Culture Adviser

• Suva-based position (Fiji)
• Attractive 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 27 country and territory members. In pursuit of sustainable development to benefit Pacific people, our unique organisation works across more than 25 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 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) around 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: mobilize, 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 – Culture Adviser will provide technical assistance, advisory support and programme management on Human Rights and Social Development (HRSD) and SPC’s culture programme. The adviser will also manage and coordinate the ACP-EU project and develop project proposals and design documents on Culture for Development activities. 

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

Programme Management

• Manages SPC’s component of the ACP-EU project, including implementation planning and monitoring, problem solving, managing budget execution, donor contract compliance, and donor narrative and financial reporting

Project Design and Proposals

• Contribute to the development of new culture and cultural and creative industries and culture for development programmes within HRSD including designing contextual and culturally relevant project methodologies

Technical Assistance and support on Culture and the Cultural and Creative Industries, and coordination around People Centred Approach and Culture for Development

• Support Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTS) governments and civil societies to implement and deliver on culture and cultural and creative industry commitments

Support stakeholder engagement, networking and coordination

• Support stakeholder engagement, networking and coordination to advance divisional objectives at national, regional and institutional levels

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• A postgraduate qualification in cultural management, tourism, social science, anthropology or other relevant social science from a recognized university

Knowledge and experience

• At least 7 years of working experience in the culture, cultural industries, and/or culture and development field with project management experience with at least 3 years of working in the Pacific
• Demonstrated knowledge of key issues, measures and developments in the field of cultural industries and culture more generally

Essential skills

• Demonstrated knowledge of working on or with international and regional frameworks and projects in the cultural field
• Demonstrated experience in the design and implementation of culture programmes, projects and policies, including working at government and non-government level, with practitioners, managers and producers
• Proven experience of the culture sector generally and the nexus between culture and sustainable development
• Demonstrated research, analytical and writing skills and ability to work across sectors
• Proven ability in organizing and convening bi-lingual regional, sub-regional and national events
• Sound knowledge of culture and development issues in the Pacific Islands region
• Proven ability to develop and sustain professional partnerships, including working with governments, civil society and development partners

Language skills

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

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Significant communication skills and experience working in a multi-disciplinary and cross-cultural team
• Excellent interpersonal and representational skills with experience in building and maintaining effective working relationships with a range of different individuals and organisations

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – 3 years – 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 Culture 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 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 bilinguism, 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 begiven to the Pacific Islander. Applicants will be assured of complete confidentiality in line with SPC’s private policy.

Application procedure

Closing date: 31st August 2022 – 11:59 pm (Fiji time)

Job Reference: KK000014

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 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.

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

1. Please summarise your experience working with Pacific Island Countries and Territories to advance the work on culture.
2. What are some challenges you can foresee in trying to address culture as an enabler and driver for sustainable development?
3. What do you think are the priorities for the development of the cultural and creative industries in the pacific region?