Project Manager, Strengthening Water and Sanitation Governance in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM WASH)

• Pohnpei 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 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 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 role – the Project Manager, Strengthening Water and Sanitation Governance in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM WASH) will be responsible for the overall implementation of the FSM WASH project. This involves providing high-level strategic and technical advice on the Project; day-to-day management, coordination, and oversight of operations and finances; performance and quality control; supporting monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning; and reporting to the Pacific Community (SPC), DCRP, GEM Division, European Union (EU) and the Government of the FSM. Stakeholder engagement, relationship management and staff management are critical to success in the role.

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

Overall management, delivery and reporting of the FSM WASH project

• Lead the detailed design of project activities, including overseeing preparation of multi-year and annual costed project plans, procurement plans, contract listings, asset registers, risk registers, exit/transition, and closure plans.
• Ensure project objectives are sustainably realised, and activities are implemented in accordance with: project beneficiary priorities, formal agreements; and the operational policies and procedures of SPC and the Government of the FSM.
• Ensure robust project management, administration, knowledge/records management systems and processes are established and streamlined taking into account technical realities, accountability and decision-making requirements and timing, and competing demands on stakeholder time.
• Ensure project financial management is sound and in accordance with SPC, donor and audit requirements.
• Coordinate and manage all project procurement and contract/grant management requirements for funded services, supplies and equipment.
• Oversee monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning (MERL) within the project in line with Government, SPC and EU requirements, including: managing the design and implementation of MERL plans, systems, and processes; and implementing MERL recommendations.
• Prepare high-quality and timely progress and completion reports and work plans for Government, SPC and the EU.

Provision of high-level strategic and technical expert advice and support to Government on governance, financing, and monitoring and reporting mechanisms in support of improved WASH outcomes

• Support the DoRD to undertake a comprehensive review of governance arrangements for the water and sanitation sector in the FSM, undertake detailed feasibility assessments of governance options and establish national governance baselines.
• Coordinate the completion of a WASH sector governance report, including recommendations to Government on National-level arrangements that will enable an effective, coordinated and cohesive approach to water and sanitation.
• Facilitate support to Government to implement the recommended reforms, including through drafting necessary legislation, regulations and/or procedures to enable the establishment of new institutional roles and functions.
• Facilitate support to Government in the establishment of other recommended roles and functions to support national coordination, monitoring and reporting of water and sanitation investments
• Facilitate support to Government in the development of new approaches to mobilise and manage the financial resources necessary to support the achievement WASH objectives at all levels.
• Facilitate support to Government in the development and implementation of a practical monitoring, evaluation and reporting framework to gauge progress towards national and state goals for water, sanitation and hygiene.

Coordination of effective engagement and consultation with WASH actors, stakeholders and partners

• Working closely with the National Capacity and Facilitation Lead, provide support and coordination to the undertaking of necessary consultations.
• Support the finalisation of all policy products based on the output of stakeholder consultations and the directions of Government.
• Coordinate the convening of a National Water Forum to launch and socialize the Policy.

Provision of targeted capacity strengthening of WASH actors and stakeholders (Government and non-Government) in the FSM

• Lead the provision of support to strengthen the capacity of Government and stakeholders to effectively participate in water and sanitation policy and planning processes, and to implement recommended reforms over the longer term.
• Support communication through key community entry points (including within vulnerable and marginalised groups) and promote champions to advocate for accelerated water and sanitation action.
• Conduct targeted awareness, education and behavioural change activities to support the contribution to water and sanitation outcomes at all levels.

People Management

• Oversee the recruitment of FSM WASH project management unit (PMU), technical and in-country coordination staff and contractors in accordance with SPC policies and procedures.
• Provide direct supervision and performance management of PMU staff in accordance with SPC policies and procedures.
• Actively schedule time for staff guidance and make yourself available for team members with concerns at all other times.
• Work to motivate and encourage the team especially during stressful times, encouraging flexibility for delivery of tasks when needed.
• Support the health, safety, and wellbeing of team members.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• A postgraduate degree from a recognised institution in a relevant discipline such as water resources management, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), public policy, rural and regional development, natural resources management, climate resilience, disaster risk management or project management or equivalent body of knowledge and experience.

Technical expertise

• At least 10 years in similar project or programme management positions, ideally in the Pacific Islands region.
• Experience of managing projects being simultaneously implemented at multiple levels – national, sub-national and community (including in remote island locations).
• Thorough understanding of adaptive and results-orientated project management, including: project-cycles; log-frames; financial forecasting and reporting; procurement and contract management; MERL; and risk management.
• Understanding of applying gender and social inclusion approaches to development and mitigating adverse environmental impacts
• Demonstrable experience in leading and motivating culturally and disciplinary diverse and dispersed teams.
• Sound knowledge of organisational affairs and systems and processes.
• Experience in managing and mentoring staff and their performance to achieve high productivity and ensure staff wellbeing.
• Thorough understanding of water and sanitation challenges, solutions, priorities, and coordination in the Pacific region.

Language skills

• Good communication skills in English.

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Knowledge of Pacific Island countries and territories is an advantage.

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – This vacant position is budgeted until 31 December 2028 and is subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – the Project Manager, Strengthening Water and Sanitation Governance in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM WASH) is a Band 12 position in SPC’s 2025 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 4,614–5,701 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately USD 6,136–7,582. 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. Remuneration of expatriate SPC staff members is not subject to income tax in Federated States of Micronesia; Federated States of Micronesia Nationals employed by SPC in Pohnpei will be subject to income tax.

Benefits for Staff in a position advertised internationally (EPAI) whose duty station is Pohnpei – 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 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: 18 January 2026 – 11:00 pm (Noumea time)

Job Reference: CR000531

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. Briefly outline your experience in the design, development and implementation of Government policy, and how this experience is relevant to this role.
2. Provide a recent example of how you managed the successful implementation of a complex project involving multiple stakeholders and actors, and outline the most important factors in its success.
3. Briefly describe your understanding of the key water security challenges facing communities of the Federated States of Micronesia, and how you came to gain this understanding.