Ridge to Reef Science Officer (x2)

• Attractive local package
• Friendly and supportive team environment
• 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 surveillance, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. 

The Geoscience Energy and Maritime Division provides advice, technical assistance, research and training support to Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs). There are three areas of scientific programming and two areas of focus within this division: 

1. Oceans and Maritime – Driving growth in blue economies through well-informed and inclusive action from integrated solutions for ocean and coastal management and maritime and transport.
2. Geo-resources and Energy – Strengthening the management of the Earth’s non-living resources through responsible harnessing of mineral resources, including metalliferous and development minerals, and clean and renewable energy resources, such as solar, wind, and geothermal for sustainable development.
3. Disaster and Community Resilience – Improving resilience and sustainability through the management of disaster risk and assessment of hazards. This includes building resilience through wider support for climate change, disaster risk management (DRM) initiatives, and water and sanitation initiatives. Several regional climate change projects are housed in this programming area. 

The Ridge to Reef Science Officer (x2) will provide support in delivering the science workplan of the GEF Pacific R2R program and the Regional IW R2R project. The role also supports development and use of R2R scientific and geospatial data systems and tools, and provides capacity building to support decision making, information and knowledge management, and analysis and provision of primary assistance in the planning, managing, monitoring and progress reporting, and preparation of publications.  

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

• Scientific and Technical Inputs (fieldwork, data processing & analysis, reporting & publication)
• Programme Management support (regional & national support tools and systems)
• Contribute to enhancing Partnership and Resource Mobilization
• Support to Communication, Information Management and Knowledge Sharing 

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

Key selection criteria 

Qualifications

• Degree in any of the disciplines of environmental or natural resource science with a focus on ecosystem and integrated natural resource management or related fields 

Knowledge and experience

• At least 2 years relevant working experience in conducting environmental and resource assessments/ surveys in a range of ecosystems from land to sea
• Familiar with range of software relevant software useful for data processing and analysis
• Knowledge and practical hands-on demonstrable experience and exposure implementing ridge to reef project related tasks
• A minimum of 2 years relevant experience with ecological survey methods, data management, and analysis 

Essential skills

• Excellent analytical skills and experience in producing technical reports for publication
• Excellent technical writing and communication skills and experience in facilitating workshops
• Good understanding of database management and data quality controls
• Scientific scuba diving skills
• Excellent working with multidisciplinary teams, interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity
• Some Knowledge and experience in land-sea resources modelling, GIS/Geospatial Data Systems 

Language skills

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written) 

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment

Salary, terms and conditions 

Contract Duration – until 1 March 2022 

Remuneration – This is a full-time Band 7 position in SPC’s 2021 salary scale, with a commencing taxable salary range of 2,232-2,790 per month, plus local staff benefits. An offer of appointment for an initial contract will 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.

Recruitment principles - SPC’s recruitment is based on merit and fairness, and candidates are competing in a selection process that is fair, transparent and non-discriminatory. SPC is an equal-opportunity employer, and is committed to cultural and gender diversity, including bilingualism, 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 be given to the Pacific Islander.

Applicants will be assured of complete confidentiality in line with SPC’s Privacy Policy.

Application procedure 

Closing Date – 9 May 2021 – 11:45pm Fiji time

Applicants must apply online.

Hard copies of applications will not be accepted.

To be considered for this role, you must provide us with: 

• an updated resume
• 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. 

Please ensure that you respond to all of 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. 

Only Fijian citizens are eligible to apply for this role. 

Screening Questions: 

1. Explain the ridge to reef concept?
2. Land-sea connectivity underpins natural resource management. Please explain why this is important in PICs.
3. Why is it important to adopt a science-based approach in managing ecosystem goods and services?