Human Rights & Social Inclusion Adviser

• 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 27 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 Human Rights and Social Development Division has a vision for just, equitable and resilient Pacific societies and it aims to achieve this by advancing human rights, equality and social inclusion for all Pacific people, grounded in cultural values and principles. The work of this Division includes work previously undertaken by the Regional Rights Resource Team (RRRT) in the area of human rights and the Social Development Programme (SDP) in the areas of gender equality and social inclusion, culture and youth development.

In line with its vision, the work of the Division will encompass the following focal areas:

• Objective 1: Governance for human rights and social development: strengthen inclusive, transparent and active governance for human rights and social development.
• Objective 2: Gender equality and social inclusion: mobilise, empower and build conditions for gender equality, equity and social inclusion in society and development.
• Objective 3: Culture: promote, preserve and protect positive expressions of culture.
• Objective 4: Social innovation and learning: enhance knowledge, learning and innovative solutions to accelerate impact on human development priorities.

The role – Human Rights and Social Inclusion Adviser will provide technical advice, assistance and capacity building under the HRSD work programme with a focus on developing and mainstreaming a People-centered Approach to development and assist in facilitating capacity building for staff of HRSD. As the role requires working across the objectives of the HRSD work programme, the Adviser will have a matrix reporting relationship with other Team Leaders in this regard 

The key responsibilities of the role include:

• Provide technical assistance and support to mainstream a People-centered Approach to development
• Capacity development for programme delivery
• Support stakeholder engagement, networking and coordination
• Project management and people management

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

Key selection criteria

 Qualifications

• A postgraduate qualification in development, human rights, law, gender, international relations or other relevant social science from a recognised university or equivalent work experience

Knowledge and experience

• At least 7 years of development experience working in the field of human rights, gender equality and social inclusion, and/or youth development, with at least 5 years of working in the Pacific region
• Experience in mainstreaming human rights-based, gender and social inclusion approaches in development and integrated programming
• Experience in designing training and capacity building programmes and materials to mainstream human rights, gender and social inclusion into development       

Essential skills 

• Programming skills, including developing, delivering, and reporting against work plans
• Ability to translate text-heavy documents or information into user-friendly materials for a wide range of audiences

Language skills

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written), with strong writing ability at a donor project reporting level

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary, cross-cultural, inclusive and equitable environment
• Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to work with a wide range of individuals

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – 3 years until 30 June 2025 – subject to renewal depending 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 Human Rights and Social Inclusion Adviser is a Band 11 position in SPC’s 2022 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 3,015‒3,769 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 8,896–11,120 (USD 4,312–5,390; EUR 3,619–4,523). 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 are 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 – 19 May 2022 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)

Job Reference: CB000303 

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 with contact details for three professional referees
• a cover letter detailing your skills, experience and interest in this position
• responses to all screening questions

Your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed at shortlisting stage if all the above documents are not provided. Applicants should not attach copies of qualifications or letters of reference. Please ensure your documents are in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.

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 Fiji 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.

Screening Questions (maximum of 2,000 characters per question):

1. Please provide an example of how gender, social inclusion and human rights can be mainstreamed into national food security, climate change or health policies. You can pick one of the thematic areas.
2. Describe an example from your experience of a donor-funded programme you managed. Please highlight some of the challenges you faced, what you did to overcome them and the final outcomes
3. Describe your experience in building capacity of a diverse, a multi-cultural and/or multi-disciplinary team with varying skills, capacity, and areas of expertise. What strategies did you use, what challenges did you face and how did you overcome these challenges?