Specialist, Coastal Numerical

• Exciting international development programme
• Suva-based position (Fiji)
• Join the principal development organisation in the region

The Pacific Community (SPC) invites applications for the position of Specialist, Coastal Numerical Modelling located at its regional office in Suva, Fiji.

Description

The Pacific Community 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 Geoscience Division – The division has three technical work programmes: Geoscience for Development, Water and Sanitation, and Disaster Reduction. Its 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 technical advice and assistance in the areas of water, waste-water, sanitation, disaster risk management, mapping and surveying (including GIS and remote sensing) and natural resources economics.

The role - The Specialist, Coastal Numerical Modelling is responsible for the effective and timely development and implementation of hydrodynamic numerical models throughout the Pacific region, with a primary focus on coastal hazard modelling and the development of coastal impact forecasting tools. The specific objective is to ensure that partners and stakeholders have the understanding and skills to use the products and information developed, and that model data are relevant and accessible. The key responsibilities of the role include:

Project support and implementation

• Support national and regional projects with data acquisition, including fieldwork, and reporting obligations.
• Assist with the development of work plans, timelines and outputs and provide strategy and advice on oceanographic data collection campaigns and numerical modelling requirements.
• Undertake fieldwork for data collection, including set-up, deployment and retrieval of various marine and terrestrial instruments.
• Assist in drafting concepts for projects and for upscaling/replication of projects, ensuring that these meet the objectives of the work plan and requirements of Pacific Community members.

Numeric modelling

• Manage the implementation of numerical models of coastal areas including, but not restricted to, Hydrodynamic and Wave models.
• Build weather and climate variability and change scenarios based on statistical/probabilistic studies.
• Provide advice on regional and national oceanographic/modelling issues as well as the computational needs to sustain numerical modelling activity.
• Test/modify modelling programmes and ensure integration of output into GIS system and databases.

Training and information transfer

• Support online information sharing and accessibility for stakeholders with a client focused approach.
• Service data requests from stakeholders and industry partners and support internships, training, and professional attachments.
• Forge close linkages with other climate and weather information services and ocean related projects.
• Conduct training to assist member country nationals to understand and apply modelling outputs to coastal zone management and risk reduction, and contribute to the delivery of general ocean-related training in the Pacific through workshops.
• Create graphical output to ensure the knowledge transfer from the model to stakeholders.

For a more detailed account of the key result areas, please refer to the job description provided on-line.

Key selection criteria

1. Qualifications

Master’s degree in coastal engineering or oceanography from a recognised institution.

2. Technical expertise

At least five years of experience working on multidisciplinary projects, including modelling and solving problems related to hydrodynamics of coastal systems such as waves, circulation, dispersion, pollution/storm surge and tsunami inundation; demonstrated ability to use specialised physical oceanographic and open source modelling software packages – specifically Delft3D-FM and XBeach; knowledge of operational wave forecasting and physical processes relating to coastal inundation in tropical reef-fringed environments.

3. Essential skills

High degree of problem-solving with an ability to master new technology; ability to provide necessary training and transfer of skills as demanded by the project; possess an aptitude to provide high quality service; excellent communication and report writing skills.

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 strong awareness of Pacific region issues relating to vulnerability to ongoing stressors and extreme events; knowledge of Pacific Island countries and territories is an advantage.

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – Two years

Required start date – This position is immediately available.

Remuneration – The Specialist, Coastal Numerical Modeller is a Band 10 position in SPC’s 2017 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 2,403‒3,003 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 7,016–8,770 (USD 3,340–4,175; EUR 3,038–3,797). 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 or considered.

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 that your documents are in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.