Pacific Community
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 unique organisation works across more than 25 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 Geoscience Energy and Maritime Division provides advice, technical assistance, research and training support to Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs). There are three (3) areas of scientific programming and two areas of focus within this division:
- Oceans and Maritime Programme (OMP) – assists member countries with services that provide applied ocean science and knowledge for evidence-based policy-making and technical solutions for improved ocean and maritime governance, management and capacity development.
- Georesources and Energy Programme (GEP) – assists member countries by applying technical knowledge in the areas of geoscience and sustainable energy use.
- Disaster and Community Resilience Programme (DCRP) – assists member countries to demonstrate strengthened resilience through integrated action on disaster risk management, climate change adaptation, natural resource management and increased access to water and sanitation.
The role – The Digital Communications and Engagement Officer is the digital lead for supporting content development, dissemination and capacity support across effective, measurable and engaging strategies that drive increased understanding, action and/or visibility of the critical work being led to address resilience and water and sanitation challenges across the Pacific.
The key responsibilities of the role include:
- Lead the development of content for internal and external public information material including: newsletters, feature stories, statements, calendars, video, multi-media products and electronic contact databases and photo library. Support and contribution to the learning and reporting process will also be required.
- Provide regular training to Disaster & Community Resilience Programme (DCRP) staff on internal and external digital communication principles and serving as an expert advisor to staff in digital communications.
- Organise and/or support strategic digital communication at events, including news conferences to drive action. Serving as a proactive resource in developing social media strategies and content whilst guiding Disaster & Community Resilience Programme (DCRP) Programs and Projects with Communication planning, coverage and content supported by the Geoscience Energy and Maritime (GEM) Team Leader where needed.
- Oversee and regularly monitor the consistency and quality of digital content being developed across the Division including website, social media and inclusive of developing social media campaigns informed by science and technical knowledge in our programme.
- Provide monitoring and evaluation data on GEM’s Communication’s online activities, and proactively identifying new areas, platforms or strategies to improve our reach and influence.
For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the job description provided.
Key selection criteria
Qualifications
- A bachelor or equivalent degree in graphic design, communications, journalism, mass communications, public relations or other relevant discipline
Knowledge and experience
- At least 5 years of experience in communications with at least 3 years in an international context.
- At least 5 years working in digital communications with experience in strategic communications
- Excellent design and editing skills with portfolio of published work available for review including video, digital, written and recorded work
Essential skills
- Photographic and/or video skills with portfolio of work available for review
- Fluency in social media strategy and content development
- Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, multi-cultural and gender-sensitive environment
- Willingness and demonstrated capacity to travel and undertake overseas assignments in SPC member countries, sometimes under difficult physical conditions
Language skills
- Excellent communication skills in English (oral and written), Pacific Island languages with capacity to engage government, public and community audiences
Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness
- Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment
Salary, terms and conditions
Contract Duration – 3 years – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance
Due to the current travel restrictions caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic, and the priority SPC places on its staff safety, health and well-being, please note that there may be delays in taking up the appointment. These matters will be discussed thoroughly with successful candidates. In most cases, any appointment and on-boarding would only commence when relocation to the duty station is permitted.
Remuneration – The Digital Communications and Engagement Officer is a Band 8 position in SPC’s 2022 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 1,994‒2,493 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 5,883–7,354 (USD 2,852–3,565; EUR 2,393–2,991). 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 are 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.
How to apply
Application procedure
Closing Date: 1 August 2022 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)
Job Reference: KK000008
Applicants must apply online at http://careers.spc.int/
Hard copies of applications will not be accepted.
For your application to be considered, you must provide us with:
- an updated resume with contact details for three professional referees
- a cover letter detailing your skills, experience and interest in this position
- responses to all screening questions
Your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed at shortlisting stage if all the above documents are not provided. Applicants should not attach copies of qualifications or letters of reference. Please ensure your documents are in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.
For international staff in Fiji, only one foreign national per family can be employed with an entity operating in Fiji at any one given time. SPC may assist on a case-by-case basis with submissions to Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their consideration and final approval. SPC cannot and does not make any guarantee whatsoever of approval for such applications to Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs and where an application is approved, the spouse or partner will subject to such terms and conditions as may be set from time to time by the Ministry.
Please ensure that you respond to all 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.
Screening Questions (maximum of 2,000 characters per question):
Please include supporting portfolio examples as part of your application (attach documents):
- Please provide a clear example of a successful digital communications action where you have developed, implemented and measured the impact of the work, including portfolio examples that has driven change in a specific area of work.
- In terms of determining the best approach for communications strategies, how do you determine the appropriate channels of communication and what evidence do you use to inform digital strategies that are effective?
- What is one key piece of work you have led the development of that you are most proud of? Please link to portfolio examples.