- Suva-based position (Fiji)
- Competitive 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 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 Land Resources Division (LRD) provides effective expert scientific advice, capacity building and services on conservation, development and utilization of plant genetic resources, forest and landscape management, resilient agricultural systems, diversification of livelihood strategies and access to markets to maintain ecosystem services and improve land productivity and the food, nutrition security and resilience of Pacific communities. LRD has expertise in genetic resource conservation, resilient agriculture, biosecurity, pest and disease management, agricultural extension, plant pathology, entomology and animal health. It collaborates with governments, regional organisations, civil society and other SPC divisions to pinpoint the needs and priorities of Pacific countries and communities and provide technical expertise to address them. This mission is realized through four main thematic work areas, or pillars, and a progressively integrated approach to programming that works towards achieving SPC’s development goals.
The role – Project Implementation Officer – Pacific Organic Learning Farms Network (POLFN) is responsible for working with collaborating entities in the POLFN countries (Fiji, Tonga and Solomon Islands) to support and conduct trainings and procurements, to improving peer-to-peer exchanges and knowledge sharing between projects stakeholders at every level.
The key responsibilities of the role include:
Project Coordination
- Support the implementation of the Organic Learning Farms Network and associated farmers clusters including coordination of mapping and implementation planning activities.
- Assist with project monitoring, reporting, problem solving and budget execution.
- Contribute to the coordination of economic and capacity building activities for the Organic Learning Farms.
- Support the collection and monitoring of data from participating countries.
Capacity Building
- Support national stakeholders to identify and coordinate training and capacity building needs at country level.
- Collaborate with the Project Manager, POETCom staff and Farm Advisors to support the development of training materials, toolkits and learning modules.
- Implement and assist with the delivery of internal and external training activities.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Support effective stakeholder management by contributing to strong, collaborative working relationships with project stakeholders.
- Raise awareness of project activities at national level to help scale-up pilot initiatives.
- Respond to information requests ensuring information flow between national stakeholders and the Project Manager.
- Address the needs of Organic Learning Farms and Cluster Farmers as they arise.
Procurement Support
- Undertake project procurement activities for Components 1 and 2 in line with SPC procurement policies and procedures.
- Ensure all evaluations for goods are well supported and endorsed in a timely manner.
- Ensure all service providers and vendors are well informed of the SPC procurement requirements and timelines.
- Work with the Finance Officer to fully implement the procurement plan for Organic Learning Farms and Farmers Clusters support.
- Ensure that all project expenses are supported by appropriate and compliant documentation.
For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description.
Key selection criteria
Qualifications
- Degree in tropical agriculture, forestry, GIS, governance, management, development studies, social science or equivalent body of knowledge and experience.
Technical expertise
- At least 4 years of relevant field experience.
- Demonstrated understanding of Pacific farming systems.
- Proven project implementation experience.
- Commitment to organic and agroecological approaches.
- Good knowledge of climate change and biodiversity issues in the Pacific.
- Good knowledge of climate adaptation issues in the agriculture sector.
- Practical experience in supporting financial, human resources and administrative aspects of project implementation, including coordination with stakeholders and tracking project progress and deliverables.
Language skills
- Excellent English communication skills (oral and written) with a working knowledge of French being an advantage.
Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness
- Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment.
Salary, terms and conditions
Contract Duration – Until 31 March 2027
Remuneration – The Project Implementation Officer is a band 8 position in SPC’s 2026 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 2,146‒2,683 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 6,632–8,290 (USD 2,876–3,595; EUR 2,595–3,244). 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 1,500–5,200 per month. Establishment and repatriation grant, removal expenses, airfares, home leave travel, health and life and disability insurances and education allowances are available for employees. Employees are entitled to 25 working days of annual leave per annum and other types of leave, prorated on contract length 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 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: 26 April 2026 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)
Job Reference: JM000941
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):
- Describe a time when you had to map and engage with key stakeholders for a project. How did you ensure effective communication, stakeholders’ engagement and maintain relationships?
- Describe a situation where you successfully managed conflicting stakeholder feedback or concerns. How did you ensure effective communication, stakeholders’ engagement and maintain relationships?
- Describe your experience in supporting procurement for external partners. What specific tools and processes did you use to maintain accurate project documentation and ensure compliance with reporting requirements?
Position Description