Agriculture Trade Analyst

Description

The Pacific Community (SPC) is the principal scientific and technical organisation in the Pacific region, supporting development since 1947. We are an international development organisation owned and governed by our 27 country and territory members. In pursuit of sustainable development to benefit Pacific people, our organisation works across more than 25 sectors. We are known for our knowledge and innovation in such areas as fisheries science, public health, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.

The Land Resources Division (LRD) provides effective expert scientific advice, capacity building and services on conservation, development and utilization of plant genetic resources, forest and landscape management, resilient agricultural systems, diversification of livelihood strategies and access to markets to maintain ecosystem services and improve land productivity and the food, nutrition security and resilience of Pacific communities. LRD has expertise in genetic resource conservation, resilient agriculture, biosecurity, pest and disease management, agricultural extension, plant pathology, entomology, and animal health. It collaborates with governments, regional organisations, civil society and other SPC divisions to pinpoint the needs and priorities of Pacific countries and communities and provide technical expertise to address them. This mission is realized through four main thematic work areas, or pillars, and a progressively integrated approach to programming that works towards achieving SPC’s development goals.

The role – Agriculture Trade Analyst will assist the SPC Land Resources Division (LRD), with a number of specified species of work.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Support in conducting the research work which will inform the Operationalisation and Resource Mobilisation Framework as a main outcome for the Regional Research Agenda Framework (RRAF).

• Collect literature to inform researchable priorities for the RRAF.
• Map information collected through literature reviews and interviews to inform the next steps in the RRAF.
• Support with the analysis and the interpretation of the data collected.
• Support with the development of dashboards which will be used to keep relevant stakeholders informed of RRAF work.

Commodity development of kava

• Provide input and technical support to relevant components of current Regional Kava Strategy.
• Work with PIFs in seeking support for the implementation of the current Regional Kava Strategy.
• Update senior management on a regular basis on current status of Kava production, trade in the region and on the Kava Regional Strategy.

Technical advisory support as agreed

• Provide appropriate technical advice support to countries in the areas of biosecurity, SPS, and Plant Protection and timely responses to senior management team, member PICTs and other international organisations.
• Provide liaison and support to the FestPac team on biosecurity needs and issues; support development of training and awareness materials and provide training to participating countries as needed.

Policy analysis and advice

• Contribute to relevant policy analysis and timely responses to Director LRD, senior management team, member PICTs and other international organisations in the areas of Agriculture trade, biosecurity, plant protection in the region.

For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description.

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant discipline e.g., Agriculture Science, Agribusiness or Agriculture Economics.

Technical expertise

• At least 10 years of working in Agriculture field.
• Good research skills and familiar with statistical packages for data analysis.
• Good understanding of and experience in working in the Pacific region
• Good command of Microsoft Office programmes (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Excellent time management skills, organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Good problem-solving skills.

Language skills

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written).

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment.

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – until 31 August 2024 – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – The Agriculture Trade Analyst is a band 11 position in SPC’s 2023 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 3,091‒3,864 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 9,118–11,397 (USD 4,142–5,177; EUR 3,923–4,904). An offer of appointment for an initial contract will normally be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale will be based on annual performance reviews. Remuneration of expatriate SPC staff members is not subject to income tax in Fiji; Fiji nationals employed by SPC in Fiji will be subject to income tax.

Benefits for international employees based in Fiji – SPC provides a housing allowance of FJD 1,350–3,000 per month. Establishment and repatriation grant, removal expenses, airfares, home leave travel, health and life and disability insurances and education allowances are available for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Employees are entitled to 25 working days of annual leave per annum and other types of leave, and access to SPC’s Provident Fund (contributing 8% of salary, to which SPC adds a matching contribution).

Languages – SPC’s working languages are English and French.

Recruitment principles– SPC’s recruitment is based on merit and fairness, and candidates are competing in a selection process that is fair, transparent, and non-discriminatory. SPC is an equal-opportunity employer, and is committed to cultural and gender diversity, including bilingualism, and will seek to attract and appoint candidates who respect these values. Due attention is given to gender equity and the maintenance of strong representation from Pacific Island professionals. If two interviewed candidates are ranked equal by the selection panel, preference will be given to the Pacific Islander. Applicants will be assured of complete confidentiality in line with SPC’s Privacy Policy.