Country Focal Officer (Solomon Islands)

• Solomon Islands-based position
• Join the principal development organisation in the 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 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 Human Rights and Social Development Division - For over 20 years SPC has operated as the region’s pioneer in human rights and gender capacity building to Pacific states, institutions and civil society. Through a team of regional advisors and Country Focal Officers (CFOs) based in member states, it provides a comprehensive suite of policy and legislative advice, technical assistance and capacity building to support Pacific states to respond effectively to priority regional human rights priorities, such as gender equality, ending violence against women and children, disability rights, climate change and equitable, sustainable development.

The role – the Country Focal Officer (Solomon Islands) will support the Solomon Island government through relevant ministries to meet its national, regional and international Human Rights, Gender Equality, Social Inclusion and Culture for Development commitments through the provision of advisory services, technical assistance, networking, coordination, and capacity-building.

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

Country Planning and Implementation

• Serves as the liaison between SPC HRSD and the Government of Solomon Islands Civil Service and other stakeholders.
• Takes responsibility for and guides strategic direction of HRSD’s in-country work.
• In consultation with host Ministry, other relevant government ministries and key stakeholders, develop annual country work programme in alignment with national development priorities and HRSD business plan.
• Ensures effective implementation of activities and programs in the annual country work plan.

Technical Assistance and Advice

• Provides timely, quality, and contextualised advice and technical assistance to Government and other stakeholders.
• Facilitates and/or provides technical assistance to Government to ensure policies, programmes, and legislation fulfil regional and international commitments made by the government on human rights, gender, culture and youth.
• Supports preparation of State delegations prior to regional and international forums and meetings.
• Supports participation of civil society and communities.

Training and Capacity-Building

• Identifies capacity development needs and design training/workshop programs and collate resources to address the capacity development needs identified.
• Provides training and capacity building.
• Continuously reviews and adapts capacity building and skills development materials informed by learning.

Networking and Partnership

• Represents HRSD effectively at national, regional, and international forums.
• Shares information on country’s human rights, gender, culture and youth situation and priorities with key stakeholders.
• Establishes, strengthens, and supports partnerships that advance HRSD objectives at national, regional, and international levels.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning

• Monitors the progress towards the country’s HRSD plans and in accordance with the results framework.
• Ensures accurate and timely reporting of all interventions.
• Develops and submits reports against work plans, including activity and budget execution rates.
• Leads HRSD’s reflection process in-country with support from the HRSD’s MEL team and supervisor.
• Applies learnings to improve programme performance.
• Identifies and documents performance stories, case studies and outcomes of HRSD work.
• Researches and maintains up-to-date data on core country/national and HRSD priorities on human rights, gender, social inclusion, culture and youth.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in any of the disciplines: public policy, law, human rights, gender, youth, culture, social science, community development, international relations, development studies or similar field.

Technical expertise

• At least 5 years’ experience in Pacific Island country/territory working to advance human rights, gender equality and social inclusion, youth for development or culture for development (in government and/or civil society).
• Strategic planning experience and in-depth understanding of country cultures, context, challenges and opportunities.
• Knowledge of legislative reform processes and policy development.
• Proven experience in report writing, analysis, and project proposal writing.
• Experience in community development, non-formal adult education and/or community outreach.
• Experience in financial management, budgeting, and acquittals.
• Computer literacy in Microsoft Office suite.

Language skills

• Advanced written and verbal communication skills in English and prevailing local national language.

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Proven ability to work independently, with remote supervision.
• Commitment to teamwork and ability to work in a multicultural environment.

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – This position is budgeted until 30 December 2026 and is subject to renewal depending on performance and funding.

Remuneration – the Country Focal Officer (Solomon Islands) is a Band 7 position in SPC’s 2024 salary scale, with a starting salary range of SBD 74,494–93,117 per year, plus local staff benefits. An offer of appointment for an initial contract will be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration being given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale will be based on annual performance reviews. Salary is subject to income tax.

Benefits – SPC provides medical and life insurance for eligible employees and their eligible 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 be given to the Pacific Islander. Applicants will be assured of complete confidentiality in line with SPC’s private policy.

Please note that applicants must be Solomon Islands Nationals currently residing in the country, or hold the proper work permit for salaried employment there.

Application procedure

Closing date: 20 May 2024 – 11:00 pm Noumea time

Job Reference: CR000224

Applicants must apply online at http://careers.spc.int/

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.

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:

1. What are the current key human rights and social development issues in Solomon Islands, why do you think they are the most pressing issues?
2. What are your experiences in capacity development with both state and non-state actors?
3. Financial and narrative reporting are an integral part of this position. Please explain why financial and narrative reporting are important and how you will ensure that it is done on according to the HRSD required standard?