Project Finance Officer

Background: 

Forest Foundation Philippines (doing business as Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation (PTFCF), Inc.) is a non-stock, non-profit, non-government organization that provides grants and technical assistance to organizations and individuals that empower the people to protect the forests. The Foundation was established in 2002 to manage conservation funds by virtue of two bilateral agreements between the governments of the Philippines and the United States of America.

To effectively manage the fund, the Foundation crafted its medium-term strategy, the Results Framework 2017-2021. Under this framework, the Foundation supported over 300 projects that focused on the protection and sustainable management of its four focal landscapes: Sierra Madre, Palawan, Samar and Leyte, Palawan, and Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental. These projects helped restore 1,243 ha of forests, improved the management of over 1 million ha of forestlands, empowered 211 community-based organizations, and supported 108 community-level livelihoods. 

Under the new medium-term Results Framework, the Foundation continues to employ the sustainable forest landscape approach until 2027. The Foundation, together with its grantees and partners, will continue to protect and sustainably manage the forests for water, land, and biodiversity, while also fostering forest-related climate action. The Foundation seeks to achieve four immediate outcomes:

• Grow Forests: Enhanced forested landscapes that provide multiple ecosystem goods and services;
• Grow Opportunities: Improved multi-stakeholder engagement through sustainable livelihoods and incentives;
• Grow Partners: Strengthened cross-sectoral partnerships for sustainable forest management; and
• Grow Advocates: Enhanced knowledge management and strategic communications.

To fulfill the tasks above, the Foundation is looking for a Project Finance Officer.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Comptroller and the Project Coordinator, he/she will be responsible for the financial work of the special project activities implemented by the Foundation.

Specifically, the Project Finance Officer shall be required to perform the following duties and functions:

1. Review and appraisal of financial plans of project proposals to guarantee appropriate funding support;
2. Review project financial accomplishment reports and ensure that the projects’ financial transactions comply with the Foundation’s financial policies and guidelines;
3. Monitor financial progress, track budget, and manage financial risks and opportunities of the projects funded by the Foundation; 
4. Prepare monthly invoices and project financial reports;
5. Provide assistance to partners in developing and upgrading budget proposals, including conduct of financial management orientation and training;
6. Assist in improving procedures and schedules for all grants, including grant applications, review, and monitoring;
7. Record all transactions and expenses related to the project; 
8. Update the books of accounts of the project; and
9. Perform other related functions as may be assigned from time to time.

Qualifications and Competencies:

Knowledge and Expertise:

1. Advanced knowledge of accounting, bookkeeping principles and practices, and financial management (Experience in development work, NGOs, and/or donor-funded projects will be an advantage.);
2. Knowledge of banking operations and labor taxation laws; and
3. Proficiency in the use of accounting, word processing, and presentation applications and software.

Skills: 

1. Strong analytical problem solving and decision-making skills; 
2. Can actively participate in planning, reporting, evaluating alternatives, and providing recommendations on business issues; 
3. Can manage complexities and adjust to constantly changing situations; 
4. Results-oriented, with high integrity and a drive for excellence;
5. Can work independently, but also a team player;
6. Can effectively meet deadlines with minimal supervision; and
7. Can work across diverse cultures and deal with emerging problems with co-workers and project partners.

Education:

1. Advanced degree in Financial Management, Accounting, Commerce, or Business Management/Administration.

Compensation and Benefits:

The Project Finance Officer shall receive a compensation commensurate to his/her qualifications and professional experience. Basic salary ranges from PHP 35,000.00 to 40,000.00 (gross) monthly. Benefits will include mandatory government contributions, insurances, clothing allowance and performance bonus, as appropriate.

Duration and Places of Work:

The Project Finance Officer is co-terminus with the duration of the Foundation’s special projects (2025). There will be a six-month probation period prior to regularization. The individual contract will be reconfirmed annually by the Executive Director. The Project Finance Officer will be based in Forest Foundation Philippines’ office in Makati City, with regular travel and work in the project sites.

Application Procedure:

Interested applicants are requested to send an application to Girlie Ruta, Administrative Officer, through [email protected] on or before October 10, 2023.  Indicate “Project Finance Officer” as the subject of the email.

Applicants shall submit the following through email:

1. One-page letter of intent, addressed to Atty. Jose Andres Canivel, Executive Director; 
2. Curriculum vitae (3-5 pages only); and 
3. List of at least three (3) character references.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted by the Foundation.