Project Adviser (KiriLEAD)

• Kiribati -based position
• Attractive expatriate package
• 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 Project Adviser (KiriLEAD) will lead in-country project planning, coordination, implementation and reporting; lead in-country management of project funds and grants in line with SPC Guidelines; provide technical advice and capacity building in support of MWYSSA (NGO Division) and relevant NGOs/CSOs; employ a needs-based assessment and identify priorities for project wrap around support; support strategic project alignment to MWYSSA and serve as the primary interlocutor with the government in line with the Kiribati Vision 2020 (KV 2020), MWYSSA Strategic Plan and relevant national policies and legislations.

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

Program Management

• Lead program management, develop annual work plans and budgets.
• Oversight of monitoring and evaluation activities and leading progress and annual reports with financials, in line with program outcomes and objectives
• Manage grants, disbursement of funds, activity implementation and report-back in line with program outcomes and objectives
• Foster effective overall collaboration and implementation within MWYSSA and relevant Government stakeholders
• Ensure of collaboration and implementation across NGO/CSO stakeholders and grantees
• Undertake stakeholder mapping and needs assessment exercises to inform program delivery is aligned to the people centered and human rights approach
• Support technical advisers and technical missions undertaken to advance the effective implementation of the program
• Collaborate with the Kiribati CFO and project team to develop, implement, monitor and report against program objectives and activity workplans and budget
• Provide supervision and support project team

Technical assistance and capacity building

• Support the identification of stakeholder needs to strengthen organizational capabilities
• Provide technical assistance, advice and support to stakeholders to build capacity in grant management, human rights and GESI
• Coordinate and facilitate capacity building trainings, workshops and meetings
• Promote and represent SPC and KiriLEAD in meetings with key stakeholders.

Stakeholder engagement, networking and partnerships

• Support stakeholder engagement, networking and coordination to advance KiriLEAD objectives and outcomes
• Coordinate and engage in Program Steering Committee Meetings, working groups and other technical committees in support of KiriLEAD implementation

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• A postgraduate qualification in program management, development, human rights, law, gender, international relations or other relevant social science from a recognized university or equivalent body of knowledge and experience

Technical expertise

• At least 10 years of development experience working in the field of human rights, gender equality, CSO engagement and social inclusion in the Pacific.
• Programming, developing, delivering and reporting against work plans.
• Strong understanding of challenges and opportunities in working with Government Ministries and CSOs in the Pacific context particularly in the Kiribati context.
• Knowledge of organisations (including civil society, government, and private sector) and individual leaders working in various areas of human rights and gender equality
• Demonstrated capacity to interact with various stakeholders and facilitate linkages between organisations.
• Proven record of accomplishment in coordination and partnership building with donors, governments, development partners and civil society.
• Demonstrated understanding and knowledge of Pacific cultural values and international human rights principles and standards.
• Pacific experience and an in-depth understanding of the human rights and GESI development challenges in the region.

Language skills

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English, with strong writing ability at a project donor reporting level.

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Working with a multi-disciplinary and cross-cultural team.
• Excellent interpersonal and representative skills with experience in building and maintaining effective working relationships with a range of different individuals and organisations.

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – This vacant position is budgeted until 31 December 2028.

Remuneration – the Project Adviser (KiriLEAD) is a band 11 position in SPC’s 2025 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 4,123–5,080 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately AUD 7,916– 9,753. 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.

Benefits for Staff in a position advertised internationally (EPAI) whose duty station is Tarawa– SPC provides a housing allowance of AUD 1,400–2,000. 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 10% 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.

Application procedure

Closing date: 11 January 2026 – 11:00 pm (Noumea time)

Job Reference: CR000518

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.

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. What are the top two challenges do you anticipate in delivering a project like KiriLEAD in the Kiribati small island state context? How would you address each of these challenges?
2. Please share any relevant experience you have in project set-up and establishment in a Pacific context. In your response, please briefly include: The specific project site, scope and financial scale involved; A key achievement; How you addressed any changes in scope, if any.
3. Drawing on any prior experience, please outline how small grants schemes can be effectively managed where subgrants are provided to CSOs in remote areas/outer islands?