Finance and Administrative Assistant

The initiative entails 3 components, starting with developing guidelines to revert non-FLA abandoned fishponds in Iloilo Province back to mangroves, offering models for communities and local governments for wider implementation. By securing key administrative conditions, the project supports the National Blue Carbon Action Partnership Plan and the government’s goal to recover 52,000 ha of fishponds, unlocking significant carbon removal potential. Second, it demonstrates sustainable aquaculture practices in viable ponds in Leganes, Iloilo, by integrating mangrove-friendly designs and management, enabling communities and smallholders to replicate and build climate-resilient livelihoods. Third, the project supports co-development of biodiversity-friendly livelihoods in fishponds reverted to mangroves in Barangay Dolores Marine and Fish Haven in Nueva Valencia, Guimaras. By promoting financial literacy through Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA) and activities such as stock enhancement for shellfish harvesting, ecotourism, and value-added seafood processing, the initiative will provide income opportunities for over 100 fisherfolk households while supporting conservation. These efforts will be incorporated into the area’s updated management plans.

The Administrative Assistant will report directly to the Finance Manager and the Project Manager. The successful applicant will be responsible for the overall administrative needs and financial procedures of the Project as well as official safekeeping of office records and asset management. He/she oversees keeping track of the project finances identified under his/her responsibility. The post holder enters data into databases, prepares financial statements, processes invoices, and supports Project Team members throughout the accounting processes.

1. Assists and supports the Senior Admin and Finance Officer in all admin and finance-related functions
   1. Ensure cash is safely counted and reconciled on at least a monthly basis
   2. Support statutory and project auditors by providing appropriate documentation to supporting accounting records
   3. Ensures that posting on online QuickBooks is on-time and accurate based on established guidelines and scheduled cutoffs
   4. Ensures accurate posting of liquidation reports of Project Team members onto the accounting system
   5. Perform other tasks related to finance as requested by Line Officers
   6. Helps identify and resolve issues with financial management, and with support of Line Officers
2. Prepares and submits monthly financial reports to the Senior Admin and Finance Officer, PM and CD
   1. Ensure bank is reconciled monthly, and that all outstanding checks are accounted for
   2. Provide Line Officers with relevant documents/ schedules necessary for month end file
   3. Stabilize the generation of Bank Reconciliation and Cash Certificates for Petty Cash Fund
   4. Generate financial reports in QB accounting system for ZSL-wide and Project reporting requirements
   5. File documentation appropriately and methodically within accounting system, for both soft and hard copies
3. Assist the financial requirements of Project Team
   1. Account for and review staff cash advances requests and their timely settlement
   2. Review staff cash liquidations, ensuring that the expenditure is allowable according to donor compliance
   3. Ensure timely submission of liquidation reports
   4. Ensure the Project Team meet the monthly deadlines for posting, for timely submission to London HQ
4. Supports and assists the Project Team administratively and logistically

ZSL is committed to conservation led by those who know their environments best. We work hand in hand with local communities and conservationists around the world, united in our mission to protect wildlife and power sustainable solutions globally.

We encourage applications from members of the communities we work with, and from those who share our passion for conservation and collaboration. At ZSL, we value respect, local knowledge, and shared purpose, together, we can make a real difference for wildlife,  people and planet.