Principal Strategic Programming Adviser

• Suva-based position (Fiji)
• Leadership role
• Join the principal development organisation in the region

The Pacific Community (SPC) invites applications for the position of Principal Strategic Programming Adviser located in its Director General’s Office, at its regional office in Suva, Fiji.

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 26 country and territory members. In pursuit of sustainable development to benefit Pacific people, our organisation works across more than 20 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 context - SPC is building upon its strengths and previous programming efforts to adopt a programming design (PDA) that utilises all forms of evidence and intelligence developed through Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (PMEL) practices to identify lessons in order to provide efficient and integrated development responses and outcomes to our member countries and territories. This approach should, among other things, recognise and incorporate the broader socio-economic context in which the project takes place. It should also recognise: strategic priorities at country level; opportunities for adding value through integration; linkages to key development challenges and outcomes; the role of and complementarity with other development actors; and prospective resources and potential opportunities. The PDA will also identify linkages between national and regional development challenges and help define the level at which SPC’s work will have the most impact. In short, this approach will help SPC determine the development outcomes it strives to support and the modality through which impact will be best achieved, including through single or multi-sectoral approaches. The proposed PDA will synthesise and apply learning, and identify development solutions to meet members’ development objectives through SPC’s scientific and technical support. SPC recognises that the PDA is evolutionary and will need further support, including to scale and strengthen operationalisation of a programmatic implementation process. It will require a sound process of programme and project development, communications, reflection, and learning for an adjustment to internal processes, and evolution in the organisational structure.  Overall, the PDA constitutes a positive shift in the way SPC conducts its business and seeks to maximise support to its members.

The key areas of responsibility for the position are broadly identified below.

• Develop, design and implement the integrated programming design approach (with recognition of the particular cultural and developmental context of SPC).
• Provide strategic leadership, insight and facilitation support to the programming support team
• Development and implementation of databases and systems to assist divisions, programmes and projects throughout the lifecycle of the programming process.
• Provide ongoing support and advice to the Deputy Directors-General (Suva and Noumea).
• Promote and drive a programming approach to ensure a ‘best practice’ and Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) focus.

For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the Job Description provided.

Key selection criteria

1. Qualifications

A postgraduate degree in strategic or corporate planning, public policy, economics, project management, international development, programme development business or public administration.

2. Technical expertise

At least twelve years of relevant experience in development of programmes and projects. Extensive experience in the design or management of integrated programmes, understanding of social development programmes and projects, and thorough knowledge of the project management cycle.

Demonstrated experience and knowledge of M&E systems and tools. Excellent financial management skills and experience in preparing budgets.

Experience working for an international organisation or NGO in a similar role. Proficient in team management techniques. 

3. Essential skills

Proven ability to influence work collegially and in partnership with stakeholders and internal partners towards an agreed outcome. Demonstrated skills and experience in continuous improvement and facilitating innovation across teams. Excellent communication skills in English (both oral and written). Analytical skills and attention to detail. High emotional intelligence and professional maturity in risk assessment and goal-setting. 

4. Language skills

Excellent English language skills, with a working knowledge of French being an advantage. 

5. Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

Good interpersonal skills. A team player, with the ability to network and work effectively in a multicultural setting. Cultural sensitivity, and a demonstrated understanding of developing country environments. Knowledge of Pacific Island countries and territories is an advantage.

Salary, terms and conditions

Required starting date – Immediate

Contract duration – 3 years

Remuneration – The Principal Strategic Programming Adviser is a Band 13 position within SPC’s 2017 salary scale, with a starting salary range of SDR (special drawing rights) 3,814–4,767 per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 11,213–14,016 (USD 5,301–6,627; EUR 4,822–6,028). An offer of appointment for an initial contract will normally 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 Fiji; Fiji nationals employed by SPC in Fiji will be subject to income tax.

Benefits for international staff employees based in Fiji. SPC provides a housing allowance of FJD 1,170–2,625 per month. Establishment and relocation grant, removal expenses, airfares, home leave, medical and life insurance and education allowances are available for eligible employees and their recognised dependents. Employees are entitled to 25 days of annual leave and 30 days of sick leave per annum, and access to SPC’s Provident Fund (contributing 8% of salary, to which SPC adds a matching contribution).

Languages – SPC’s working languages are English and French.

As an equal-opportunity employer, SPC recruits on merit; however, if two interviewed candidates are ranked equally by the selection committee, preference will be given to nationals of Pacific Island countries and territories.

Application procedure

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
• contact details for three professional referees
• a cover letter detailing your skills, experience and interest in this position
• responses to all screening questions

Please ensure your documents are in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.