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Organic and Agroecology Productions Systems Officer

Suva

  • Organization: SPC - Pacific Community
  • Location: Suva
  • Grade: Level not specified - Level not specified
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Food technology (Food tech)
  • Closing Date: Closed

  • Suva-based position (Fiji)
  • Competitive 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 Organic and Agroecology Productions Systems Officer will oversee the gathering, training, implementation, and monitoring of Agroecology best practices for climate adaptation in the countries that will benefit from the Organic Learning Farms Network project, funded by the Kiwa Initiative, and implemented by SPC, and in Pacific Organic Learning Farm Network (POETCom). 

The key responsibilities of the role include: 

  • Capacity Building in organic and agroecological practices in the context of climate adaptation and biodiversity conservation
  • Technical Advice
  • Stakeholder Liaison 

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

Key selection criteria 

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in, tropical agriculture, forestry, environmental science, climate change or related field. 

Knowledge and experience

  • At least 5 plus years’ experience working with organic or agroecology sector or sustainable agriculture
  • Established network within the organic and agroecology community
  • Good knowledge of climate change and biodiversity issues in the Pacific 

Essential skills

  • Good knowledge of climate adaptation issues in the agriculture sector
  • Proven representative experience through work at the national, regional, and international levels with a particular focus on advocacy, with a view to developing and maintain key relationships
  • Excellent computer skills across necessary applications including database management
  • Understanding of organic practices 

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

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 Organic and Agroecology Productions Systems Officer is a Band 8 position in SPC’s 2021 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 1,994‒2,493 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 6,022–7,528 (USD 2,772–3,465; EUR 2,446–3,058). 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 1,350–3,000 per month. Establishment and repatriation grant, removal expenses, airfares, home leave travel, health and life insurance are available for eligible employees only. 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 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 12 August 2021 – 11:45pm Fiji time

Applicants must apply online.

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 shortlisting stage.

Screening Questions: 

  1. Describe the importance of short- and long-term nutrient cycling in field crop and forestry food systems. How can nutrient cycling best be demonstrated as a teaching tool for other farmers as well as non-farmer/consumers?
  2. What is Integrated Pest Management [IPM] and what are the benefits and challenges of practicing IPM in Pacific countries?
  3. How can biodiversity be assessed and tracked over time on a small farm converting to organic production?

JD - Organic and Agroecology Productions Systems Officer (LRD).pdf

This vacancy is now closed.