JOB DESCRIPTION
| Job Title: | Technical Officer – Ocean Observations |
|---|---|
| Division/Programme and Section/Project: | Geoscience, Energy and Maritime Division (GEM) |
| Location: | Suva, Fiji |
| Reporting to: | Team Leader– Technical Assessment with dotted line to Team Leader – Ocean Prediction and Monitoring |
| Number of Direct Reports: | 0 |
| Purpose of Role: | The jobholder provides technical hands-on support for SPC’s regional ocean observation and monitoring activities, with a primary focus on wave monitoring systems. The role operates within SPC’s technical workshop capability, supporting the deployment, maintenance, and operational sustainability of wave buoys, while contributing to other in situ ocean observing systems (e.g. ADCPs, water-quality sensors, and multi-sensor platforms) across SPC member countries, including applications relevant to fisheries, maritime, and ocean and climate services. The position coordinates and undertakes field operations, supports the development and application of standard operating procedures (SOPs), and contributes to improving the quality, continuity, and accessibility of ocean observation data through agreed data management practices, in support of Ocean Prediction and Monitoring services. The role also contributes to strengthening cross-divisional ocean observing systems at SPC, working closely with Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems (FAME) programmes, and supports the use of ocean observations to improve access to sea safety information and contribute to more reliable ocean forecasting and early warning services in the Pacific region. |
| Date: | July 2026 |
Organisational Context and Organisation Chart
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 surveillance, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.
The Geoscience Energy and Maritime (GEM) Division provides advice, technical assistance, research and training support to Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs). There are four (4) areas of scientific programming within this division:
- 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.
- Georesources and Energy Programme (GEP) – assists member countries by applying technical knowledge in the areas of geoscience and sustainable energy use.
- 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.
- Earth and Ocean Observation Services – Promoting spatial data and systems analysis and capacity to improve decision-making to improve resilience and sustainable resource management.
Key Result Areas (KRAs):
The job of Technical Officer - Ocean Observations encompasses the following major functions or Key Result Areas:
- Wave and Ocean Monitoring System (40%)
- Maintenance, Troubleshooting and Technical support (15%)
- Data Quality Assurance, Data Management Procedures & SOP Development (15%)
- Procurement and Asset Management (%15)
- Capacity Building, Stakeholder Engagement & Programme Support (15%)
The performance requirements of the Key Result Areas are broadly described below
| Jobholder is accountable for | Jobholder is successful when |
|---|---|
| KRA#1 – Wave and Ocean Monitoring System - Deployment and Field Operations |
| - Plan, coordinate, and participate in deployment, recovery, and redeployment of wave buoys and other in situ ocean observing instruments, in collaboration with SPC teams and national counterparts, including participation in diving operations where required. - Undertake or contribute to site assessments, mooring design and deployment planning ensuring alignment with local environmental conditions and operational requirements. - Lead or support offshore and coastal field operations, ensuring compliance with SPC safety and operational procedures, and alignment with mission objectives. - Prepare mission plans, risk assessments, and field operation reports, documenting technical outcomes, issues encountered, and lessons learned. - Coordinate, where relevant, with FAME technical teams to align deployment planning, and operational approaches across ocean observation systems. | - Field operations, including deployment, recovery, and redeployment missions, are well planned, efficiently coordinated, and executed safely in compliance with SPC safety and operational procedures, resulting in minimal disruption to data continuity and effective management of risks and incidents. - Deployment decisions reflect local environmental and operational conditions, supporting secure, effective, and sustainable instrument placement. - Offshore and coastal operations are conducted in accordance with SPC procedures, with risks anticipated, mitigated, and managed effectively. - Mission plans, risk assessments, and post-mission reports are completed to a high standard and support follow-up actions, learning, and continuous improvement. |
|---|---|
