• 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 – Qualifications Recognition Advisor will be responsible for leading the referencing and benchmarking of qualifications and quality assurance frameworks, and support strengthening of national and regional quality assurance frameworks, qualifications and information systems to promote the recognition of Pacific qualifications.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Reference and Benchmarking

• Provide leadership and support on the referencing and benchmarking of qualifications frameworks and quality assurance practices
  • Develop a plan and timetable for the technical working group (TWG) on referencing and benchmarking.
  • Provide leadership on referencing and the development of referencing and systems strengthening reports.

Development of an Integrated Information System

• Provide leadership and support on the development of an integrated information system to maintain and share information on accredited qualifications and qualifications systems
  • Develop a plan and timetable for the technical working group (TWG) on information systems (IS).
  • Oversee the development, testing, trailing and implementation of an integrated IS system to maintain and share information on accredited qualifications and qualifications systems.

Policy Development and Systems Strengthening

• Provide high level advice, support and training on the development and implementation of policies, procedures and strategies on qualifications systems strengthening and recognition of qualifications
  • Facilitate the capability development of staff on policy development and review.
  • Provide support on the development and implementation of systems strengthening strategies and plans.

Relationship Management and Stakeholder Buy-in and Support on Qualifications Recognition Initiatives

• Establish and maintain high level strategic partnerships with New Zealand Qualifications Authority, national quality assurance agencies, industry organizations, training providers and other stakeholders to promote the initiatives and seek buy-in and support on the mutual and external recognition of Pacific qualifications
  • Collaborate with NZQA to ensure the provision of timely support on the referencing of qualifications frameworks and strengthening of regional and national systems.

Meetings of the Pacific Qualifications Advisory Board

• Facilitate the efficient operations of the Pacific Qualifications Advisory Board (PQAB)
  • Develop the TOR and meeting procedures and protocols of the PQAB.
  • Provide support to the PQAB to enable it to function efficiently.

Team Performance

• Contribute effectively to the development, implementation and reporting of the annual workplan of the Qualifications Unit
  • Contribute to the development, implementation, review and reporting on the performance of the Qualifications Unit in implementing the EQAP Business Plan, and SPC’s overarching regional goals.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• A master’s degree or equivalent mix of academic qualifications and experience.
• A qualification in teaching or training. 

Technical expertise

• At least 7 years of experience in quality assurance and operations of quality assurance agencies.
• Strong understanding of qualifications frameworks and how qualifications are accredited on them.
• Experience in development and presentation of meeting papers.
• Experience in the development, implementation and review of policies and plans on systems strengthening.
• Experience in providing staff capability development support.
• Experience in working with professionals with diverse backgrounds from different organizations.
• Experience in negotiating solutions and providing strategic support and direction.
• Experience in the use of information technology tools for communication with external stakeholders.
• Experience in data analysis and in report writing.        

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 Qualifications Recognition Adviser 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: 28 April 2024 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)

Job Reference: JM000632

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 is a qualifications framework? How could qualifications frameworks be applied to quality assure qualifications and enable recognition of qualifications between countries?
2. What is meant by “referencing qualifications frameworks? What process could be applied and what are some important considerations in referencing frameworks? What could be the possible outcomes of referencing?
3. The successful applicant of the position will be required to work with various stakeholders during the referencing and systems strengthening processes. Discuss strategies through which you could solicit stakeholder support and acceptance of the referencing process and its outcomes.