• 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 Project Implementation Officer – PIEMA will work with collaborating entities in up to 14 Pacific Island Countries to plan, budget, implement, report, undertake procurement and contract management, support quality monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning (MERL), prepare for, conduct country or regional level meetings, and roll out local stakeholder communications, engagement, and visibility activities. The incumbent will also support the strengthening of local program management systems and pulling in technical expertise from across the Disaster and Community Resilience Programme (DCRP) and SPC as necessary.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Guide, coach and build the capacity of Pacific Island countries to plan, budget, implement, and report on in-country and/or regional activities

• Guide and coach lead implementing agencies in nominated Pacific Island countries and/or at the regional level through a detailed design process for country and/or regional plans and results frameworks on agreed templates, including ensuring: social and environmental considerations are addressed across all activities; wide stakeholder participation and inclusivity; plans align with country sectoral and/or regional strategies and receive executive-level endorsement; risks are identified and managed.
• Support results-orientated and inclusive implementation and coordination of program activities in nominated countries and/or regionally, ensuring program objectives are sustainably realised, there is collaboration with and complementarity to other development programmes (where relevant), and activities are implemented and reported on in accordance with: program beneficiary priorities, formal agreements; and the operational policies and procedures of SPC and nominated countries.
• Ensure program management, administration, knowledge/records management systems and processes are successfully rolled out and being implemented by in-country and/or regional coordinators/focal points.

Undertake financial, procurement, contract, and grant management for in-country and regional activities including planning for, and convening meetings at country and regional levels

• Coach and support coordinators/focal points in nominated countries and/or regionally to accurately and systematically develop, update, and report on costed workplans in a timely manner using templates provided (building capacity where needed), working with SPC financial staff to accurately manage risks and matters relating to inflation and foreign exchange to ensure program continuity.
• Coordinate and manage all direct procurement and contract/grant management requirements for program-funded services, supplies and equipment in nominated Pacific Island countries (and (sub) regional activities where necessary).
• Ensure in-country financial management is sound and in accordance with SPC, donor and audit requirements. This includes regularly updating budget forecasts, and validating, tracking, reconciling, and analyzing costs to deliver on the program budget and results.

Ensure quality stakeholder engagement and MERL for in-country and/or regional activities

• Work with the Communications Advisor, Communications, Engagement and Knowledge Management Assistant and in-country coordinators to ensure appropriate communications, engagement and visibility activities for the program are undertaken in nominated countries and/or the region in line with the country plans and the program’s Communications, Engagement and Visibility Strategy.
• Establish and maintain effective communications with nominated countries and/or the regional level concerning their needs and the implementation of program objectives,
• Contribute to in-country MERL within the program in line with SPC, DFAT and MFAT requirements.

Support and advise on program coordination, management, and reporting

• Aid in the amalgamation of nominated country-level and/or regional workplans, financial and narrative reporting into full program workplans/reports.
• Update contract listings, asset registers, and program risk registers.
• Support and advise the PIEMA Coordinator on drafting of high-quality and timely progress and completion reports, and work plans for the DFAT, MFAT and SPC management.

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

Key selection criteria 

Qualifications 

• A bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution (or equivalent work experience) in a discipline relevant to program management, international development, natural resources management, climate resilience or disaster risk management.
• Post-graduate diploma or higher in the same field. 

Technical expertise

• At least 8 years of experience in program coordination/management position ideally in the Pacific region.
• Strong understanding and experience in program management, including with: program-cycles; log-frames; financial forecasting and reporting; grant and contract management; MERL; and risk management.
• Knowledge of procurement and financial management systems, and implementing programs across multiple currencies.
• Experience with facilitating multi-stakeholder participatory, consultative, gender and social inclusion approaches to development, and mitigating adverse environmental impacts.
• Experience in successfully building capacity through training, mentoring and coaching.        

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

Remuneration – The Project Implementation Officer is a band 9 position in SPC’s 2023 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 2,284‒2,856 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 6,739–8,424 (USD 3,061–3,826; EUR 2,900–3,625). 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: 16 October 2023 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)

Job Reference: JM000492 

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 do you believe are the most important qualities or skills that a Project Implementation Officer should possess, and how do you demonstrate these qualities in your work?
2. How do you ensure that a project's outcomes align with SPC's strategic goals and objectives?
3. Stakeholder engagement is crucial in project implementation. How do you prioritise and manage relationships with key stakeholders, and how do you keep them informed and engaged throughout the project?