Communications Adviser - Pacific Humanitarian Warehousing Programme

• 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 Geoscience Energy and Maritime (GEM) 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 Pacific Humanitarian Warehousing Program (PHWP) is an eight-year multi-donor, multi-country investment to enhance humanitarian warehousing capabilities across 14 Pacific Island Countries and Timor-Leste via three areas of intervention – warehousing infrastructure, supplies (non-food items) and warehousing systems, including integration into local and regional humanitarian architecture. The program is framed by three thematic priorities – Gender equality, disability and social inclusion; localization; and green humanitarian action. By the end of the eight-year period, it is expected that Pacific Island Countries and Timor-Leste are able to respond to disasters increasingly independently and sustainably.

The role – Communications Adviser – Pacific Humanitarian Warehousing Programme will be responsible for developing and implementing the PHWP communication, brand and stakeholder engagement strategies to amplify the results and strategic engagement efforts of SPC and the PHWP. 

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Strategy Development and Implementation

• Develop, implement and oversee a PHWP Communications Strategy aligned with programme, donor and organisational objectives and priorities.

Content creation and management

• Create compelling and impactful content including press releases, articles, speeches, reports, and other communication materials for both internal and external audiences.
• Develop high-quality, culturally appropriate content for communication products (newsletters, articles, and social media posts) working with internal stakeholders and development partners (i.e., DFAT etc.), for quality assurance and dissemination support.
• Work closely with the MEL Advisor to inform the development and amplification of evidence and results in a way that supports effective transmission and uptake.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to facilitate effective communication and partnerships.
• Disseminate programme results, evidence, and learnings using a variety of channels to meet the communications needs of different stakeholder groups.
• Monitor the impact of PHWP’s stakeholder engagement efforts and provide evidence-based recommendations on ways to enhance its overall effectiveness.

Management and Leadership

• Contribute to a team environment that is high-performing, respectful and committed to continuous learning including leading by example.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Postgraduate degree in a relevant area including journalism, communications, marketing, international relations, political science, or related field.

Technical expertise

• At least 7-8 years of relevant experience at the regional or international level in public relations, public information, communications, stakeholder engagement or advocacy for donor-funded projects or programmes.
• Broad understanding of the development context, as well as the challenges and opportunities that frame programme implementation within the Pacific.
• Demonstrated experience in establishing effective communications and engagement strategies and content production plans aligned with programme / business plans and priorities.
• A collaborative and open communication style with strong interpersonal and influencing capabilities to build relationships across different stakeholder groups.
• Experience working autonomously to deliver a variety of communications materials, including briefs, PowerPoint presentations, social media posts and donor reports.
• Proficiency in digital communication tools and social media platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team-based environment and supervise junior staff and consultants.
• Experience in successfully working within a deadline-driven environment.
• Fully functional computer skills across an array of Microsoft applications including Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint.         

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 Communications Adviser – Pacific Humanitarian Warehousing Programme 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: 21 April 2024 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)

Job Reference: JM000614

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. In your opinion, what role does public diplomacy play in advancing the objectives of humanitarian initiatives, and how would you integrate public diplomacy principles into the communication strategy for the Pacific Humanitarian Warehousing Program?
2. The Pacific region presents unique cultural and geographical challenges for humanitarian communication and stakeholder engagement. How would you tailor your communication strategies to effectively engage diverse stakeholders across different Pacific Island countries? Please provide specific examples or hypothetical scenarios to illustrate your approach.
3. Can you describe a time when you implemented a creative communication approach or utilized emerging technologies to facilitate better collaboration and communication among stakeholders in a humanitarian or other complex operational setting? How did this innovation contribute to the success of the project or program?