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 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 Land Resources Division (LRD) provides effective expert scientific advice, capacity building and services on conservation, development and utilization of plant genetic resources, forest and landscape management, resilient agricultural systems, diversification of livelihood strategies and access to markets to maintain ecosystem services and improve land productivity and the food, nutrition security and resilience of Pacific communities. LRD has expertise in genetic resource conservation, resilient agriculture, biosecurity, pest and disease management, agricultural extension, plant pathology, entomology, and animal health. It collaborates with governments, regional organisations, civil society and other SPC divisions to pinpoint the needs and priorities of Pacific countries and communities and provide technical expertise to address them.
The International Trade Centre (ITC) funded project “Support to business friendly and inclusive national and regional policies and strengthen productive capabilities and value chains” sits under the Markets for Livelihoods Pillar of LRD. The project aims to promote inclusive productive and commercial alliances and investment, increase small farmers and processors value addition, productivity and competitiveness and strengthen farmer organization support service systems and capabilities in the Pacific at regional level, with national activities in Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu in coconuts, kava and associated crops value chains.
The Project Implementation Officer will support the ITC funded project by working closely with the Regional Coordinator. The incumbent will provide support to work plans, budgeting, implementing activities, reporting, undertaking procurement and contract management and also support with quality monitoring, evaluation, research and learning (MERL).
The key responsibilities of the role include the following:
Project activity management
- Support the Regional Coordinator with the planning and implementation of project activities including setting annual and/or periodic workplans, budgets and activity schedules
- Ensure that all activities are in line with the funding agreement and comply with donor and SPC requirements
- Project progress information is provided on a timely basis and when required for reporting and management decision making
- Assist the regional coordinator with the preparation and compilation of project briefs, project reports for donor submissions and key stakeholder meetings
Support the management and reporting of project budget and finances
- Provide support with the budgeting for activities and provide budget execution reports when required
- Ensure that all project expenses are supported by compliant documentation
- Work with the Finance team of the Division to prepare donor financial reports and ensure all relevant information is captured and accurate
- Compile monthly expenditure reports against approved budgets
Procurement planning, implementation and monitoring
- Develop and maintain the procurement plan and schedule in line with project workplans
- Provide accurate procurement advice and support in a timely manner
- Undertake all project procurement activities in line with SPC procurement policies and procedures
- Prepare terms of references and/or specifications for project requests for quotations (RFQs) and proposals (RFPs) in line with SPC policies and processes
Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning support
- Assist the regional coordinator with monitoring of the project workplans and log frame and ensure any changes required are put through the relevant processes for endorsement and approval
- Ensure that the project risk management plan is monitored and updated on a timely basis
- Support the development of the progress reports against project indicators
- Maintain all project disaggregated data collated through trainings/workshops/meetings for analysis and reporting purposes
For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description.
Key selection criteria
Qualifications
- A degree in project management, business administration, international development or relevant field
Technical expertise
- At least 4 years of practical experience in international development and project management areas
- Strong understanding and experience in project management and cycle, including log frames, financial forecasting and reporting, contract management, MERL and risk management
- Knowledge of procurement and financial management systems and implementing projects across multiple currencies
- Demonstrated experience in relationship building and working with a wide variety of stakeholders
Language skills
- Excellent communication skills and report writing skills
Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness
- Excellent team player and experience working in a multicultural environment
Salary, terms and conditions
Contract Duration – Until 31 December 2024 – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.
Remuneration – The Project Implementation Officer is a Band 8 position in SPC’s 2023 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 2,044‒2,555 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 6,030–7,537 (USD 2,739–3,424; EUR 2,595–3,243). 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 are 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
Closing Date: 20 July 2023 – 11:59pm (Fiji time)
Job Reference: JM000439
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.
SPC does not charge a fee to consider your application and will never ask for your banking or financial information during the recruitment process.
Screening Questions (maximum of 2,000 characters per question):
- It is important that project activities are locally owned, and solutions are locally appropriate. Describe three approaches you can adopt to achieve this in a regionally coordinated initiative.
- Provide a recent example of how you contributed to the successful implementation of a project, and the most important factors you considered in your monitoring of its success.
- What key actions, systems and processes can support effective project, contract and financial management and reporting in a project involving multiple collaborating entities?
Source: ReliefWeb
To apply for this job please visit reliefweb.int.