JOB DESCRIPTION
| Job Title: | Implementation Advisor (EU-FSM SEAM Project) |
|---|---|
| Division/Programme and Section/Project (if any): | Geoscience, Energy and Maritime Division (GEM), Georesources and Energy Programme (GEP) |
| Location: | Micronesia Regional Office (MRO), Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) |
| Reporting to: | Deputy Director – GEP, GEM Division |
| Number of Direct Reports: | 0 |
| Purpose of Role: | Under the supervision of the Deputy Director – GEM, GEP, the Implementation Advisor will coordinate project implementation activities and provide advise and support to the Project Management Team in the delivery of European Union (EU) Sustainable Energy and Accompanying Measures Project for the FSM under thematic area 2, Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (REEE). As a member of the Project Management Team (PMT), this individual will have technical knowledge of the energy sector. The implementation advisor will also serve as the deputy project manager. |
| Date: | September 2026 |
Organizational Context and Organization Chart
The Pacific Community (SPC) is the principal scientific and technical organisation in the Pacific region, proudly supporting development since 1947. As an international development organisation owned and governed by our 27 country and territory members, SPC works for the well-being of Pacific people through the effective and innovative application of science and knowledge, guided by a deep understanding of Pacific Island contexts and cultures. (https://www.spc.int/).
The Geoscience, Energy and Maritime (GEM) Division of SPC has four work areas: Oceans and Maritime, Energy and Georesources, Disaster and Community Resilience and Earth and Oceans Observation Services (EOO). GEM services to SPC's members include assessments of the potential of ocean and onshore mineral resources, maritime boundary data collection, coastal protection and management, geo-hazard assessment, and strategic and technical advice and assistance in the areas of water and sanitation, disaster management and building community and environmental resilience. This includes adaptation action to climate change, and mapping and surveying (including GIS and remote sensing).
The EU-FSM SEAM project (EU-FSM Sustainable Energy and Accompanying Measures for the Federated States of Micronesia) overall objective is to enable the FSM population to utilize affordable, reliable and
environmentally sound energy services and benefit from transparent and efficient management of public funds. The activities targeted to be captured under the EU-FSM SEAM project will assist FSM to reduce its GHG emission, contribute to achieving its national endorsed commitments, and increase energy security at the national and state level in a sustainable manner through a people-centered approach.
The project has four thematic areas which involve separate partnerships with the EU, the World Bank (WB), the FSM National government, SPC and Micronesia Conservation Trust (MCT). The thematic area under SPC's purview is Thematic Area 2, which has a focus to increase access to renewable electricity and support private sector investment in energy efficiency and renewable energy. The key outputs of Thematic Area 2 for SPC's work focus include:
- Output 0: Supportive instruments to project management
- Output 1: Policy, institutional and legislative structures are reviewed.
- Output 2: Capacity building in energy planning and management, and monitoring and evaluation
- Output 3: IPPs and jointly funded grid-connected renewable energy and energy efficiency projects
- Output 4: Renewable energy systems and technologies are promoted especially in remote communities and among youth and women.
The project is delivered by a team of skilled professional specialists from SPC, in collaboration with FSM National and State government partners, regional and local partners.
Key Result Areas (KRAs)
The position of Implementation Advisor encompasses the following major functions or Key Result Areas:
- Facilitate the successful implementation of the project as per the Action Outputs and specific Activities
- Contribute to the cooperation, facilitation and delivery of stakeholder's engagement to the successful delivery of project outcomes
- Provide technical advise to the policy planning and monitoring, training and technical assessments and implementation of the energy services in selected States
The performance requirements of the Key Result Areas are broadly described below.
