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 27 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, 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:
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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.
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Georesources and Energy Programme (GEP) – assists member countries by applying technical knowledge in the areas of geoscience and sustainable energy use.
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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 other two focus areas within this division are Programming and Operations, which is responsible for driving integrated programming excellence and operational support across the division, and Geoinformatics, which is responsible for providing diverse, integrated, and unique and demand-driven information and spatial data services across SPC work programmes, projects and countries.
The role – Hydrologist is responsible for providing support to the project, Senior Hydrologist, and member countries in the identification of flood risk catchments in selected countries. This role will also be leading the development of a flash flood early warning system, piloting of the flash flood early warning system methodology, and development of a detailed project proposal to support a regional programme of hydrological support to address country and regional needs for surface water hydrology, and specifically flash flooding early warning systems.
The key responsibilities of the role include:
- Technical advice and support
- Networking and communications
- Capacity building
- Reporting
For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the job description provided.
Key selection criteria
Qualifications
- A Master of Science degree (MSc) with a specialisation in a relevant field such as hydrology, or water resources engineering (and/or equivalent work experience)
Knowledge and experience
- At least 7 years of experience in surface water hydrology, particularly with communities and complex project activities
- Advanced knowledge and experience in surface water hydrology and flash flooding in Pacific Island settings
- Hydrological data management experience, including hydrologic databases
- Experience in the use and application of QGIS
- Experience with effective early warning systems messaging information and information products
Essential skills
- Ability to work well with teams and produce high quality results with minimum supervision
- Effective communicator and team player, including ability to communicate complex concepts to a range of different stakeholders
- Planning and organisational skills with ability to deliver to tight schedules and deadlines
- Prioritisation and time management skills
- Advanced data analysis and technical reporting skills
- Ability to analyse climate information
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Advanced computer skills in applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
- Knowledge of Gender Equity and Social Inclusion, (GESI), and People Centred Approaches (PCA) in delivery of projects
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 – 12 months, until 31 March 2023
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 Hydrologist is a Band 11 position in SPC’s 2022 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 3,015‒3,769 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 8,896–11,120 (USD 4,312–5,390; EUR 3,619–4,523). 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. 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 – 27 February 2022 at 11:59pm Fiji time
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
- contact details for three professional referees
- 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.
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 the Fijian 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:
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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 organise the consultations and was it successful?
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Describe the key components of a flood warning system with reference to the Pacific Island catchment context.
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Delivering on-the-ground flood warning systems in Pacific Island countries, brings many challenges. Based on your experience, identify three important challenges and how you would go about addressing them.