Background
The Philippines is located within the Coral Triangle, which is a global centre of marine diversity, with diverse coral reefs, sea grass beds, mangrove and beach forests, fisheries, invertebrates, seaweeds, and marine mammals. The Philippine waters have been identified as the “center of centers” of marine shorefish biodiversity because there is a higher concentration of species per unit area in the country than anywhere in Indonesia and Wallacea. The country has nine marine biodiversity corridors which were identified based on their position as transition areas between the marine biogeographic regions and their strategic importance as gateways for the exchange of propagules and energy.The primary government response to protect this important biodiversity has been the establishment of marine protected areas or fish sanctuaries as mandated by the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) and Fisheries Code. At present, there are only 33 MPAs under NIPAS which are government managed and 1,620 under Fisheries Code which are Local Government Unit (LGU) -managed. However, overfishing and illegal fishing, pollution from coastal and commercial development, conversion, extractive industries and many more continue to pose environmental threats to the country’s fragile coastal ecosystem. Despite the number of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), both state and LGU-managed, it was assessed that its current spatial coverage of the MPAs was ineffective in improving species habitat to enhance fishery productivity and biodiversity. Similarly, effective MPA management is still hindered by inadequate bio-geographic representation and spatial coverage, insufficient and unpredictable funding levels for the long-term sustainability of MPAs and an MPA system; and weak institutional framework for the identification, establishment and management of a national marine PA system and incoherent policy frameworks, mandates and strategies amongst central and local actors that inhibit the sustainable management of marine resources on a seascape basis.
To address these barriers, the DENR, in partnership with BFAR and several CSOs, will implement a 5-year project entitled “Strengthening the Marine Protected Areas to Conserve Marine Key Biodiversity Areas” which aims to strengthen the conservation, protection and management of key marine biodiversity areas in the Philippines.
Hence, to ensure that the objectives under this Project are implemented accordingly, a project management unit will be set-up in BMB. The PMU will be headed by a Project Manager which will oversee the day to day operation of the Project.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the over-all guidance of the Biodiversity Management Bureau, the Finance Associate is expected to maintain financial records and observe financial and accounting standard procedures for the Project and ensure compliance with all regulatory laws as maybe required by UNDP and BMB. The Finance Associate is expected to develop, in consultation with UNDP and BMB, and implement accounting and reporting requirements along with necessary internal controls to facilitate accurate and timely reporting. He/She is expected to work with the Responsible Partners (RPs) who shall be implementing agreed-upon deliverables in behalf of the Project.Specific Functions:
Financial Management
- Develop, in consultation with UNDP and BMB, the Financial and Budgeting System of the Project that is aligned with the NIM Guidelines;
- Ensure that the financial integrity of the Project is maintained and in accordance with UNDP and BMB rules and guidelines;
- Maintain accounting system and databases of the BPP financial transactions;
- Ensures cost effectiveness and quality of accounting services through continuous process of improvement and automation;
- Review, endorse and consolidate financial reports submitted by Responsible Partners;
- Prepare a consolidated financial reports to be submitted to UNDP on a periodic basis;
- Facilitate review and process payment/disbursements of the Project;
- Supervises accounts, records and file management functions e.g. review and identification of the integrity of monthly accounts, bank reconciliation reports, and ensures that issues are addressed and actions completed on time;
- Perform other related functions as may be assigned by Project Manager.
- Conduct field/site visits as part of financial monitoring effort and partner interaction;
- Participate in project events to maintain effective working relationship with RPs as well as other partners including government institutions, donors, and other BPP stakeholders;
- Monitor and record co-financing of the Project.
Competencies
Functional competencies:- Possess competencies in office management;
- Good communication and interpersonal skills required;
- Good knowledge on budget control and financial management;
- Strong personal management, and communication skills;
- Excellent knowledge of MS Office, internet use and budget/finance databases.
Corporate competencies:
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
- Highest standards of integrity, discretion and loyalty.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:- College graduate, major in Accounting; preferably CPA.
- At least 5 years of relevant experience, preferably in foreign-assisted projects;
- Experience in UNDP projects is an advantage.
- Fluency in written and spoken English;
- Well versed in national language;
- Knowledge of the Visayan dialect an advantage.
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