| KRA #1 - Facilitate the successful implementation of the project as per the Action Outputs and Activities (50%) | |
|---|---|
| Jobholder is accountable for | Jobholder is successful when |
| - Contribute to the training of personnel and consultants and services required for the implementation of the action - Support the development of detailed activity components and annual workplan to the PMT - Work with the Project Management Team in the preparation of overall and annual project work plans, procurement plan, gender integration plans, communication plans, risk strategies, exit and closure strategies - Facilitate the overall coordination and joint implementation of the monitoring and evaluation framework of the FSM National Energy Policy and Energy Master and States Energy Master plans - Support the management of all funded services, supplies and equipment in accordance with procurement requirements of the SPC, donor and project beneficiaries - Participate in the preparation and timely submission of progress and annual reports and work plans for the EU, FSM National government and Project Steering Committee (PSC) - Engage in the development and presentation of project activities, progress and briefings to national energy working group and energy state working groups, energy sector institutions, and donor representatives - As and when required provide the necessary advice and assistance to the Project Management Team. | - Terms of References are developed, service contracts are in place, and consultants are remunerated based on performance and deliverables - Engaged in the project planning and review of annual work plan and budget - Support mechanisms including a Communication and Visibility plan, Monitoring and Evaluation framework with Risk management, exit and closure strategy developed and implemented - The monitoring and evaluation framework for the FSM National Policy and Energy Master Plan is developed progressed and reported to national stakeholders - The project is implemented according to the EU agreement, budget, costed work plan and the operational policies and procedures of SPC and project beneficiaries - Progress reports, costed work plans and audit reports received within set timelines and donor requirements - Briefings and reports are provided to relevant senior government officials and donor representatives when required - Project Management Team effectively supported |
| KRA #2 - Contribute to the cooperation, facilitation, and delivery of stakeholder's engagement to the successful delivery of the project outcomes (25%) | |
| - Coordinate with the national focal point, Assistant Secretary for Energy, of the Department of Resources and Development in the review of the energy policy - Facilitate and support the adoption of minimum standards and performance for | - Relevant stakeholders including youth, women and persons with disabilities are included in consultations on review, monitoring and evaluation of energy policy and FSM Masterplan |
| power sector, electrical appliances and vehicles, with support from PMT - Ensure the coordination of complementing activities to other projects implemented by other development partners such as Micronesia Conservation Trust (MCT), ADB, WB, GEF/UNDP and others - Liaise and work closely with other SPC programmes; SPC Social Development Officer in MRO, MELnet team, GEM Communication and Knowledge Management to develop and implement the project guiding documents - Collaborate with the PMT in the delivery of Project Steering Committee Meetings and National and State Energy Working Groups - Support the strengthening of coordinating responsibilities at the national and state level through policy and legislative review | - Relevant feasibility studies, situational analysis, and cost benefit analysis for minimum standards for RE, EE and vehicles are available - Discussions and meetings conducted with relevant development partners to progress the implementation of the SEAM REEE - Guiding documents available, implemented and progress including in the progress reporting to the EU and National and State Stakeholders - Power Point presentations and briefings, updates to the regional, national, and local meetings and discussions, available and shared in SharePoint/Teams - Gap analysis report and review of existing legislation is complete |
|---|---|
| KRA #3 - Provide technical advice to the policy planning, training and technical assessments and implementation of the energy services in selected States (25%) | |
| - Monitor the completed work of the SPC GEP team to deliver action outputs - In collaboration with the FSM Department of Education, FSM College of Micronesia, and other accredited training institutions, seek placements for potential students (degree levels scholarship) to train in energy planning or electrical engineering - Coordinate the selection of potential sites from Chuuk lagoon islands for potential investments with support from the PMT, Chuuk Public Utilities Corporation and Chuuk State Energy Working Group - Facilitate the completion of detailed feasibility studies including gender, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) and people centered approaches in selected lagoon islands - Facilitate the procurement of renewable energy services including installations and inspections of works in selected sites - Coordinate the delivery of energy services in Yap State with support from PMT, State Energy Working Group and Yap Services Public Utilities in Yap State | - Updated stocktake on policy, legislation, and institutions available - Partnership with training institutions developed with financial support provided for student scholarships - Potential sites from Chuuk lagoon islands selected - Detailed Feasibility Studies and Financial Plans on potential sites from Chuuk lagoon islands available - Renewable energy services and technologies successfully procured, installed, and commissioned in Chuuk lagoon islands - Energy services in Yap State identified and successfully implemented |
The above performance requirements are provided as a guide only. The precise performance measures for this job will need further discussion between the jobholder and supervisor as part of the performance development process.
