Science Networks and Knowledge Management Officer

• Noumea-based position
• Attractive expatriate package
• Join the principal development organisation in the region

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 unique 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 Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems (FAME) Division is one of SPC’s oldest Divisions and it has been providing scientific and technical expertise to support fisheries management and sustainable development in the Pacific for over 60 years. FAME’s goal is that fisheries resources of the Pacific region are sustainably managed for economic growth, food security and environmental conservation. FAME includes the Oceanic Fisheries Programme (OFP) and Coastal Fisheries Programme (CFP). OFP is the region’s centre for oceanic fisheries science and information, providing essential data collection, data management and modelling and analysis services to the Pacific. CFP provides science and technical support to PICTs to enhance the management of coastal fisheries, and the sustainable development of aquaculture and nearshore livelihoods across the region. The work of OFP and CFP are supported by the FAME Director’s Office, which includes the Information Section, communications, and monitoring, evaluation and learning.

The role – the Science Networks and Knowledge Management Officer will be responsible for providing high-level support on technical content development and knowledge management for FAME programmes/projects to enable the division to enhance its scientific communication and knowledge management effectiveness to achieve better research and development outcomes.

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

1. Develop and curate scientific and technical knowledge products

• Support the development of consistent programme-based technical and scientific outputs in line with the strategic direction of FAME.
• Undertake technical writing to translate scientific papers and written outputs into content appropriate for a wider range of audiences and stakeholders.
• Support FAME communication and publication activities.
• Support national and regional uptake of regionally accumulated scientific knowledge from FAME programmes.

2. Develop, maintain and update content for the FAME website and web portals

• Identify and curate technical content for the FAME websites, associated web portals and the Pacific Data Hub ensuring consistency of the materials.
• Develop technical and scientific content for the FAME website.
• Ensure that FAME knowledge products available online are curated so that information available includes that which is current, relevant and aligns with FAME’s strategic direction and advice to members and partners.

3. Contribute to FAME scientific networks and communities of practice

• In collaboration with other FAME team members, scope and implement appropriate and effective knowledge capture and sharing activities and tools around core thematic areas.
• Support FAME team members to develop and maintain knowledge networks and learning communities of practice.

4. Division-wide knowledge management capacity and support

• Provide mentoring and support to FAME staff in relation to the development of scientific and technical knowledge products and knowledge management more broadly.
• Support FAME team members to enhance internal knowledge sharing and knowledge management systems and approaches.
• Provide training, mentoring and support to FAME staff in relation to the development of scientific and technical knowledge products
• Organise regular training for FAME staff to improve their scientific communication skills, including training in scientific writing for the public.

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

Key selection criteria

1. Qualifications

• Masters level qualifications in a relevant field such as science, natural resource management, knowledge management, international development.

2. Technical expertise

• At least 5 years of experience in knowledge management, science networking or communications.
• Experience in international organisations, including knowledge sharing and stakeholder engagement.
• Proven record in developing technical and scientific knowledge products, scientific analysis and knowledge dissemination.
• Skilled in the use of databases and systems for visualising, entering, processing/cleaning and extracting data, including experience with web-based monitoring and reporting systems.
• Strategic thinker with well-developed analytical skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Experienced stakeholder consultation processes and the development of knowledge management systems.

3. Language skills

• Excellent communication and writing skills in English.

4. Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Strong people skills (influencing and relationship building) and ability to work in a multi-cultural and gender-sensitive environment.
• Ability to train and motivate divisional staff on knowledge sharing and technical content development for a broad range of audiences.
• Knowledge of Pacific Island countries and territories is an advantage.

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – This vacant position is budgeted for 3 years and is subject to renewal depending on performance and funding.

Due to the current travel restrictions caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic, and the priority SPC places on its staff safety, health and well-being, please note that there may be delays in taking up the appointment. These matters will be discussed thoroughly with successful candidates. In most cases, any appointment and on-boarding would only commence when relocation to the duty station is permitted.

Remuneration – the Science Networks and Knowledge Management Officer is a Band 10 position in SPC’s 2021 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 3,490–4,267 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately XPF 510,921–624,563 (USD 4,852–5,931; EUR 4,282–5,234). An offer of appointment for an initial contract will 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. SPC salaries are not presently subject to income tax in New Caledonia.

Benefits for international staff employees based in New Caledonia SPC provides subsidised housing in Noumea. Establishment and repatriation grant, removal expenses, airfares, home leave travel, health and life and disability insurances and education allowances are available for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Employees are entitled to 25 working days of annual leave per annum and other types of leave, 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.

Recruitment principles – SPC’s recruitment is based on merit and fairness, and candidates are competing in a selection process that is faire, transparent and non-discriminatory. SPC is an equal-opportunity employer, and is committed to cultural and gender diversity, including bilinguism, and will seek to attract and appoint candidates who respect these values. Due attention is given to gender equity and the maintenance of strong representation from Pacific Island professionals.  If two interviewed candidates are ranked equal by the selection panel, preference will begiven to the Pacific Islander. Applicants will be assured of complete confidentiality in line with SPC’s private policy.

Application procedure

Closing date: 28 March 2021 – 11:00 pm Noumea Time.

Job Reference: AL000378

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 with 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.

All positions at SPC have specific screening questions. If you do not respond to all of the screening questions, your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed at shortlisting stage.

Screening questions (maximum of 2.000 characters per question):

1. What are the key concerns scientists have in sharing their science with the public and the language used in doing so?
2. What are the key differences in how a piece of science would be reported on a web page contrasted with in a direct email to fisheries managers?
3. What is the most difficult science story you have had to tell and why?