Marine Spatial Planning Coordinator

• Suva-based position (Fiji)
• Competitive 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 Marine Spatial Planning Coordinator will effectively coordinate and manage the Climate Resilient MSP Project including the progress on the MSP process in Palau with the Palau Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Environment, the capacity building component and work with other national, regional and international stakeholders on improving coordination on MSP in the Pacific. 

The key responsibilities of the role include: 

Project Management and Implementation

• Develop and continuously update project implementation documents (costed workplan, daily log, issue log, risk register, etc.)
• Manage budgets and prepare, collate and submit financial reports
• Lead SPC’s interaction with partners, stakeholders, and advisory bodies in relation to the project products and activities 

Coordination and Stakeholder Management

• Manage the transfer of Climate Resilient MSP products and activities into SPC
• Effectively collaborate and coordinate with Climate Resilient MSP and ocean management partners and stakeholders (primarily with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Environment in Palau)
• Initiate and facilitate regular meetings with SPC GEM, FAME, and PCCOS team members and Palau-based project staff and committee members contributing to MSP 

Technical advice, Training and Country Support

• Contribute to the identification, collation and collection of relevant data on marine ecosystem, marine species and ocean use to produce multilayered maps and other decision support tools
• Integrate identified knowledge gaps and user requirements into training materials
• Advise on regional and national ocean, coastal issues and knowledge gaps to inform ocean and coastal management, and to address climate change issues, and disaster risk reduction 

People Management

• Manage the performance and supervise a group of Technical Assistants and Specialists in the delivery of a MSP process in Palau with relevant capacity building activities and regional coordination
• Identify opportunities and organise capacity development activities and for staff and stakeholders
• Build strong and effective team capable of providing the highest quality service to member countries and clients 

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

Key selection criteria 

Qualifications

• Postgraduate qualifications (MSc.) in Marine Science, Applied Science, Climate Change, Development, or equivalent 

Technical expertise  

• At least 8 years of progressive experience in the field of ocean management, climate change, environment, fisheries, natural resource management, international development etc.
• At least 4 years’ experience working in regional/international organisations to design and deliver donor-funded projects in the Pacific islands
• Demonstrated experience with the implementation of multi-sector projects
• Demonstrated organizational skills and project management experience (financial, project administration)
• Comprehensive understanding of climate change and ocean management issues
• High degree of problem-solving at a project management level
• Ability to communicate technical climate/oceans/geodetic information to non-technical audiences, including as a comprehensive training programme 

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 – 3 years

Remuneration – The Marine Spatial Planning Coordinator is a Band 11 position in SPC’s 2023 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 3,091‒3,864 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 9,118–11,397 (USD 4,142–5,177; EUR 3,923–4,904). 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: 26 March 2023 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)

Job Reference: JM000399 

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
• 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 does marine spatial planning involve and what are the main challenges faced by Pacific Island countries willing to progress on marine spatial planning?
2. Please identify opportunities in strengthening ocean governance and management capabilities in the Pacific Islands region and suggest potential approaches that could be utilised by SPC to enhance and strengthen ocean governance.
3. Describe three key considerations in project management and describe your management style.