Statistics Adviser (Governance and Cooordination)

• Noumea-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 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 Statistics for Development Division (SDD) is based in SPC’s headquarters in Noumea, New Caledonia. The division employs approximately 20 staff, all of whom are all based in Noumea. SDD’s goal is to help the Pacific Island Countries and Territories achieve “highly competent and sustainable national statistics systems that meet national and international statistics needs for evidence-based policy, planning and monitoring.” SDD has a regional statistical system leadership and coordination role; and also supports the region directly in data infrastructure, collection, statistical methodology, analysis and dissemination.

The role – the Statistics Adviser (Governance and Coordination) will support regional and national governance and coordination relating to statistics and data, to strengthen statistical systems to meet needs for policy, planning and monitoring. The role will provide analysis, advice, training and hands-on support to SPC’s Pacific Island country and territory members with the analysis and use/interpretation of their data and statistics collected from census, surveys and administrative source.

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

Ways of working

• Contribute as a team-member to the organisational or ‘ways of working’ objectives in the division business plan
• Ensure a coherent coordination of support for statistics
• Provide support for governance and coordination that is consistent with other divisional work activities, reflects the input of subject matter experts and considers stakeholder needs

Coordinate regional statistics support

• Organise key governance meetings in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders
• Coordinate support for statistics in the region from various partners
• Support the Director to maintain regular engagement and coordination with Government Statisticians and NSOs across the region
• Support the Director in ensuring the divisional business plan is up to date, supports regional statistical priorities and is in alignment with other partners
• Maintain an up-to-date list of key partners, stakeholders and Government Statistician

Promote regional and national statistics governance

• Keep up to date strategic frameworks for statistics in the region, monitor progress, understand and mitigate/respond to challenges/barriers
• Support member countries for National Strategies for the Development of Statistics (NSDS), or similar strategic frameworks
• Identify key strategic gaps within the NSDS and take steps to address them
• Production of knowledge products

Analysis, training and technical assistance

• Undertake analysis of financing and potential financing of statistics to inform decision-making
• Prepare annual paper for the Forum Economic Ministers’ Meeting and similar reports or think-pieces
• Coordinate trainings relating to the use and interpretation of statistics for evidence-based strategy and policy issues

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Postgraduate degree in statistics, economics, public policy, aid management or other academic discipline related to the role; or equivalent combination of degree and work experience

Technical expertise

• 10 years of relevant experience with official statistics, public sector management and/or aid co-ordination
• Project management experience
• A comprehensive understanding of the challenges developing countries (particularly Pacific small island states) face in the production and use of official statistics 

Language skills

• Excellent oral and written English language communication

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• A team player, with the ability to work in a multi-diverse and multi-cultural environment
• Knowledge of Pacific Island countries and territories is an advantage

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – This vacant position is budgeted for 3 years and is subject to renewal depending on performance and funding.

Remuneration – The Statistics Adviser (Governance and Coordination) is a Band 11 position in SPC’s 2022 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 4,113–5,045 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately XPF 588,963–722,421(USD 5,881–7,214; EUR 4,936–6,054). An offer of appointment for an initial contract will be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration being given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale will be based on annual performance reviews. SPC salaries are not presently subject to income tax in New Caledonia.

Benefits for international staff employees based in New Caledonia – SPC provides subsidised housing in Noumea. 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: 29 January 2022 – 11:00 pm (Noumea time)

Job Reference: SH000225

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.

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 are the key obstacles to good coordination and cooperation of donors to statistics in a region like the Pacific, and what in your experience would be effective to overcome those challenges?
2. What would a good national statistics development plan or strategy look like for a small island country, and what successful experience of yours is most relevant to helping a country develop such a plan?
3. Describe your experience in capacity development of individuals or organisations; how would you apply this experience to helping build capacity in Pacific Island countries to use statistics well?