Integrated Programme Coordinator (Biosecurity, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standards)

• Suva-based position (Fiji)
• Attractive expatriate package
• Join the principal development organisation in the Pacific 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 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 Land Resources Division (LRD) provides advice, technical assistance, research and training support to Pacific Island countries and territories on all aspects of agriculture and forestry. This includes plant protection, conservation, plant genetic resources, animal health and production, agroforestry, biosecurity and trade facilitation, and sustainable systems for agriculture, forestry and land management. This work has two objectives: improved food and nutritional security, and resilient communities. The division’s services are provided through seven technical/thematic teams: Animal Health and Production; Plant Health; Biosecurity and Trade Facilitation; Forest and Agriculture Diversification; Crop Production and Extension; Genetic Resources; and Forests and Trees.

The role – Integrated Programme Coordinator (Biosecurity, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standards) will coordinate and manage the resources, activities and responsibilities identified for the Biosecurity, Sanitary and Phytosanitary work of LRD in collaboration with LRD operational pillars and stakeholders in the Pacific Region. This role will initiate and take active part in Biosecurity, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standards fora with key stakeholders to provide advice, develop and undertake programmes that will contribute to improved SPS and reduced Biosecurity risks.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

• Resource mobilisation and planning
• Policy and technical advice
• Coordination, communication and harmonisation
• Monitoring and evaluation

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• A degree in agricultural science, veterinary bioscience or environmental science with a specialisation in biosecurity (quarantine) or trade related disciplines

Knowledge and experience

• At least 7 years of experience in the quarantine/ biosecurity/ sanitary and phytosanitary sectors
• Experience in a professional environment dealing with national or international trade related quarantine policy and procedures
• Good knowledge of relevant international biosecurity and trade agreements, conventions and protocols, regional trade agreements and how they impact on biosecurity, biosafety, food quality and the environment
• Familiarity with biosecurity systems and practices in the PICTs       

Essential skills

• Leadership skills with ability to conduct consultations with a wide range of stakeholders from varying backgrounds
• Project management skills, including project design, management and reporting
• Excellent financial management skills
• Ability to train PICTs Biosecurity/ Quarantine teams on Biosecurity and SPS issues

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 – 3 years

Remuneration – The Integrated Programme Coordinator (Biosecurity, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standards) is a Band 11 position in SPC’s 2021 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 3,015‒3,769 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 9,107–11,383 (USD 4,191–5,239; EUR 3,699–4,624). 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 – 19 May 2021

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. SPC may assist on a case-by-case basis with submissions to Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their consideration and final approval. SPC cannot and does not make any guarantee whatsoever of approval for such applications to the Fijian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and where an application is approved, the spouse or partner will subject to such terms and conditions as may be set from time to time by the Ministry.

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 shortlisting stage.

Screening Questions:

1. What is the role of the Pacific Plant Protection Organisation in the region?
2. How is biosecurity linked to SPS and how will the two promote trade in the Pacific region?
3. Provide an example of an emerging threat that has recently entered the Pacific region and what measures are being taken to slow its progress?