• Suva-based position (Fiji)
• Attractive expatriate package
• 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, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.

The vision of the Educational Quality and Assessment Programme (EQAP) is to be ‘The agency for educational quality in the Pacific region’. Its mission is to enhance the quality of education and training for Pacific learners, so they realize the benefits of lifelong learning. EQAP seeks to promote the following core values within the context of SPC’s corporate values:

• a culture of quality;
• a culture of continuous improvement;
• cultural and political sensitivity;
• respect for the autonomy and priorities of the education system in each Pacific Island country and territory (PICTs); and
• assimilation of the expressed needs of countries in its delivery of technical services.

The role – Educational Assessment Specialist – Pacific Regional Education Framework (PacREF) will coordinate the development, implementation and evaluation of the PacREF related assessment activities in the Pacific Island countries and territories. This role will also be responsible for building capacity in these areas within the countries and territories, and within EQAP through training.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Coordinate the design, development, implementation and monitoring of large-scale regional assessments for lower secondary

• Coordinate and develop appropriate structures, and processes to ensure the successful delivery of the Lower Secondary assessments to the Region as well as provide support for the countries.
• Manage and promote a consensus approach to collaboratively design and develop the Lower Secondary instruments that are aligned (to the Regional Benchmarks for the Regional Assessments and to the national Curriculum for the National Assessments) to produce reliable and valid data on student Lower Secondary standards.
• Establish short and long term plans for support in countries in the assessment of Lower Secondary.
• Monitor the implementation of Lower Secondary assessments.

Build capacity with counterparts in PICTs on principles and skills of instrumentation  

• Develop training innovative programs to build capacity within the assessment units in countries to improve their delivery of Lower Secondary assessments in the region.
• Train assessment officers on principles and skills of instrumentation to improve the assessment of Lower Secondary.
• Develop Lower Secondary resources to support training.

Support the development of assessment tools of non-cognitive skills

• Monitor Lower Secondary achievements levels of countries and support the design and development of an appropriate research action to further explain reasons in achievements.
• Support countries to interpret, understand and utilize the assessment data gathered.

Monitor standards of learning and achievements in lower secondary by PICTs in order to develop sound intervention strategies

• Report on the results and standards of Lower Secondary assessments in all member countries.
• Report on counterpart training strategies that are instituted to enhance the assessment capacity of EQAP counterparts.
• Develop strategies and teaching approaches that are effective and scaffolds thinking.
• Design and develop intervention strategies to address needed improvements in Lower Secondary skills that are evident from the Lower Secondary Results.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• A degree with a teaching qualification in literacy, mathematics, science or related content area at the secondary level.
• A master’s degree in education.

Technical expertise

• At least 10 years of experience working in the area of secondary education with at least 5 years in working in the area of assessment and using assessment to improve student outcomes.
• Experience in building teamwork, initiative and ability to adhere to strict multiple timelines.
• Experience in negotiating with, and training adults from different ethnic, cultural and educational backgrounds.
• Experience in data gathering, analysis, interpretation and reporting.
• Knowledge of current Pacific and international teacher education issues.          

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 – 3 years – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – The Educational Assessment Specialist – Pacific Regional Education Framework is a band 10 position in SPC’s 2024 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 2,575‒3,218 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 7,672–9,591 (USD 3,424–4,280; EUR 3,191–3,989). 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: 14 July 2024 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)

Job Reference: JM000684

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 are the most important elements to consider when developing a high-quality large scale assessment program?
2. How often should the regional assessment for Lower Secondary be conducted and why?
3. How do you address gender, disability, and language considerations in large scale assessments?