Senior Specialist Oceanography x 2

• 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 Geoscience Energy and Maritime Division provides advice, technical assistance, research and training support to Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs). There are three (3) areas of scientific programming and two areas of focus within this division:

1. Oceans and Maritime Programme (OMP) – assists member countries with services that provide applied ocean science and knowledge for evidence-based policy-making and technical solutions for improved ocean and maritime governance, management and capacity development.
2. Georesources and Energy Programme (GEP) – assists member countries by applying technical knowledge in the areas of geoscience and sustainable energy use.
3. Disaster and Community Resilience Programme (DCRP) – assists member countries to demonstrate strengthened resilience through integrated action on disaster risk management, climate change adaptation, natural resource management and increased access to water and sanitation.

The other two focus areas within this division are Programming and Operations, which is responsible for driving integrated programming excellence and operational support across the division, and Geoinformatics, which is responsible for providing diverse, integrated, and unique and demand-driven information and spatial data services across SPC work programmes, projects and countries.

The role – Senior Specialist – Oceanography (x2) will develop and implement solutions to strengthen ocean and coastal prediction and monitoring services. In addition, to address coastal risk management issues having relevance and significance to the people and governments of SPC member countries enabling them to improve their capacities, plan, manage and develop their natural resources in a sustainable way. This will be achieved through the application and development of scientific tools such as numerical modelling and applied research in the context of large ocean small island developing states.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

• Specialist technical country support
• Applied research and development
• People management
• Project support and implementation

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Master of science degree in a relevant field such as coastal engineering or oceanography from a recognised university

Knowledge and experience

• At least 5 years of experience on applied multidisciplinary projects, including modelling and solving problems related to hydrodynamics of coastal systems such as waves, circulation, dispersion, pollution and storm surge, and tsunami inundation
• Expert knowledge on physical processes relating to coastal inundation in tropical reef-fringed environments
• Experience with oceanographic field instrumentation used in coastal and nearshore surveys
• Sound knowledge of operational ocean forecasting and monitoring     

Essential skills

• Expert level computer literacy, experience with computer programming and specialised physical oceanographic and open-source modelling software packages, specifically Delft3D-FM and XBeach
• Capable and organised report preparation 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
• Ability to set priorities to meet deadlines

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 31 December 2022 – possibility of extension based 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 Senior Specialist – Oceanography 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 1,350–3,000 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 – 25 October 2021 at 11:59pm 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. What are the limitations in using global ocean forecast products to trigger early warning in Pacific Island countries and territories?
2. You are the lead scientist in a project that plans to develop an inundation forecast system in one Pacific Island country. During the project inception workshop, a stakeholder asks you to explain the reasons why SPC does not simply replicate a system already existing in Europe or North America. Please provide 2 reasons.