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 advice, technical assistance, research and training support to Pacific Island countries and territories on all aspects of agriculture and forestry. This includes plant protection, conservation, plant genetic resources, animal health and production, agroforestry, biosecurity and trade facilitation, and sustainable systems for agriculture, forestry and land management. This work has two objectives: improved food and nutritional security, and resilient communities. The division’s services are provided through seven technical/thematic teams: Animal Health and Production; Plant Health; Biosecurity and Trade Facilitation; Forest and Agriculture Diversification; Crop Production and Extension; Genetic Resources; and Forests and Trees.
This Research for Development Adviser will develop, manage, and implement research for development strategies and systems for Land Resources Division (LRD) includes providing strategic guidance towards research efforts across LRD’s 4 pillar programmes. He/she will lead the facilitation of research engagements with both regional and international R4D institutions.
The key responsibilities of the role include:
Lead LRD’s partnership engagements with regional and international research partners including universities, public research and development agencies and the private sector where necessary
- Liaise and work on building strong working relations with regional and international Research and Development partners for the Division this includes but not limited to convening of regular meeting/discussions, joint program planning and development; joint R4D Consultations and development of strategic papers
- Identify and promote the research and development nature of LRD’s work regionally and internationally through international & regional forums, meeting, and events
Lead in coordinating the development of new project concepts and designs, closely aligned to the agriculture and forestry priorities of the region
- Provide high level research and development context relevant advice to LRD
- Coordinate and quality assure all research and development concept notes including contributing to regional initiatives with relevant
Support LRD’s integrated programming and resource mobilization efforts to strengthen research for development
- In consultation with the PMEL and the ICKM Advisors, scope and implement appropriate and effective systems to track, report and share LRD’s R4D outcomes
- Provide strategic support to LRD Pillar teams in integrated programme development and efforts at resource mobilization such as concept note development, quality assurances of concepts
Co-lead the implementation of the regional research framework
- Support the development and implementation of the regional research framework
- In collaboration with LRD Pillar teams and SLT, monitor and report on emerging trends and issues in the region pertaining to R4D in agriculture and forestry
For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description.
Key selection criteria
Qualifications
- A postgraduate qualification and professional research and/or research management experience in a field relevant to agriculture and forestry R&D
Knowledge and experience
- At least 8 years’ experience in a similar role at senior level
- Demonstrated understanding of emerging issues concerning R4D to improve adaptation to climate change and resilience building through food and nutrition security.
- Flexible approach and demonstrated ability to meet
- Has working knowledge of the agriculture or natural resources sectors in the Pacific
Essential skills
- Ability to work as part of a multi-cultural team with high level of interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrated ability to take initiatives and work without supervision.
- Previous experience in project management, working with donors and developing country partners
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 – 3 years – 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 Research for Development Adviser 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 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: 19 September 2022 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)
Job Reference: KK000025
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):
- As a research and development (R&D) Advisor, the principal task is to deliver scientific leadership in co-developing and supporting a coherent portfolio of research for development projects with LRD, closely aligned with SPC and member countries priorities. Please give an example of effective R&D coordination mechanism within the Pacific Region describing its strengths, and where it could be improved.
- The success of a well-coordinated R&D programme would consist of clear firm pathway for establishing impact. How would you define such an impact, given that ultimately the division works on behalf of the member countries?
- Please share a few examples of R&D in an integrated programme that would span across the work of the division and link up with the work of other divisions. Please provide a few examples of operational inefficiencies that might exist in this context. How would you go about remedying/resolving such inefficiencies?
- Please share an example of how you would maximise the potential contribution of project findings to the solution of identified technical problems. What mechanisms would you use and why?