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, under two bilateral agreements between the Governments of the Philippines and the United States of America to treat and redirect around USD 32M of debt into a Tropical Forest Conservation Fund over ten years. 

Currently, the Foundation is co-implementing the Philippines Sustainable Interventions for Biodiversity, Oceans, and Landscapes (SIBOL) Project (2020-2025) to support the sustainable management of the country’s natural resources and combat environmental crimes. The SIBOL project provides support to the Philippine government to achieve its goals of improving natural resource governance and stimulating public and private investments, leading to greater ecosystem stability and inclusive green growth. Specifically, the project facilitates the achievement of the following outputs: (a) governance of natural resources improved; (2) sustainable natural resources sector managed; and (c) environmental crimes and unsustainable environmental practices reduced. The SIBOL project is ongoing implementation in: (1) Mount Mantalingahan Protected Landscape, Puerto Princesa Underground River, and Cleopatra’s Needle in Palawan; (2) Siargao Island Protected Landscape and Seascape in Surigao del Norte; and (3) Masinloc-Oyon Bay Protected Landscape and Seascape in Zambales.

The project is funded by the U.S. government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). It is co-implemented through a consortium led by RTI International, in partnership with Center for Conservation Innovations, Zoological Society of London, and the Resources, Environment, and Economics Center for Studies. As one of the SIBOL partners, Forest Foundation will bring innovative grants to fund strategic, targeted, and sustainable activities. 

To fulfill the above tasks, Forest Foundation Philippines is in need of a Finance and Administrative 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 projects’ financial transactions comply with the Foundation’s financial policies and guidelines;
3. Monitor the financial progress, track budget, and manage financial risks and opportunities of the projects funded by the Foundation; 
4. Prepare monthly invoices and project financial report;
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.

Required Qualifications and Competencies:

Knowledge and Expertise:

1. Advanced knowledge of accounting and bookkeeping principles and practices and financial management;
2. Knowledge of banking operations and labor taxation laws; 
3. Ability to participate in planning and reporting; 
4. Ability to effectively meet deadlines with minimal supervision;
5. Ability to adjust to constantly changing situations while maintaining focus on delivery of work requirements;
6. Proficiency in the use of accounting, word processing, and presentation applications and software;
7. Experience in development work, NGOs, and/or donor-funded project will be an advantage;
8. High integrity, strong results orientation, and drive for excellence;
9. Can work independently, but also a team player; and
10. Problem solving skills and ability to work across diversified culture to deal with emerging problems jointly with co-workers and project partners.

Skills: 

1. Strong analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills to evaluate alternatives and provide recommendations on business issues; 
2. Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities; and
3. Has the ability to both work in a team with direction and work independently to achieve targets.

Education:

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

Compensation and Benefits:

The Project Finance Officer shall a compensation commensurate to his/her qualifications and professional experience. Salary will be ranging from 35,000.00 to 40,000.00 (gross) monthly. Benefits will include mandatory government contributions and insurances.

Duration and Places of Work:

The Project Finance Officer is co-terminus with the duration of the project. 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 August 13, 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 character references.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted by the Foundation.