Ocean Monitoring and Modelling Scientific 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 role – the Ocean Monitoring and Modelling Scientific Officer will lead and coordinate ocean monitoring and modelling activities within PCCOS in close collaboration with existing activities in other divisions.

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

1. Ocean monitoring coordination

• Advise, plan and lead physical oceanography monitoring solutions.
• Undertake fieldwork for data collection, including set-up, deployment and retrieval of various marine and terrestrial instruments.
• Perform quality checks on data.
• Coordinate archiving and distribution of data according to international data standards and formats.

2. Ocean modelling implementation designs

• Set-up ocean numerical modelling solutions to support needs and requirements from stakeholders and other SPC divisions.
• Create seamless bathymetry and topography products from various datasets.
• Ensure the modeling solutions developed are calibrated/validated.
• Keep up to date with modelling and oceanographic technology.
• Advice on computational needs to sustain numerical modelling activity.
• Process and analyze model results together with in-situ data collection to support science-informed decision.

3. Operationalizing, archiving and visualization of models and real time observations

• Identify the architecture, infrastructure, and interfaces to data sources, tools supporting automated data loads, security concerns, analytic models, and data visualization best suited for the members countries.
• Automate frequent tasks by way of programming to speed up workflow.
• Ensure operational models are reliable, data and system are backup to guarantee long term sustainability of the implemented systems.
• Ensure proper archiving and distribution of data, in accordance with international standards.

4. Data collected is fed in SPC member countries SDG 14 dashboard indicators

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

Key selection criteria

1. Qualifications

• MS in oceanography, ocean engineering, data management or related fields.

2. Technical expertise

• At least 3 years of working experience on oceanography projects including in-situ observations, modelling, and data archiving/display.
• Good level of computer literacy, experience with computer programming and specialized physical oceanographic and open-source modelling software packages, specifically SWAN, Wave Watch III, SCHISM, ROMS.
• Experience with data handling and display systems (THREDDS, TerriaJS, …).
• Experience with databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL, …).
• Academic knowledge on physical processes relating to tropical reef-fringed environments in the tropical Pacific.
• Experience with oceanographic field instrumentation used in coastal and ocean surveys.
• Sound knowledge of operational ocean forecasting and monitoring.
• Capable and organized report preparation and communication skills
• Strong Analytical skills and ability to master new technology quickly.
• Aptitude for the provision of high-quality service.
• Ability to mentor and provide necessary training and transfer of skills as demanded by the project or the team.

3. Language skills

• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills in English.

4. Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.
• Knowledge of Pacific Island countries and territories is an advantage.

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – This vacant position is budgeted until 1 July 2023 and is subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

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 Ocean Monitoring and Modelling Scientific Officer is a band 9 position in SPC’s 2021 salary scale, with a starting salary range of SDR (special drawing rights) 3,140-3,829 per month, which converts to approximately XPF 459,673-560,502 (USD 4,365-5,322; EUR 3,852-4,697). 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 is 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 fair, 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: 27 June 2021 – 11:00 pm (Noumea time).

Job Reference: AL000396

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. If any, describe one or more modelling project your worked on, by clearly stating your role in the project. Indicate URL if a visualization tool is available online.
2. If any, describe one or more field observation campaign your participated on. Describe in details your role and responsibilities.
3. Describe any experience with database implementation and/or management, and any experience with geo-spatial data archiving, distribution or display.