Manager Statistics Collections

• 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 Manager Statistics Collection – will lead a team of of statistics advisers with the collective responsibility to support members in the production of official statistics. This includes participation in the design, build, collect, process, analyse and disseminate stages of the statistical business process. The team provides advice, technical assistance, training and pooled regional capability for census and surveys and for administrative data sources, including civil registry.

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

Management and leadership

• Recruit and manage resources (staff, consultants, interns etc.) well, and contribute to results.
• Foster a vibrant team culture contributing to productivity and innovation.
• Lead and manage direct reports in a way that is fair and promotes effectiveness, efficiency and growth.

Ways of working

• Demonstrable contribution of team to organisational or ‘ways of working’ objectives in the division business plan, such as “mainstream good modern collections practice” and “strengthened engagement”.

Delivery of statistics collections

• Regional “core collections” are well coordinated and SPC recognised as the focal point for all regional statistical partnership activities.
• The team has contributed to census and household surveys core collections – as targeted in the business plan and with a high degree of professionalism – through means such as sampling plans, data processing, project planning and management, training, analysis and report writing and publication.
• The region is supported in its use of civil registry and vital statistics and the Division has made a tangible contribution to data collection, processing and analysis relating to births, deaths and related vital statistics.
• The region is supported in its regular economic statistics publications such as those relating to prices and to trade, and the Division has made a tangible contribution.
• Relationships with key stakeholders – in member countries, donors, and implementation partners – are positive.

Lead contributions to Pacific statistics methodology

• Team resources making a clear contribution to developing, maintaining and enhancing Pacific-appropriate statistics methodologies such as questionnaires, approaches to sampling, innovation and capacity building.
• Objectives in the business plan are met relating to developments in Pacific statistics methodology.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Postgraduate degree in statistics, demography, economics (or other academic discipline related to substantive work of the Statistics for Development Division) or equivalent combination of degree and work experience.

Technical expertise

• 10-12 years of relevant experience including at least 5 years in a managerial role, with strong relationship management and engagement skills and success in leading a team of professionals.
• Experience in the collection, production and/or use of official statistics and other relevant data.
• A good understanding of the challenges developing countries (particularly small island states) face, in the collection, 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 Manager Statistics Collections is a Band 12 position in SPC’s 2023 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 4,792–5,894 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately XPF 725,912–892,813 (USD 6,421–7,898; EUR 6,083–7,482). 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: 19 February 2023 – 11:00 pm (Noumea time)

Job Reference: AL000510

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.

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

1. What are the key things that lead to success in managing a cross-cultural team?
2. What are the main risks to manage in producing official statistics from national surveys, censuses, or administrative data?
3. What recent trends and innovations in data management and analysis might be most relevant for small island states in the Pacific?