Principal Adviser

The Pacific Community (SPC) invites applications for the position of Principal Adviser located 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, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.

The role – Principal Adviser is a member of the Director-General’s Office and reports to the Deputy-Director General (DDG) in the regional office based in Suva, Fiji. The role will handle complex tasks and multiple responsibilities simultaneously, with demonstrated understanding of the dynamics of Pacific Island region, governments and development partner relationships. The Principal Adviser will facilitate an effective liaison between the DDG and other constituencies including high-level officials, heads of ministries or ministerial offices, including representing DDG at regional or international meetings as needed. The role will provide strategic advisory services to DDG on policy initiatives driven by external clients and partners, and coordinate flow of work from DDG’s office to divisions and vice-versa.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

• Support DDG in relationship management with member states and national governments, including SPC focal points and ministers
• DDG Office representation and external relations, including coordination within the Council of Regional Organisations of the Pacific (CROP) system
• Strategic advisory services to the Deputy Director-General

For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the job description provided.

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field such as international development, business administration or management

Knowledge and experience

• At least 15 years of experience with 10 years of experience in a senior leadership role at an international level
• Extensive knowledge and experience in the Pacific region, including the government mechanisms and protocols
• Understanding of international development priorities
• Previous experience working with national administrations including liaising with Senior Government Officials and Ministers

Essential skills

• Excellent relationship management skills, diplomacy and tact
• Ability to engage with donor processes and meet reporting requirements
• Advanced technical report writing skills, including the ability to analyse and report on issues
• Ability to deliver effective SPC meeting processes for Executive and members including logistical issues and management of papers

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 – Three years

Remuneration – The Principal Adviser is a Band 13 position in SPC’s 2019 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 3,890‒4,863 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 11,476–14,345 (USD 5,524–6,905; EUR 4,657–5,821). 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 1,230–2,750 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.

Equal opportunity – SPC is an equal opportunity employer. Recruitment is based entirely on merit; in cases where two short-listed candidates are judged to be of equal rank by the selection committee, preference will be given to Pacific Island nationals.

Child protection – SPC is committed to child protection, irrespective of whether any specific area of work involves direct contact with children. SPC’s Child Protection Policy is written in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Police clearance – Successful candidates will be required to provide a police clearance certificate.

Application procedure

Closing Date – 8 January 2020

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.

Applicants should not attach copies of qualifications or letters of reference. These documents may be requested at a later stage.

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. The Pacific Community does not support dual spouse employment.

Please ensure that you respond to all the screening questions.  If you do not respond to the screening questions, your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed at the shortlisting stage.

Screening Questions:

Briefly describe (400 words or less):

1. Your experience working with Pacific Island Countries and Territories governments and regional organisations within the Pacific region.
2. In your opinion, what are the key challenges currently facing the Pacific region?
3. Your experience in working with development partners and donors.
4. Your best two examples in working with governments on public policy processes in the Pacific region.
5. What is your understanding of integrated programming, and how would this be applied in the context of SPC.