Job Description

• Attractive local package
• Friendly and supportive team environment
• Join the principal development organization in the Pacific 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 surveillance, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.

In commemorating the SPC’s 70th anniversary, the 10th Pacific Community Conference agreed to establish the Pacific Community Centre for Ocean Science (PCCOS) to be hosted at SPC and become a true flagship for scientific excellence and a dedicated regional science information and knowledge hub. PCCOS leads the design of the SPC Ocean Flagship through consultation with SPC divisions and regional partners, as well as coordinating cross-divisional projects, implemented across SPC divisions (FAME, GEM, CCES). PCCOS is also implementing seed-projects/programmes such as the Pacific Islands Ocean Acidification Centre (PIOAC), the Pacific Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOP) Network and Placement Programme, the Pacific Islands Decade Coordination Centre (PI-DCC), and the Regional Alliance of the Global Ocean Observing System for the Pacific Islands (PIGOOS), that all have regional coordination mandates.    

The role – Senior Programme Assistant will support the PCCOS work on Pacific Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOP). The incumbent  will assist with work of the Pacific Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOP) Network and Placement Programme by bringing together young, multidisciplinary professionals in the ocean science realm. The position will work with national governments and ECOPs in ensuring the smooth implementation of the Placement Programme and dynamize the Pacific ECOP Network through online and in-person activities.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Pacific ECOP Placement Programme

• Assist with the implementation of the Pacific ECOP Placement Programme.
• Support the drafting and signature of Letter of Agreements (LOAs) for ECOP placement with SPC legal services and member governments.
• Help member governments in advertising ECOP fellowships.
• Provide support in recruiting ECOPs in member countries and territories (e.g., shortlisting, draft interview guides, contribute to job interviews if requested).
• Provide ongoing support to ECOP fellows in member governments to access information and contacts.

Pacific ECOP Network Development

• Contribute to the Pacific ECOP Network development.
• Contribute to the management of the Pacific ECOP mailing list by inviting new members and managing existing members.
• Share capacity development opportunities with the mailing list.
• Support the creation and implementation of the Pacific ECOP Reference Group to plan upcoming ECOP activities.

Other ECOP Initiatives

• Assist with the coordination, planning, and execution of other ECOP initiatives, such as sending ECOPs to capacity building opportunities, scientific expeditions, conferences, symposiums or UN meetings.
• Assist with desktop research, surveys, case studies, data analysis, and report drafting.
• Support the documentation of lessons learned from ECOP initiatives and share them with relevant stakeholders.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Degree from a tertiary institution in a relevant field such as ocean science, climate change, environmental science, ocean affairs, international relations, or other relevant fields.

Technical expertise

• At least 2-3 years of work experience in project implementation or support role in member government.
• Experience in ocean science.
• Experience in youth empowerment and/or employment.

Language skills

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written).

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment.

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – Until 30 November 2025 – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – The Senior Programme Assistant - Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOP) is a band 7 position in SPC’s 2024 salary scale, with a commencing taxable salary range of FJD 2,287-2,859 per month, plus local staff benefits. 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.

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 – 6 October 2024 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)

Job Reference: JM000744

Applicants must apply online at

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.

Only Fijian citizens are eligible to apply for this role.

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. Can you describe you experience in developing or coordinating a network of youth? What are the two main lessons gained from this experience?
2. Please explain the actions you would take to strengthen the network of young professionals like ECOP?
3. To your opinion, what would be the 3 main drivers to develop the ECOP placement programme?

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