| KRA#2 – Maintenance, Troubleshooting and Technical support - Provide technical maintenance and troubleshooting support for wave buoys and other in-situ ocean observing systems, including sensors, telemetry, power systems, and moorings, in collaboration with national counterparts, SPC teams and service providers. - Plan and coordinate preventative and corrective maintenance activities, to ensure operational availability and longevity of observing systems. - Diagnose technical faults, recommend corrective actions, and support their implementation by relevant SPC teams, service providers, or national partners. - Maintain accurate maintenance logs, calibration records, and technical documentation to support asset tracking, audits, and knowledge transfer. - Monitor and maintain an up-to-date record of data telemetry and communication service subscriptions, and coordinate renewal actions in collaboration with relevant staff to avoid service interruption. - Liaise with equipment manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers to support repairs, warranty claims, technical advice, and system upgrades. - Monitor ocean observation data streams to identify anomalies, data gaps, or system faults, and initiate timely corrective actions. - Coordinate with relevant SPC technical teams, including FAME programmes, to support | - Maintenance and troubleshooting support is delivered in a timely and effective manner, contributing to improved reliability and operational availability of observing systems. - Technical faults are accurately diagnosed, and appropriate corrective actions are identified and implemented, minimising recurrence and avoidable downtime. - Maintenance activities, calibration checks, and system interventions are clearly documented and support continuity of knowledge across SPC teams and national partners. - Engagement with manufacturers and service providers results in effective repairs, technical resolutions, and informed decision-making on system maintenance and upgrades. - Data telemetry and communication subscriptions are renewed and managed proactively, ensuring continuity of service with no avoidable interruptions - Routine monitoring identifies data transmission or system performance issues early, enabling prompt action to prevent prolonged data loss. |
| consistency in maintenance standards, telemetry solutions, and lifecycle management approaches across ocean observing systems. | |
|---|---|
| KRA#3 – Data Quality Assurance, Data Management Procedures & SOP Development - Support the application of agreed data management and data quality assurance procedures for wave buoys and other in situ ocean observing systems, in line with SPC and country arrangements. - Support the timely and reliable ingestion of observation data from SPC-supported systems into SPC and agreed national data management platforms. - Work with national counterparts to support the sharing and integration of country-owned observation data in accordance with agreed processes and data governance arrangements. - Contribute to the development, maintenance, and application of standard operating procedures (SOPs) covering deployment, maintenance, data handling, and incident response. - Coordinate with modelling, forecasting, ICT, and data management teams to ensure observation data and metadata are documented, traceable, and suitable for agreed operational and analytical uses. - Support alignment and interoperability of data management practices between observing systems operated by GEM and other SPC programmes (including FAME), to enable integration of ocean observation data for forecasting, fisheries, and ecosystem applications. | - Data management and quality assurance procedures for SPC-supported ocean observation activities are effectively supported and applied in line with agreed practices. - Observation data are ingested into SPC and agreed national systems in a timely and reliable manner, with appropriate technical support provided to teams and counterparts. - National counterparts demonstrate improved understanding and capability in managing, sharing, and ingesting ocean observation data. - Data and metadata documentation support traceability, continuity, and effective handover between staff, teams, and national partners. |
| KRA#4 – Procurement and Asset Management - Provide technical input to procurement processes for ocean observing equipment and services, including preparation of technical specifications, participation in evaluations, and engagement with suppliers, in line with SPC policies and procedures. - Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of ocean observing assets, including inventories, warranties, servicing requirements, and lifecycle status, to support effective planning, maintenance, and sustainability of observing systems. - Coordinate logistics for ocean observing equipment, including shipping, customs clearance, insurance, and freight documentation, in collaboration with SPC logistics, procurement, and finance teams. | - Procurement inputs are timely, accurate, and support the acquisition of fit-for-purpose ocean observing equipment and services. - Asset records are accurate and up to date, supporting effective maintenance, and lifecycle planning. - Equipment logistics are well coordinated, with minimal delays and required documentation in place. - Asset and procurement documentation supports audit requirements and programme reporting. |
| - Ensure asset and logistics documentation is complete, current, and accessible to support audits, reporting, and effective handover between staff and teams. - Support asset lifecycle management by tracking servicing needs, identifying replacement requirements, and contributing to forward planning and budgeting. | |
