Facilities Manager

• Suva-based position (Fiji)
• Attractive expatriate package
• Join the principal development organisation in the Pacific region

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 Operations and Management Directorate (OMD) provides corporate services to all SPC divisions and programmes. It consists of three key teams: Finance, Human Resources and Information Services. OMD is focused on improving the effectiveness of systems, policies and management so as to provide high-quality customer-oriented services.

The role – Facilities Manager is responsible for managing all SPC facilities and assets in Fiji, and insurance coverage for SPC in all locations.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

• Provide leadership of the Facilities team that ensures effective management of SPC Facilities (in Fiji) and SPC’s assets in compliance with SPC’s Assets and Small Value Items Policy.
• Develop, plan and manage all SPC properties and infrastructure in Fiji, including construction of works, and support facilities to ensure effective day to day operations, timely maintenance and upkeep, occupational health and safety and security.
• Work with stakeholders to determine office space requirements and ensure that appropriate office space work environment is in place for the effective operations of the occupying unit.
• Ensure that SPC properties in all locations and other corporate risks are adequately insured and the corporate broker arrangements are managed effectively.
• Manage facilities cost recoveries and budget to ensure the recovering adequately cover the cost of maintaining the properties and periodic major refurbishment works.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study, including project management, finance or accounting.

Knowledge and experience

• At least 10 years of experience managing a team with responsibility for implementation of maintenance and capital works projects
• Experience with managing complex construction and maintenance projects
• Experience in asset management
• Experience working in an international and multicultural environment                                                                                                                                                                                                

Essential skills

• Construction and project management skills, including budgeting, compliance, financial management and health and safety
• Ability to do construction project costing, read building plans and write reports
• Asset and insurance management skills
• Management and leadership skills
• Excellent analytic and communication skills
• Customer service approach
• Change management skills

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 – 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 Facilities Manager is a Band 10 position in SPC’s 2021 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 2,512‒3,140 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 7,586–9,483 (USD 3,492–4,364; EUR 3,081–3,852). 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 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 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 – 22 September 2021 at 11:45pm Fiji time

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. Please provide examples of construction and maintenance projects you have managed. Highlight what challenges you faced in project management, and what you did to overcome these challenges.
2. What do you consider are the keys to the successful management of facilities and assets in an organisation such as SPC which has different stakeholders across multiple locations?