Geophysics Officer

• Suva-based position
• 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 organisation works across more than 25 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 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 Geophysics Officer will support the delivery of various GEM Division projects through the provision of expert geophysics services, including geophysical surveys, data analysis/interpretation, report writing, and effectively communicating technical advice under the guidance of the Geotechnical Adviser.

Lead geophysical / geo-scientific surveys

• Lead the planning, preparation and delivery of geophysical/geo-scientific surveys in marine and terrestrial environments across the Pacific region for multiple SPC projects
• Conduct desktop research/consultations and plan surveys which are designed to achieve project objectives
• Liaise with stakeholders to organise travel and survey logistics
• Coordinate pre-survey testing, mobilisation and demobilisation of survey equipment, and ensure equipment is appropriately used
• Collect terrestrial and marine scientific data and information using appropriate geophysical/ geo-scientific survey methods and equipment) ensuring that quality data is collected and stored appropriately

Analyze and interpret geophysical / geo-scientific data, produce user-friendly outputs, and provide technical advice

• Process, analyze and interpret data using the relevant software
• Use raw and processed data to generate relevant outputs
• Write and review technical reports and outputs to meet the requirements of project deliverables
• Communicate technical information to PICT’s and relevant stakeholders

Capacity Building

• Develop capacity building initiatives to strengthen the geophysics capabilities of SPC
• Train SPC staff to undertake geophysical surveys, data analysis, and interpretation
• Evaluate SPC’s geophysical equipment/ software, provide recommendations regarding maintenance, calibration, and upgrades, and support the procurement of new equipment/software
• Implement and deliver geophysics capacity building initiatives in PICTs

Support SPC resource mobilisation efforts

• Under the direction of the Geotechnical Adviser:
  1. Support the preparation of concept notes, project proposals, work plans, consultations with stakeholders, and budgets
  2. Promote the work of the team to potential clients and donors

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science majoring in geophysics or marine geophysics from a recognized institution

Technical expertise

• At least 7 years of work experience in geophysics or postgraduate research experience
• Demonstrated experience with a variety of geophysical survey methods including, seismic reflection, gradiometer/magnetometer, multibeam/single beam bathymetry
• Demonstrated experience at geophysical data analysis and interpretation with relevant software, and technical report writing
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and coordinate activities

Language skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a diverse cultural and multi-disciplinary background
• Excellent team player and participatory skills

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – the position is budgeted until 30 June 2024.

Remuneration – The Geophysics Officer is a Band 9 position in SPC’s 2022 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 2,229‒2,786 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 6,575–8,218 (USD 3,187–3,984; EUR 2,675–3,343). 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 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: 13 December 2022 at 11:00 pm (Fiji time)

Job Reference: SH000213

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.

SPC does not charge a fee to consider your application and will never ask for your banking or financial information during the recruitment process.

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

1. What motivated you to apply for this role?
2. Please describe your experience conducting geophysical surveys, including the particular equipment and software you are competent at using.
3. Please describe the survey methodology you would use to characterise submarine aggregate resources in an atoll lagoon?