|---|---|
| KRA#5 – Capacity Building, Stakeholder Engagement & Programme Support - Deliver hands-on technical training and mentoring, to strengthen national capacity in the deployment, maintenance, and use of ocean observing systems. - Support country missions, regional workshops, and capacity-building activities related to SPC-supported ocean monitoring programmes. - Maintain effective working relationships with national and regional stakeholders, including meteorological services, maritime and hydrographic authorities, fisheries agencies to enable coordinated delivery of ocean monitoring activities. - Contribute technical inputs to programme planning, mission preparation, and reporting, including preparation of technical sections of donor and programme reports. - Provide technical and field support, as required, to other ocean monitoring activities undertaken by the Ocean Prediction and Monitoring Team - Contribute to cross-divisional collaboration with FAME programmes, supporting joint planning, and coordinated delivery of ocean observing activities across SPC. - Engage with the Pacific Community Centre for Ocean Science (PCCOS) to support alignment between ocean observing activities and regional scientific priorities, and emerging regional research and innovation initiatives. - Support SPC's engagement with regional and global ocean observing coordination mechanisms, including the Pacific Islands Global Ocean Observing System (PI-GOOS), and the Pacific Islands Marine and Ocean Service (PIMOS) Panel | - National counterparts demonstrate increased confidence and capability in operating and maintaining ocean observing systems with reduced reliance on external support. - Capacity-building activities are well targeted, practical, and aligned with operational needs of SPC-supported programmes. - Technical contributions to programme planning and reporting are timely, accurate, and support decision-making and accountability. - Stakeholder relationships are effective and support coordinated delivery of ocean monitoring activities. |
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 role involves frequent regional travel, including to remote island locations, to support field deployments, maintenance activities, and capacity-building missions.
- Fieldwork, including underwater diving operations, is undertaken in challenging marine and environmental conditions and may involve offshore operations requiring a high level of safety awareness, judgement, and compliance with SPC operational procedures.
- Periods of extended or irregular working hours may be required during deployments, recoveries, or time-critical operational activities.
- The role requires a high degree of autonomy and professional judgement in planning and executing technical activities, while operating within agreed programme priorities and governance arrangements.
Functional Relationships & Relationship Skills:
| Key internal and/or external contacts | Nature of the contact most typical |
|---|---|
| External - National meteorological offices - Fisheries, Maritime, hydrographic, and relevant agencies in SPC member countries - Shipping Agents - Regional and international partners supporting ocean observation and monitoring activities - Customs agents - Equipment manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers | - Technical assistance, knowledge transfer - Peer to Peer Exchange - Coordinate and communicate logistics and operational activities - Preparation and coordination of shipment documentation - Working alongside Technical Partners on technical visits. - Professional engagement with vendors including transactional relationship, receiving guidance on specific equipment, peer to peer exchange, and providing reality check. |
| Internal - Technical Assessment Team - Team Leader – Technical Assessment - Team Leader – Ocean Prediction and Monitoring - Ocean Prediction and Monitoring Team - Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems (FAME) Division technical teams - PCCOS team - PI-GOOS - Finance Associate and Procurement / Logistics teams | - Peer-to-peer exchange, shared technical practices, mentoring, and skills sustainability within the workshop capability - Workshop hosting, technical coordination, and day-to-day management - Functional direction, programme delivery priorities, and coordination of OPM-led activities - Modelling, forecasting, and operational ocean services - Joint planning, coordination, and delivery of ocean observing activities, including alignment of deployment strategies, shared infrastructure, and integration of observation data for fisheries, ecosystem, and ocean services applications. - Coordination on scientific priorities, data use, and alignment between operational observing systems and regional research and innovation agendas. |
| - Technical coordination, and contribution to regional and global ocean observing frameworks. - Coordination of procurement, logistics, and administrative processes |
|---|
Level of Delegation:
Routine Expenditure Budget: Overall operational budget managed by the role: 0 Euro
Budget Sign off Authority without requiring approval from direct supervisor: 0 Euro
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: |
