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 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 Human Rights and Social Development Division has a vision for just, equitable and resilient Pacific societies and it aims to achieve this by advancing human rights, equality and social inclusion for all Pacific people, grounded in cultural values and principles. The work of this Division includes work previously undertaken by the Regional Rights Resource Team (RRRT) in the area of human rights and the Social Development Programme (SDP) in the areas of gender equality and social inclusion, culture and youth development.
In line with its vision, the work of the Division will encompass the following focal areas:
- Objective 1: Governance for human rights and social development: strengthen inclusive, transparent and active governance for human rights and social development.
- Objective 2: Gender equality and social inclusion: mobilize, empower and build conditions for gender equality, equity and social inclusion in society and development.
- Objective 3: Culture: promote, preserve and protect positive expressions of culture.
- Objective 4: Social innovation and learning: enhance knowledge, learning and innovative solutions to accelerate impact on human development priorities.
The Knowledge Management Adviser is accountable to and works closely with the Team Leader Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, Knowledge Management unit and team, to support overall knowledge management for development impact across the HRSD division. The Knowledge Management Adviser shall primarily be responsible for the design, enhancement and/or updating, implementation, and management of the HRSD Division knowledge management strategy with a view to influencing behavioral change and social mobilization, high level advocacy, public outreach and facilitated services, which is all geared towards the achievement of the divisional goal and aligned with the SPC corporate communications strategy and policies.
The key responsibilities of the role include:
Knowledge Management
- Development, implementation and management of the HRSD knowledge management strategy for development impact, and its corresponding tools.
Knowledge Management and capacity development
- Advice and build capacity and skills of program and project staff and participating stakeholders on knowledge management for development impact.
For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description.
Key selection criteria
Qualifications
- A postgraduate qualification in a relevant field such as development, development communications, or development management, communication arts, investigative journalism, or program management
Knowledge and experience
- At least 7 years of relevant experience in development communications or similar role supporting development programs, projects that knowledge management techniques and approaches as means to upscale proven innovative knowledge products for durable social strategic behavioral change
- Good knowledge on development issues that requires effective knowledge management strategies, approaches as appropriate solutions
Essential skills
- Ability to demystify complex and vague topics and issues, knowledge for various audiences, hierarchy of organizations and institutions, and people of all diversities
- Demonstrated capacity to interact with various stakeholders and facilitate linkages between organisations
- Excellent interpersonal and representational skills with experience in building and maintaining effective working relationships with a range of different individuals and organisations
Language skills
- Excellent English communication skills (oral and written) with strong writing ability at a project donor reporting level
Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness
- Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment
- Understanding and knowledge of Pacific cultural values and international human rights principles and standards would be an advantage
Salary, terms and conditions
Contract Duration – Until 31 May 2025 – 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.
Renumeration – The Knowledge Management Adviser is a Band 10 position in SPC’s 2022 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 2,512‒3,140 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 7,410–9,263 (USD 3,592–4,490; EUR 3,014–3,768). 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 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: 5 July 2022 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)
Job Reference: CB000310
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.
Screening Questions (maximum of 2,000 characters per question):
- Knowledge Management is an important pillar for achieving development outcome, especially in the human rights and social development space. Cognizant of its importance, the Knowledge Management Adviser plays a strategic role. Based on your experience, please describe your approach by which development outcomes is achieved through communication for development. Please cite examples of your previous work preferably in a developmental organization setting.
- You are requested to prepare a knowledge management (KM) plan for changing the behaviour of a particular population group. Describe your approach or simply outline the major steps that you will undertake in developing the KM plan.
- Please cite an example of your previous work that highlights the achievement of development outcome using communications as pathways for changing attitude/behaviour or practice. If possible, please provide a sample document (e-copy or web-link) as reference of this work.