• Kiribati 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 Senior Implementation Assistant (KiriLEAD) will contribute to providing technical assistance and capacity building support to KiriLEAD stakeholders and grantees; support in-country project planning, coordination, implementation and reporting; support a needs-based assessment of grantees and identify priorities for capacity building; support the Project Adviser in project alignment with GoK and MWYSSA strategic plans and serve as the primary interlocutor with the government, in line with KV 2020, MWYSSA Strategic Plan and relevant National Policies/Legislations.

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

Assist with program planning, coordination and reporting

• Support program planning to inform annual work plans and budgets.
• Support coordination of activities and tracking of activity progress reports in line with program outcomes and objectives.
• Support technical collaboration and implementation within MWYSSA and relevant Government stakeholders.
• Support collaboration and implementation across NGO/CSO stakeholders and grantees
• Contribute to stakeholder mapping and assist with needs assessment exercises to inform program delivery in-line with the people centered and human rights approach
• Assist technical advisers and technical missions undertaken to advance the effective implementation of the program

Assist with capacity building and technical assistance

• Support the development of tools to identify stakeholder needs to inform capacity building efforts.
• Use tools and materials to strengthen organizational capabilities in-line with needs assessment.
• Contribute to technical assistance and support to stakeholders to build capacity in grant management, human rights and GESI in line with project objectives
• Assist with coordinating and facilitating capacity building trainings, workshops and meetings
• Promote and represent SPC and KiriLEAD in meetings with key stakeholders.
• Support socialization efforts and training for KiriLEAD training modules

Assist with stakeholder engagement and networking

• Support stakeholder engagement, networking and coordination to advance KiriLEAD objectives and outcomes
• Provide logistical and administrative support for Program Steering Committee Meetings, working groups and other technical committees in support of KiriLEAD implementation
• Assist in engaging with grantees through trainings and meetings across mainland and outer islands

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• A tertiary 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 3-4 years of experience working in the field of human rights, gender equality, CSO engagement and social inclusion in the Pacific
• Knowledge of delivering and reporting against work plans
• Working with a multi-disciplinary and cross-cultural team
• Demonstrated capacity to interact with various stakeholders and facilitate linkages between organizations

Language skills

• Good written and oral communication skills in English, with strong writing ability

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Demonstrated understanding and knowledge of Pacific cultural values and international human rights principles and standards

Salary, terms and conditions

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

Remuneration – the Senior Implementation Assistant (KiriLEAD) is a Band 7 position in SPC’s 2026 salary scale, with a starting salary range of AUD 17,995–22,494 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.

Benefits for Staff in a position advertised locally (EPAL) whose duty station is Tarawa – 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 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 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 Kiribati Nationals currently residing in the country or hold the proper work permit for salaried employment there.

Application procedure

Closing date: 15 February 2026 – 11:00 pm Noumea time

Job Reference: KK000105

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. Please describe your experience in managing or supporting a project in the human rights or social development sector, in the Pacific. What was your role? What was your contribution(s) to the project’s successful promotion of human rights principles and gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI).
2. Please identify and describe 2 key strategies you use to ensure there is effective communication within a project team? Provide an example of a challenging situation you encountered and describe how you approached it.
3. Please describe how you prioritize tasks when managing multiple deadlines? Provide an example of you have approached this situation when having to manage project multiple beneficiaries (outer islands included).