Most Challenging Duties Typically Undertaken (Complexity)
The most challenging duties typically undertaken include:
- Working across multiple agencies and geographically remote States and islands to ensure delivery of result areas of the EU-FSM SEAM project
- Working across diverse technical and operational networks in the energy sector
- Delivering and coordinating project activities in remote, inaccessible neighboring islands
- Balancing work required from country counterparts with the needs of other donor funded projects in the region
- Supporting the management and delivery of expectations of national, state and energy institutions, partners and implementing agencies requirements
Functional Relationships & Relationship Skills
| Key internal and/or external contacts | Nature of the contact most typical |
|---|---|
| External | |
| - Secretary of Department of Resources and Development and Assistant Secretary for Energy - National and state government agencies, including state utilities - National and State Energy Working Groups - Representatives of donor partners and funding agencies - Recipient communities in the FSM states, especially Chuuk Lagoon islands - Private sector and industry association contacts - Consultants, vendors, and firms - Energy efficiency and renewable energy networks - Training institutions | - Consultation, reporting and negotiation - Service provision and support - Strategic collaboration (research and extension activities) - Mentoring & collaboration |
| Internal | |
| - SEAM Project Management Team and members - SPC Senior Management - GEP Deputy Director and Senior Management Team - MRO Director - SPC operations and management teams - MRO team staff - Professional staff in GEM, SDD, MRO, SPL and other divisions | - Reporting, liaising, facilitating, and coordination of project implementation advise and support activities - Advice on any sensitive or problematic issues - Budgeting, procurement, and financial reporting |
Level of Delegation
The position holder
- Routine Expenditure Budget: 0 EUR
- Budget Sign off Authority without requiring approval from direct supervisor: 0 EUR
Personal Specification
This section is designed to capture the expertise required for the role at the 100% fully effective level. (This does not necessarily reflect what the current position holder has.) This may be a combination of knowledge / experience, qualifications, or equivalent level of learning through experience or key skills, attributes, or job specific competencies.
Qualifications
| Essential: | Desirable: |
|---|---|
| - Postgraduate qualification from a recognized institution in a discipline relevant to project management and implementation, international development, and/or energy, environment or equivalent body of knowledge and experience | - Relevant qualifications in international development /development studies |
Knowledge/Experience
| Essential: | Desirable: |
|---|---|
| - At least 7-8 years in a similar project implementation position - Understanding of renewable energy, energy efficiency and climate change challenges in the Pacific - Demonstrated capability for collaborating and working in an institution with integrated programmes and involving colleagues from different countries and cultures - Understanding the FSM policy, legal and institutional arrangements and commitments towards climate change and SDG targets - Demonstrated experience working within a regional or international institutional environment - Excellent interpersonal skills in a multicultural environment such as the Pacific Islands region - Excellent English communication skills (oral and written) - Excellent computer skills across necessary applications - Driving license | - Effective communicator and skilled in liaison and negotiation with energy sector institutions - Experience working in the Federated States of Micronesia or the North Pacific islands - Experience in managing development assistance issues, in a small island context, would be an advantage - Experience in the delivery and coordination of energy and related development projects |
Key Skills/Attributes/Job Specific Competencies
The following levels would typically be expected for the 100% fully effective level:
| Expert level | - Sound policy and planning, analytical, technical, organizational, and project delivery skills - Excellent liaison skills especially with Pacific Islanders - Knowledge of energy sector, issues and challenges |
|---|---|
| Advanced level | - Ability to work with a team, comprising professionals and administrative staff, as well as ability to work independently or as part of a team - Capacity building and mentoring - Skills in prioritisation, decision making, problem solving and management of risks - Understanding of energy efficiency and renewable energy in the Pacific Islands region - Excellent command of both written and spoken English required |
| Working Knowledge | - Computer literacy, particularly with Microsoft Office and excel |
| Awareness | - SPC Regulations and Policies - Understands SPC's role in Pacific Island's development and resource management - Awareness of Pacific Island cultures and range of challenges in the regional, national and local scales. - EU programming requirements and compliance - Familiarity with social, gender and cultural issues in the Pacific - Financial management and procurement procedures |
Key Behaviours
All employees are measured against the following Key Behaviors as part of Performance Development:
- Change and Innovation
- Interpersonal Skills
- Teamwork
- Promotion of Equity and Equality
- Judgement
Personal Attributes
- High level of professional integrity and ethics
- Friendly demeanor
- Demonstrated high level commitment to customer service