SPC
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 26 country and territory members. In pursuit of sustainable development to benefit Pacific people, our organisation works across more than 20 sectors. We are known for our knowledge and innovation in such areas as fisheries science, public health surveillance, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.
The Land Resources Division (LRD) provides advice, technical assistance, research and training support to Pacific Island countries and territories on all aspects of agriculture and forestry. This includes plant protection, conservation, plant genetic resources, animal health and production, agroforestry, biosecurity and trade facilitation, and sustainable systems for agriculture, forestry and land management. This work has two objectives: improved food and nutritional security, and resilient communities. The division’s services are provided through seven technical/thematic teams: Animal Health and Production; Plant Health; Biosecurity and Trade Facilitation; Forest and Agriculture Diversification; Crop Production and Extension; Genetic Resources; and Forests and Trees.
Pacific Organic and Ethical Trade Community (POETCom), where this position sits, is the peak body of the organics movement in the Pacific and is located within the Land Resources Division of SPC. The membership of POETCom is broad based and multisectoral with representation from organic farmers, farmer organizations, traders, Governments, academic and research institutions, NGOs, private sector businesses. Working with its members, POETCom supports the development of organic agriculture across the region.
The position is supported through the Kiwa Initiative: Nature-based solutions for climate resilience (www.Kiwainitiative.org)). The Kiwa Initiative aims at strengthening the climate change resilience of Pacific Island ecosystems, communities and economies through Nature-based Solutions (NbS), by protecting, sustainably managing and restoring biodiversity. It is based on easier access to funding for climate change adaptation and NbS for local, national authorities, civil society and regional organisations of Pacific Island countries and Territories including the three French overseas territories. The Initiative, managed by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), is funded by the European Union, AFD, Global Affairs Canada, Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).
The Country Coordinator will facilitate the project coordination at the national level by providing technical support to project participants, facilitate national level network development and ensure strong monitoring evaluation and reporting.
The key responsibilities of the role include the following:
- In country project coordination and management
- Capacity Building
- Stakeholder relations
- Monitoring, Evaluating and Reporting
For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the job description provided.
Key selection criteria
Qualifications
- Tertiary degree in tropical agriculture, forestry, GIS, governance, management, development studies, social science and/or equivalent work experience
Knowledge and experience
- At least 3 years relevant experience working in agriculture, forestry, GIS or other relevant fields
- Demonstrated understanding of Pacific farming systems
- Proven project implementation experience
- Good knowledge of climate change and biodiversity issues in the Pacific including climate adaptation issues in the agriculture sector
Essential skills
- Proven financial, human resource and administrative management skills in a challenging environment, with a particular focus on stakeholder management and monitoring program/organizational performance
- Excellent interpersonal skills across a multicultural environment, able to deliver information within a cross-cultural context.
- Advanced computer skills across necessary applications including database management
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 28 May 2025
Remuneration – This is a full-time position at Band 7 in SPC’s 2022 salary scale, with a commencing taxable salary range of 2,232-2,790 per month, plus local staff benefits. An offer of appointment for an initial contract will 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.
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.
How to apply
Application procedure
Closing Date – 24 February 2022 – 11:45pm Fiji time
Applicants must apply online at: http://careers.spc.int/
Hard copies of applications will not be accepted.
To be considered for this role, you must provide us with:
- an updated resume
- a cover letter detailing your skills, experience and interest in this position
- responses to all screening questions
Please ensure your documents are in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.
Applicants should not attach copies of qualifications or letters of reference. These documents may be requested at a later stage.
Please ensure that you respond to all of the screening questions. If you do not respond to the screening questions, your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed at shortlisting stage.
Only Fijian citizens are eligible to apply for this role.
Screening Questions:
-
Please elaborate on your experience in coordinating and collaborating with governments and other organizations in Fiji to implement activities? Please state 2 challenges and how did you handle it?
-
Delivering on-the-ground climate change adaptation measures, such as addressing food security and organic agriculture in communities in Fiji, brings many challenges. Based on your experience, identify the two most important challenges and how you would go about addressing them.
-
Please describe a project in which you have been involved when you had to consult with many different stakeholders and obtain their views on proposed project activities. How did you organize the consultation and was it successful?