SSA - DFC Management And Compliance Officer

Organizational Context

The World Health Organization (WHO) is supporting the Ministry of Health (MoH) in Vanuatu. This role is embedded within the MoH finance units, working closely with their accounts team and programme managers, under WHO's technical oversight. The MoH faces challenges in managing, using, and reporting Direct Financial Cooperation (DFC) funds, including weak record-keeping and insufficient documentation.

Job Purpose

The purpose of this role is to strengthen financial oversight, improve operational efficiency, and enhance accountability in the management and utilization of Direct Financial Cooperation (DFC) funds within the Ministry of Health (MoH) in Vanuatu. The incumbent will support the MoH finance units by ensuring timely and accurate tracking of DFCs from procurement to reporting, reviewing financial documentation for compliance and accuracy, and conducting spot checks to identify and address any gaps. This position is crucial for improving the overall financial management of health programs and ensuring that funds are used effectively and in accordance with WHO regulations, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include managing and tracking DFCs from Purchase Order (PO) to FACE reporting, monitoring implementation timelines, and following up on fund utilization and reporting at national and provincial levels. The role involves ensuring financial compliance and quality assurance by reviewing supporting documentation for completeness and accuracy, performing weekly scanning and e-filing of expenditure documents, and validating FACE submissions. Additionally, the incumbent will conduct periodic financial monitoring and spot checks to identify compliance gaps and recommend corrective actions. Support will be provided for payment processing, including monitoring DI and supplier payments and verifying documentation. The role also entails ensuring timely completion of DFC closure reports and refunds of unutilized funds, coordinating with relevant ministries, and providing regular reports on DFC performance and bottlenecks.

Work Experience

Essential: At least five years of relevant professional experience in Finance, Administration, or Programme support, with demonstrated experience in finance or accounting functions within a government agency or NGO. Desirable: Experience in public sector financial management, donor-funded project management (e.g., WHO/UN systems), financial compliance and audit processes, and DFC or grant management systems.

Skills

Financial tracking and monitoring, compliance review, quality assurance, documentation verification, financial report validation (e.g., FACE forms), payment verification and processing support, analytical skills for identifying compliance gaps and recommending actions, strong organizational skills with attention to detail, ability to manage multiple deadlines, knowledge of financial workflow processes (PO to Reporting), financial management principles, public sector accounting, compliance and audit requirements, and supporting documentation standards.

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