Coastal Risk Monitoring Officer

• 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 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 (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 Coastal Risk Monitoring Officer will support in the areas of ocean and coastal prediction and monitoring services. The job holder is responsible for the effective and timely delivery of survey data as well as supporting the implementation of coastal risk monitoring and inherent technical training programme in country to address coastal risk management issues having relevance and significance to the peoples and governments of SPC member countries and enabling them to improve their capacities, plan, manage and develop their natural resources in a sustainable way. 

The key responsibilities of the role include: 

• Coastal risk survey lead
• Specialist technical country support
• Project management support
• Technical capacity building 

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

Key selection criteria 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in GIS, environmental science, disaster risk reduction or related field 

Knowledge and experience

• At least 6 years’ experience in coastal risk assessment and monitoring related fieldwork including data processing
• Experience in designing and conducting technical trainings
• Experience in data management system
• Sound experience and knowledge in GIS and remote sensing related to coastal risk assessment and monitoring 

Essential skills

• Experience in managing teams in the field during surveys
• Sound knowledge of the disaster risk framework, its implementation at various scales and inherent challenges in the regional context
• Knowledge on physical processes relating to coastal hazard in the Pacific region
• Capable and organised report preparation and communication skills 

Language skills

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written) with a working knowledge of French being an advantage 

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Excellent interpersonal skills in the multicultural environment of the Pacific Islands

Salary, terms and conditions 

Contract Duration – Until 31 December 2022 

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 Coastal Risk Monitoring Officer is a Band 9 position in SPC’s 2021 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 2,229‒2,786 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 6,731–8,413 (USD 3,098–3,872; EUR 2,734–3,417). 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 relocation grant, removal expenses, airfares, home leave, medical and life insurance and education allowances are available for eligible employees and their recognised dependents. Employees are entitled to 25 days of annual leave and 30 days of sick leave per annum, 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 – 3 November 2021 at 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 short-listing stage.

Screening Questions: 

1. Based on your understanding of SPC, please describe how SPC is placed to support the strengthening of coastal monitoring capacity in PICTs?
2. Please describe what Coastal Risk Monitoring is and the disciplines involved.
3. Please identify the challenges and opportunities to strengthen Coastal risk monitoring in PICTS.