of financial proposals and keeping accounts to accurately record project financial transactions for management purposes.
Develops cost monitoring tools and establishes internal reporting mechanisms for the timely identification of risks and deviations of actual results from original plans and formulates revisions to adopted financial proposals.
Initiates internal clearance processes with relevant units, operating Divisions and field offices for the certification of mentioned reports and undertakes appropriate follow-up actions, as required.
Assists managers at headquarters and subregional technical units on financial and accounting issues, including budget scenarios, financial disbursements and eligibility criteria vis-à-vis FAO accounting standards and rules.
Executes general ledger functions and ensures consistency and accuracy of the financial information contained in corporate resource planning systems, including for internal/external audit purposes.
Prepares requests, in consultation with budget holders, for the transfer of funds and monitors financial delivery in the context of specific activities requiring the operational support of FAO Decentralized Offices.
Reconciles financial transactions with operations undertaken at both headquarters and field level, identifies issues and undertakes corrective actions with the involvement of concerned FAO units and services.
Participates in the development of trainings and related training materials to promote best practices and capacity development at headquarters and the Decentralized Offices.
Performs other related duties as required.
Candidates Will Be Assessed Against The Following:
Minimum Requirements:
Advanced university degree in accounting, finance, business administration or a related field.
Three years of relevant experience in finance, accounting, business administration or public administration with emphasis on the execution of general ledger functions to support the implementation of programs and projects, including in the context of international organizations.
Working knowledge (proficient - level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate - level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
