Earth Observation – Technical Officer

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 surveillance, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.

The Geoscience Energy and Maritime (GEM) 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:

1. 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.
2. Georesources and Energy Programme (GEP) – assists member countries by applying technical knowledge in the areas of geoscience and sustainable energy use.
3. 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 – Earth Observation – Technical Officer will be primarily required to support the Geoinformatics Team in activities related to the implementation and operationalization of Digital Earth Pacific and supporting facets. This includes but is not limited to data collection, preparation, documentation and analysis, supporting regional and national training activities, supporting development of data analysis notebooks, generating test data for machine learning pipelines, writing up documentation and guidelines, supporting countries in trouble shooting issues, assisting in data quality control and documenting lessons learnt.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Earth Observation and Related Geospatial Data Management

• Maintain compliance of SPC published earth observations and related datasets and products to appropriate industry standards (including STAC and ISO-compliant metadata).
• Generate labelled remotely sensed test data for machine learning pipelines.
• Participate in development and revision of geospatial data management and standards and advise on application to Pacific EO systems and processes.

Provide Geospatial-related Support for Projects, Proposals and Country Requests

• Update and maintain regional spatial datasets, including common operational datasets, in accordance with relevant standards and guidance.
• Produce relevant high-quality mapping products including information products such as reports, charts and infographics where necessary.
• Liaise effectively and objectively with stakeholders, internal and external, in regard to technical advice around sustainable and beneficial EO solutions.

Geospatial Capacity Building and Training

• Develop relevant training modules and supporting materials for workshops; including remote-based delivery.
• Ensure training requests are facilitated appropriately, and in a timely manner.
• Successful training of participants, meeting activity objectives, both internal and external.

Reporting

• Provide timely Reporting to Geoinformatics Team Leader or as requested by PM.
• Provide a monthly workplan and report against this.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Minimum qualification is a degree in GIS/Remote Sensing or other relevant subject; or equivalent years of experience.

Technical expertise

• At least 3 – 5 years of demonstrated experience in:
  • GIS- Geographic Information System.
  • working with remote sensing data.
  • spatial data management systems.
  • undertaking field surveys (from a remote sensing/ML context would be an advantage).
• Ability to think on your feet and troubleshoot challenges.
• Demonstrable knowledge of Python for Remote Sensing and/or GIS applications.
• Strong knowledge of QGIS and other open-source geospatial toolsets.

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 30 June 2025 – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – The Earth Observation – Technical Officer is a band 7 position in SPC’s 2024 salary scale, with a commencing taxable salary range of FJD 2,287-2,859 per month, plus local staff benefits. 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.

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.