|---|---|
| - Degree in electronics, electrical engineering, marine science or technology, ocean instrumentation, or a closely related technical discipline or an equivalent body of knowledge and experience. - Valid driving licence (or ability to obtain one). - Open Water Diving certification or equivalent occupational diving certification, and fitness to undertake work-related diving activities. | - Professional or occupational diving qualification or demonstrable experience undertaking supervised work-related diving operations. - Training or certification relevant to marine safety, first aid, or field operations. - Experience operating small vessels or ability to obtain a small-craft or equivalent licence where required. - Demonstrated ability to operate safely in marine and offshore field environments. |
Knowledge/Experience
| Essential: | Desirable: |
|---|---|
| - Minimum 4-5 years' progressive technical experience in marine, oceanographic, environmental monitoring, or related operational fieldwork. - Demonstrated experience in the deployment, recovery, commissioning, testing, and validation of in situ observation systems, such as wave buoys, moorings, current meters (e.g. ADCPs), or multi-sensor platforms. - Practical experience maintaining and troubleshooting marine instrumentation, including sensors, telemetry, power systems, and associated electronics. | - Experience working in Pacific Island Countries and Territories, particularly in remote or logistically constrained environments. - Familiarity with data management workflows, quality control, and operational use of ocean observation data. - Exposure to asset management systems, including inventories, warranties, or lifecycle planning. - Awareness of relevant international or regional frameworks supporting ocean observation or marine services (e.g. |
| - Experience supporting or applying preventative and corrective maintenance practices, including record-keeping and technical documentation. - Understanding of marine field operations, including site selection, environmental conditions, operational risks, and safety requirements. - Experience delivering hands-on technical training or mentoring to adult learners or technical counterparts. - Proven ability to work effectively with government agencies, technical services, and regional partners. - Strong oral and written communication skills in English. | - operational oceanography, maritime safety, climate services). - General understanding of SPC's regional mandate and development context. - Familiarity with regional ocean observing coordination mechanisms (e.g. PIMOS, PI-GOOS) and cross-sectoral applications of ocean observation data (e.g. fisheries, maritime safety, climate services). |
|---|
Key Skills/Attributes/Job Specific Competencies
The following levels would typically be expected for the 100% fully effective level:
| Expert level | - Practical expertise in ocean observing systems, particularly wave buoys and associated sensors, moorings, power systems, and telemetry. - Strong technical troubleshooting and fault diagnosis capability, including equipment repair and system recovery. - Ability to conduct, supervise, and document diving operations related to deployment, inspection, maintenance, and recovery of submerged equipment. - Sound understanding of calibration requirements and their implications for data quality and operational integrity. |
|---|---|
| Advanced level | - Proven ability to plan and execute marine field operations, including offshore and coastal deployments, under challenging conditions. - Strong problem solving skills, with the ability to learn new systems and technologies quickly. - Ability to deliver hands on training and knowledge transfer to national technical counterparts. - Preparation of clear technical reports, mission documentation, and SOP inputs. |
| Working knowledge | - SPC procurement, logistics, and asset management procedures relevant to technical equipment and field operations. - Use of digital tools for asset tracking, data review, and technical reporting. - Effective oral and written communication in professional and cross cultural settings. - Provision of timely, reliable technical support within agreed operational frameworks. |
| Awareness | - SPC Regulations and Policies - Awareness of regional ocean observing frameworks and coordination mechanisms (e.g. PIMOS, PI GOOS) and their role in supporting ocean services. - Understanding of the applications of ocean observation data for fisheries, maritime safety, and ocean and climate services. |
- General awareness of SPC's mandate, cross-divisional collaboration, and the Pacific regional context.
Key Behaviours
All employees are measured against the following Key Behaviours 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
Change to Job Description:
From time to time it may be necessary to consider changes in the job description in response to the changing nature of the work environment – including technological requirements or statutory changes. Such change may be initiated as necessary by SPC. This Job Description may also be reviewed as part of the preparation for performance planning for the annual performance cycle.
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