• 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.

The Land Resources Division (LRD) provides effective expert scientific advice, capacity building and services on conservation, development and utilization of plant genetic resources, forest and landscape management, resilient agricultural systems, diversification of livelihood strategies and access to markets to maintain ecosystem services and improve land productivity and the food, nutrition security and resilience of Pacific communities. LRD has expertise in genetic resource conservation, resilient agriculture, biosecurity, pest and disease management, agricultural extension, plant pathology, entomology, and animal health. It collaborates with governments, regional organisations, civil society and other SPC divisions to pinpoint the needs and priorities of Pacific countries and communities and provide technical expertise to address them. This mission is realized through four main thematic work areas, or pillars, and a progressively integrated approach to programming that works towards achieving SPC’s development goals.

The role – Wood Processing Technician will provide technical assistance and support Sustainable Forests and Landscape Management activities with particular focus on the manufacturing of engineered wood products from coconut and non-traditional forest resources.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Project planning and development

• Provide assistance and support on the development and monitoring of projects work plans.
• Work collaboratively with the ACIAR project team to engage with project stakeholder to undertake and promote project activities.
• Assist with the development and monitoring of SFLM Pillar work plan.
• Contribute to regional cooperation on timber utilization and engineered wood products.

Provide technical advice on regional and national sustainable forest and landscapes management activities

• Assist with the implementation of the SFLM Pillar and project work plans.
• Assist with the develop of training materials.
• Provide technical advice on wood utilisation and engineered wood products.
• Actively contribute to the development of new projects with SFLM e.g. support development of project proposals on forestry and land use.

Awareness and communication on Sustainable Forest and Landscape activities

• Develop minimum one communication product e.g. engineered wood products field story, press release etc.
• Establish networks and strengthen existing partnership with key stakeholders.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• A diploma in forestry, wood science or related field.

Technical expertise

• At least 5 years of experience in wood processing or engineered wood product manufacture.
• Experience in working with Pacific region Government representatives and international sector partners.
• Demonstrated writing and presentation skills.     

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 January 2026 – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – The Wood Processing Technician 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 – 26 May 2024 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)

Job Reference: JM000663

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. What are some of the potential benefits that manufacturing engineered wood products from senile coconut palms have to coconut farmers, the environment and the broader community.
2. Explain some of the challenges in rotary veneer processing senile coconut palms and manufacturing engineered wood products from the resulting veneer.
3. Discuss some possible opportunities and constraints of forest products value chain in Fiji