Electronics Officer

• Suva-based position (Fiji)
• Attractive expatriate package
• Join the principal development organization in the Pacific region

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 Geoscience Energy and Maritime (GEM) 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 Programme (OMP) – assists member countries with services that provide applied ocean science and knowledge for evidence-based policy-making and technical solutions for improved ocean and maritime governance, management, and capacity development.
2. Georesources and Energy Programme (GEP) – assists member countries by applying technical knowledge in the areas of geoscience and sustainable energy use.
3. Disaster and Community Resilience Programme (DCRP) – assists member countries to demonstrate strengthened resilience through integrated action on disaster risk management, climate change adaptation, natural resource management and increased access to water and sanitation.

The Climate and Oceans Support Programme in the Pacific Phase 3 (COSPPac3) is supported by the Government of Australia and New Zealand. COSPPac has entered a third phase of four years (2023-2027) and builds on Australia's long-term support for core climate information services across the Pacific, ensuring the continued development of valued products and services for optimum impact for Pacific Island governments and communities.

The role – Electronics Officer will predominantly lead the maintenance work for the Pacific Sea- Level Monitoring (PSLM) in particular the sea level component including supporting installation of permanent and temporary sea level recording stations. This role will work with a maintenance team to provide support component of the Climate and Oceans Support for the Pacific (COSPPAC) Project. The Officer will perform a wide range of maintenance, verification, and return-to-service tasks on sea level stations as well as marine monitoring and surveying campaigns throughout the Pacific Region. The jobholder will also provide basic training to local National Meteorological Services staff and other relevant departments.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Equipment Maintenance and Capacity Building

• Support the development and maintain and document a Test and Evaluation Plan for functional testing of equipment and components prior to their deployment.
• Track maintenance schedules using the reporting system (equipment database) to action.
• Support Training and capacity building for meteorological and other ocean technical officers and electronic assistant across the region and reporting relevant information to OMP capacity development log.
• Support equipment cataloguing within the GEM technical workshop ensuring the relevant instruments are calibrated on time and are in good working conditions.

Technical Field Support  

• Investigate and report on unusual or unexpected equipment conditions.
• Perform a range of work (including the more complex tasks on specific equipment) associated with the installation, maintenance and testing of a variety of electronic and other equipment. Coordinate with technical in-country counterparts, where assigned, and carry out on-the-job training as required.
• Assist BoM Sea Level maintenance staff with the installation, verification & maintenance visits at the 14 sea-level station sites in the Pacific region.
• Support the expansion of coastal and ocean observations for e.g. with the deployment of wave buoys or temporary tide gauges and any other relevant monitoring equipment.

Documentation and reporting

• Prepare reports on sea-level station visits and surveys and transfer information into the equipment database.
• Participate in the development and implementation of the workshop’s strategies in relation to installation and upgrade of equipment, evaluation and assessment of the equipment and its effectiveness, and meeting observational requirements.
• Generate summary reports from meta data records to support survey planning and scheduling of works.
• Provide information to manager on project level reporting and review.

Logistics

• Support work plans and surveys with their equipment supply chain (e.g. Procurement and freighting) and any other aspects critical to schedule of surveys and site visits.
• Ensure that requirements and procedures stipulated by biosecurity, customs, etc. are adhered to and do not delay sending or receiving equipment to / from countries.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Bachelor of science, electronics or electrical engineering, physics, environment.
• Driving License.
• Advanced diving certification.
• Boat masters license.

Technical expertise

• 5 years of progressive work experience.
• Good understanding of the working environment and experience working with Pacific Island countries, in particular COSPPac partner countries.
• Demonstrated troubleshooting skills.
• Broad Technical Knowledge on electronics and communications system used in the COSPPac project.
• Broad experience in installing and commissioning sea level observing systems in the field.
• Good knowledge in programming and deploying oceanographic, hydrographic, and relevant marine survey instruments.
• Knowledge of various interfacing software and hardware.
• Flexible approach and ability to meet deadlines.
• Proven maturity and discretion in dealing with government protocols, clients and staff.     

Language skills

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written).

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

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

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – Until 30 June 2027 – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – The Electronics Officer is a band 8 position in SPC’s 2024 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 2,044‒2,555 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 6,091–7,614 (USD 2,719–3,398; EUR 2,534–3,167). 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.

Application procedure

Closing Date: 14 April 2024 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)

Job Reference: JM000605

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):

1. Please describe your experience in coordinating and leading technical field activities in relation to marine or sea level recording stations.
2. What specific types of marine observing equipment have you worked with in the past, and what was your role in maintaining or operating them.
3. Can you provide examples of challenges you've encountered while working with marine observing equipment, and how you effectively resolved them?