Water Resource Specialist – RMI

The Pacific Community (SPC) invites applications for the position of Water Resource Specialist – RMI within its Geoscience Energy and Maritime Division. This position will be located at the RMI EPA, Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands.

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 Geoscience Energy and Maritime Division provides advice, technical assistance, research and training support to Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs). There are three (3) areas of scientific programming and two areas of focus within this division:

1. Oceans and Maritime – Driving growth in blue economies through well-informed and inclusive action from integrated solutions for ocean and coastal management and maritime and transport.

2. Geo-resources and Energy – Strengthening the management of the Earth’s non-living resources through responsible harnessing of mineral resources, including metalliferous and development minerals, and clean and renewable energy resources such as solar, wind, and geothermal for sustainable development.

3. Disaster and Community Resilience – Improving resilience and sustainability through the management of disaster risk and adapting to climate change. This includes building resilience through wider support for climate change, disaster risk management (DRM) initiatives, and water and sanitation initiatives. The RENI project falls within this programming area.

4. The other two focus areas within this division are Programming and Operations, which is responsible for driving integrated programming excellence and operational support across the division, and Geo-informatics, which is responsible for providing diverse, integrated, and unique and demand driven services across SPC work programmes, projects and countries. This includes developing, managing, building on and retaining or preserving spatial data and information for the benefit of all scientific areas.

The role – the Water Resource Specialist – RMI will provide technical support and coordinate the implementation of all project activities and reporting on “Managing Coastal Aquifers Project (referred to as “MCA Project”, and “Managing Water Scarcity through Strengthened Water Resources Management” Project (referred to as “Water Scarcity Project”); with the secondary responsibility to provide technical assistance to the RMI Environment Protection Authority.

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

Technical advice and support • Provide high-quality technical advice and support on water resource, water supply and project implementation needs at the national and local levels.

Project Management

• Support the development, scheduling and implementation of SPC lead water project activities in RMI.

• Preparation of contracts and TOR’s for development and delivery of project activities in accordance with SPC protocols.

• Maintain financial and administrative records in accordance with contractual requirements and to the satisfaction of project managers.

• Ensure administrative and procurement procedures are undertaken in accordance with SPC and RMI protocols and requirements.

Networking and communication

• Establish and develop effective communication and relationships with relevant stakeholders within RMI and with SPC staff.

• Ensure accurate, audience focused water resource information is accessible and available to a wide variety of relevant stakeholders.

Capacity Building • Actively support and develop the the long-term capacity of country counterparts in water resources assessment, monitoring, community engagement and project management through on-the-job training and specially designed training.

Provision of high-quality technical reporting

• Provision of high-quality technical reports ensuring SPC standards are met for publication.

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

Key selection criteria

1. Qualifications

• A Master of Science degree (MSc) with a specialization in a relevant field such as hydrogeology, or water resources engineering.

2. Technical expertise

• At least 5 years of experience in water resource assessment and monitoring.

• At least 5 years demonstrated project management and organisational skills experience.

• Experienced in the application of hydrological data and databases to develop information products.

• Demonstrated experience in the use and application of QGIS.

• Demonstrated experience in groundwater management.

• Excellent communication and report writing skills.

• Demonstrated experience of working and managing projects in remote locations.

• Demonstrated experience in Community engagement.

• Knowledge of Gender Equity and Social Inclusion, (GESI), and People Centred Approaches (PCA) in delivery of projects.

3. Language skills

• Fluency in English.

4. Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and awareness, and the ability to effectively work with stakeholders and team members from different cultural backgrounds.

• Strong understanding and appreciation of Pacific culture and ways of operating.

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – This position is budgeted until the 31^st of October 2024 and is subject to renewal depending on performance and funding.

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 Water Resource Specialist – RMI is a band 10 position in SPC’s 2022 salary scale, with a starting salary range of SDR (special drawing rights) 3,183-3,913 per month, which converts to approximately USD 4,551-5,595. 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.

Benefits for international staff employees based in RMI – SPC provides a housing allowance of USD 1,000– 2,000. Establishment and relocation grant, removal expenses, airfares, home leave, medical and life insurance, and education allowance are available for eligible employees and their recognised dependents. Employees are entitled to 25 days of annual 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 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.