Professional Officer (Qualification Development)

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

The vision of the Educational Quality and Assessment Programme (EQAP) is to be ‘The agency for educational quality in the Pacific region’. Its mission is to enhance the quality of education and training for Pacific learners, so they realise the benefits of lifelong learning. EQAP seeks to promote the following core values within the context of SPC’s corporate values:

• a culture of quality;
• a culture of continuous improvement;
• cultural and political sensitivity;
• respect for the autonomy and priorities of the education system in each Pacific Island country and territory (PICTs); and
• assimilation of the expressed needs of countries in its delivery of technical services.

The Professional Officer (Qualification Development) will be responsible for coordinating the development and accreditation of regional qualifications in identified areas.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Team Performance: Contribute effectively to the development, implementation, and reporting of the workplan of the unit

• Be an efficient member of the Qualifications Unit and actively support the mission, goals, and activities of the unit
• Contribute to the development, implementation, review and reporting on the performance of the Qualifications Unit in implementing the EQAP Business Plan, and SPC’s overarching regional goals
• Assist, coordinate and support functions of the Qualifications Advisory Board

Qualification Development: Facilitate the development of regional qualifications in identified area

• Coordinate and manage the meetings of the Industry Advisory Committees
• Provide training on the process for development and requirements for accreditation of qualifications
• Work in collaboration with the industry advisory committees to develop qualifications

Qualification Accreditation: Facilitate the accreditation of the regional qualifications

• Develop and submit the application for accreditation of the qualifications
• Provide clarification and/or supplementary information required by evaluators, accreditation committee and members of PBEQ on the accreditation of the qualifications

Networking: Network with and support industry groups, regional and national organizations in the development and delivery of qualifications

• Carry out consultation and promote awareness on the benefits of the regional qualifications to the industry stakeholders
• Engage with stakeholders on the development, approval and review of qualifications
• Engage with industry and employer groups to ensure the relevancy and currency of the qualifications

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 teaching subject from a recognized university
• A qualification in workplace training and assessment

Knowledge and experience

• At least 5 years of teaching at secondary or tertiary level
• Experience in quality assurance and operations of quality assurance agencies
• Experience in developing qualification documents and supplementary materials

Essential skills

• Understanding of qualifications frameworks and how qualifications frameworks and how qualifications are accredited to them
• Ability to use of information technology tools for communication with external stakeholders

Language skills

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written) with a working knowledge of French being an advantage

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – until 31 December 2023 – 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 Professional Officer (Qualification Development) 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.