GCCA+ SUPA Project Technical Officer

• 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 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 Project Technical Officer will assist with the technical delivery of Output 3 of the

The Project Technical Officer will assist with the technical delivery of Output 3 of the Global Climate Change Alliance (GCCA) Plus Scaling up Pacific Adaptation (SUPA) project, to scale-up resilient climate change adaptation development measures in specific sectors in ten countries. The Project Technical Officer will work across sectors and countries to scale-up resilient climate change adaptation development measures in specific sectors in ten countries. The Project Technical Officer will work across sectors and countries to:

• standardise adaption measures, prepare checklists and guidelines, and verify the scaling up methodology;
• prepare technical and supporting documents for service contracts and grant agreements and help coordinate their delivery; and
• contribute to the overall delivery of the project.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

• Conduct a compilation and analysis of the technical and socio-economic data from all the project’s climate change adaptation measures such that the methodology for scaling up climate change adaptation is verifiable and the results suitable for publication.
• Prepare the technical terms of reference and supporting documents for service contracts and grant agreements covering the climate change adaptation activities in each of the ten countries. Assist the project team with the coordination of the technical delivery of the service contracts and grant agreements.
• Undertake research and analysis of synergies within sector measures (water security, health and nutrition, coastal protection and marine resources) and the preparation of guidelines/checklists for standardization of measures in the ten countries included in the GCCA+ SUPA project.
• Contribute to national and regional training, technical exchange, capacity building and communication activities, and coordinate closely with CROP agencies delivering Outputs 1 and 2 of the project.

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

Key selection criteria 

Qualifications

• Post graduate degree in natural resources management, environment management, climate change or a related field.

Knowledge and experience

·         At least 6 years professional experience working with Pacific Island countries in areas relating to climate change, disaster risk management and capacity building

·         At least 4 years’ experience working in regional/international organisations to design and deliver donor-funded, climate change projects in the Pacific islands

·         Demonstrated experience with the implementation of multi-sector projects in a cross-cutting field such as climate change.

 Essential skills

·         Proven track record in the monitoring and evaluation of project outputs.

·         Experience with multi-stakeholder participatory and consultative approaches including gender sensitive and rights-based approaches.

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 – 13 months – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance

Remuneration – The Project Technical Officer is a Band 8 position in SPC’s 2022 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 1,994‒2,493 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 5,883–7,354 (USD 2,852–3,565; EUR 2,393–2,991). 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.

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.

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 – 11 June 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 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. SPC applies a people centred approach to the delivery of climate change adaptation projects and utilises a PLANET approach (Participation, Link to rights, Accountability, Non-discrimination, Empowerment, Transforming social norms). Select the two most relevant components of the PLANET approach for delivering climate change adaptation measures in Pacific islands and justify your selection.
2. Describe one climate change adaptation measure involving on-the-ground activities, in which you have been involved. Identify two key results and two key challenges.
3. Delivering on-the-ground climate change adaptation measures in the outer islands of Pacific countries brings many challenges. Based on your experience, identify the two most important challenges and how you would go about addressing them.