Junior Graphic Artist in Residence

The Pacific Community (SPC) invites applications for the position of Junior Graphic Artist in Residence within its Operations and Management Directorate. This position will be located at its headquarters in Noumea, New Caledonia.

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 Operations and Management Directorate (OMD) provides corporate services to all SPC Divisions and Programmes. It consists of three key departments: Finance, Human Resources and Information Services. OMD is focused on improving the effectiveness of systems, policies and management to provide high-quality customer-oriented services.

The role – the Junior Graphic Artist in Residence role is funded through the Funding with Intent mechanism supported by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) as part of SPC’s broader partnership with the New Zealand Government. Funding with Intent is intended to increase capabilities in innovation, capacity development and the application of integrated, multi-sectoral approaches to development challenges across the Pacific Island countries and territories.

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

Providing culturally appropriate graphic art and illustration services and advice for SPC publications and projects

• Providing high-quality graphic art services and advice to SPC programmes for a range of publications and communications purposes.

• Delivering high-quality illustrations, infographics, icons and artistic concepts.

• Developing and/or adapting conceptual diagrams and graphs to communicate scientific and technical data.

• Using Pacific design knowledge and elements to create original artwork, icons and illustrations for divisional and corporate clients, as well as special projects.

Acquiring marketable and transferable practical skills and cultural knowledge that can be applied in a diverse range of settings

• Participating in a dedicated art mentorship project with Pacific artists and reporting on key learning milestones.

• Adhering to the Publishing team’s finance, project coordination and time management workflows.

• Following SPC’s finance and full cost recovery processes.

• Relationships with internal and external clients are built and maintained.

Supporting corporate as well as divisional business and communications objectives

• Supporting SPC’s Executive, Divisions and Regional Offices to deliver a suite of publishing and communication products in line with their respective business plans.

• Delivering a range of art and illustration services e.g., live drawing, brainstorming, cartoons and illustrations to better promote and communicate SPC’s work and objectives in the region.

• Supporting the mainstreaming of culture and arts across SPC’s Divisions and 7 Key Focus Areas (KFAs).

Supporting SPC’s visual identity and corporate communications strategy

• Providing artistic support for SPC’s visual identity, advising programmes about visual guidelines, and applying them across all artworks.

• Maintains strong internal stakeholder relationships with SPC’s corporate communications team and informed about brand strategy, presentation and guidelines.

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

Key selection criteria

1. Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in graphic art and/or illustration, Design, Media and Communication Design, Motion Design, UX or Animation.

2. Technical expertise

• At least 3 years of professional experience in a graphic art and illustration role, including demonstrated experience working with an international or regional development organisation, NGO, government ministry or CROP agency in the Pacific region.

• Strong knowledge and demonstrated experience of graphics software e.g., Adobe Illustrator and InDesign.

• Demonstrated awareness of and interest in Pacific art and design traditions.

• Strong knowledge of technical graphic art and illustration principles and elements.

3. Language skills

• Fluency in English.

• Knowledge of (a) Pacific language/languages.

4. Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.

• Knowledge of Pacific Island countries and territories is an advantage.

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – This vacant position is budgeted for 364 days.

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 Junior Graphic Artist in Residence is a band 8 position in SPC’s 2022 salary scale, with a starting salary range of SDR (special drawing rights) 2,850-3,467 per month, which converts to approximately XPF 408,167-496,426 (USD 4,076-4,957; EUR 3,420-4,160). An offer of appointment for an initial contract will normally be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration being given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale is based on annual performance reviews. SPC salaries are not presently subject to income tax in New Caledonia.

Benefits for international staff employees based in New Caledonia – SPC provides subsidised housing in Noumea and will reimburse excess accompanied luggage of up to two additional bags. Airfares, medical and life insurance are available for eligible employees. Employees are entitled to 25 days of annual leave per year of contract 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 bilinguism, 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 begiven to the Pacific Islander. Applicants will be assured of complete confidentiality in line with SPC’s private policy.