• Attractive local package
• Friendly and supportive team environment
• 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 surveillance, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.

The Geoscience Energy and Maritime (GEM) Division provides advice, technical assistance, research and training support to Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs). There are four (4) areas of scientific programming 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.
4. Earth and Ocean Observation Services – Promoting spatial data and systems analysis and capacity to improve decision-making to improve resilience and sustainable resource management.

The role – Technical Support Assistant (PHWP) will support the PHWP by assisting with the planning, coordination, organisation, and tracking of programme activities. The role contributes to reviewing and updating Country Implementation Plans, supports data collection and monitoring activities, assists with logistics coordination, and helps maintain programme tracking tools under the guidance of senior team members.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Support planning and coordination of program activities

• Assist in compiling and organising national priorities identified through Partner Participation Proposals for inclusion in Country Implementation Plans and support the programming of prioritized activities in Annual Work Plans.
• Support the consolidation of activities and help ensure alignment with PHWP Strategies - GEDSI, MERL, Green Humanitarian Action, Localisation and the Warehousing Framework.

Assist with MERL and data management

• Assist the MERL Adviser in the collection and organisation of baseline data and support monitoring of program implementation using the PHWP Results Framework.
• Support the compilation and entry of baseline data and numerical results into mid-year and annual reporting templates.

Provide logistics and coordination support

• Assist in identifying and maintaining contact details for country focal points to support consultations on warehousing supplies.
• Support coordination with respective National Governance Committees by assisting with stakeholder mapping, organising inputs and helping compile initial supplies list from consultation outcomes.
• Assist with organizing and documenting supplies related discussions with National Governance Committees
• Support logistics arrangements for consultations including assisting with coordination of sample supplies to countries and contributing to technical discussions by organizing relevant information.

Maintain program tracking and provide research support

• Assist in updating the Country Tracker on the Shared Drive using project reports, trip reports, meeting records and updated Country Implementation Plans (CIPs).
• Support the preparation of weekly updates on implementation status for each country when required.
• Maintain and organise Country tracker information to support program needs such as briefs, speeches and regular country updates.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• A diploma from a recognised institution in a discipline relevant to program management, international development, natural resources management, climate resilience or disaster risk management, or equivalent body of knowledge and experience.

Technical expertise

• At least 6 months of experience in disaster management or a related area in the Pacific.
• Basic understanding of MERL principles and program support processes.
• Some knowledge or exposure to working on programs across multiple countries in the Pacific.
• Experience supporting participatory or consultative activities, including gender and social inclusion approaches.
• Experience in assisting with basic research in the disaster management area and contributing to report preparation.
• Ability to work effectively in culturally diverse and multidisciplinary team environments.    

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 – 6 months.

Remuneration – The Technical Support Assistant (PHWP) is a band 6 position in SPC’s 2026 salary scale, with a commencing taxable salary range of FJD 1,987-2,483 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.

Benefits for Staff in a position advertised locally (EPAL) whose duty station is Suva – SPC provides medical and life insurance for eligible employees only. Employees are entitled to 25 working days of annual leave per annum and other types of leave, prorated on contract length, and access to Fiji’s National Provident Fund (contributing 8% of salary, to which SPC adds a 10% contribution).

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 – 31 May 2026 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)

Job Reference: JM000953

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.

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. Tell us about a time you supported the organisation of a meeting, workshop, or event. What was your role, and what was the outcome?
2. What types of data would you collect to support program monitoring, and how can this information be used by a project team?
3. Describe a report or update you have prepared (e.g. briefing note, meeting record, or program update). What approach did you take, and what was the outcome?