Communications Officer - PEUMP Programme

• Suva-based position (Fiji)
• Competitive 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 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 Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems (FAME) Division includes the Oceanic Fisheries Programme (OFP) and Coastal Fisheries Programme (CFP). CFP’s goal is to ensure that inshore fisheries, nearshore fisheries and aquaculture in Pacific Island countries and territories are managed and developed sustainably. The programme assists governments and administrations to develop scientifically informed and socially achievable coastal fisheries management policies and systems (national and community-based). It provides a regional framework for sustainable aquaculture, including planning, research and development, and trade, for Pacific Island governments, the private sector and other stakeholders. It assists in developing sustainable nearshore fisheries in Pacific Island countries and territories to provide food security, sustain livelihoods, promote economic growth and assist climate change adaptation. 

The Pacific European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP) Programme is a 4-year project, in partnership with the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), with the University of the South Pacific (USP) implementing one component under a separate agreement with the EU. The programme is funded by the European Union and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). SPC is implementing three areas specifically the Programme Management Unit (PMU), oceanic science, and coastal science and management components. The PEUMP Programme will work in all 15 Pacific-ACP countries including Timor-Leste. 

The Communications Officer – PEUMP will lead the implementation, coordination and collaboration of the PEUMP Communications Strategy, Communications Plan, Visibility Plan and supporting knowledge management across all seven components, the implementing partners and the 15 Pacific-ACP countries. The aim of the role is to raise the profile of the PEUMP programme using multiple outreach strategies and innovative approaches to reach key audiences. This includes the fostering of strong partnerships with the donors, EU and Sweden, and the beneficiary countries. 

The key responsibilities of the role include: 

• Lead strategic direction and operational implementation of all communication activities through effective communication tools
• Forge reliable and trusting inter-agency Partnerships and Relationships across 15 participating countries, implementing partners (FFA, SPREP, USP and SPC) and donors (EU and Sweden)
• Support an Information and Knowledge Management approach
• Provide guidance and coordination including Communications capacity building for consistent and high-quality performance
• PEUMP Programme PMU Administration 

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

Key selection criteria 

Qualifications

• Post graduate degree or equivalent experience in communications, media, journalism or related discipline 

Knowledge and experience

• At least 7 years relevant experience in designing and implementing communication and visibility strategies, workplans and activities in large and complex programmes
• Demonstrated experience in devising and steering effective communication and visibility implementation approaches, systems, tools and templates
• Demonstrated leadership ability in effecting and maintaining strong stakeholder engagement and cross-organisational partnerships
• Demonstrated experience in creating and publishing scientific and/or technical content including web-based, social and digital media including experience in establishing effective regional media network partnerships for programme messaging 

Essential skills

• Demonstrated writing skills to develop communication contents for press-releases and other short communication materials (i.e. factsheets, country project fiches, texts for digital media)
• Demonstrated experience in efficient recording, storing, and sharing of knowledge materials
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office suit of programmes as well as usage of web-based management systems, good knowledge and experience in audio-visual production
• Training and facilitation experience, with knowledge of the basic principles of training and education in communications 

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 – Until 31 December 2024 

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 Communications Officer – PEUMP 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 – 10 January 2022 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. 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: 

Briefly describe (400 words or less) your understanding of, and experience and demonstrated ability in:

1. Maintaining and implementing a communications strategy for a multi-million-dollar programme and/or project you have worked on.
2. Using different approaches and media platforms including social media to communicate messages to different audiences including, amongst others, government officials and staff, private sector organisations and, members of the public such as in coastal fishing communities or similar.
3. Developing and maintaining partnerships and collaborations to work towards common programme communication goals, while ensuring the objectives of the project/programme you are working on are fully met.