Communications and Engagement Assistant

• Kiribati based position
• 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 unique 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 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 role – the Communications and Engagement Assistant will support and co-lead the effective delivery communications, awareness, advocacy, visibility and gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) activities that support the outcomes of the Kiritimati Island Water and Energy Projects.

 

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

Coordinate education and awareness initiatives with Kiritimati Island schools and communities on water and energy management

• Working closely with local counterparts (especially MLPID and UNICEF) to collaboratively support project awareness activities encouraging communities, schools and other key local stakeholders to practice and promote good water and energy management behaviours.
• Ensuring island residents understand their roles and responsibilities in water and power conservation.
• Developing, implementing and continually improving school WASH and energy education initiatives.
• Collecting and consolidating feedback from project beneficiaries and local-level decision makers to assist the Project Coordinator to better allocate project resources.
• Supporting development, implementation and monitoring of GEDSI-WASH and GEDSI-Energy analyses and action plans.

Develop effective communications and awareness messages, approaches and materials

• Proactive professional development in multimedia skills.
• Developing appropriate awareness and communications materials using various forms of media.
• Supporting development of key messages and translating into appropriate communications medium.
• Translating materials into i-Kiribati for use by targeted stakeholders, particularly by simplifying technical information for better understanding by non-technical audiences.
• Supporting the Project Coordinator with procurement of communications materials.
• Seeking to maximise impact of communications initiatives by identifying appropriate mediums (e.g. social media or radio), products (e.g. short videos or posters) and delivery methods (i.e. timing, frequency, duration, etc.).

Support compliant delivery of SPC, donor and GoK communications and visibility requirements

• Being familiar and compliant with the project, SPC, donor and GoK communications and visibility protocol and requirements.
• Promoting visibility of SPC, donors and GoK, particularly in ensuring key stakeholders understand the scope, complexity and critical nature of the projects.
• Liaising directly with appropriate communications focal points (internal and external) to seek feedback and approval for development/publication of communications products.

Support knowledge sharing efforts via multimedia documentation of project activities, lessons learned and best practices

• Assisting with data and information collection, analysis and representation from the people of Kiritimati on water and energy issues, needs and practices.
• Collecting a repository of quality content (photos, videos, quotes, data, etc.) that can be applied to a variety of knowledge sharing products and reports.
• Engaging closely with SPC GEM Communications Team to share, synergise and streamline efforts.
• Assisting the Project Coordinator in preparing relevant reports.
• Providing input to other SPC knowledge sharing efforts as needed.

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

 

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in journalism, media, information or knowledge management or communications, or a related discipline.

Technical expertise

• At least 4 years of experience in media, teaching or administration.
• Good public speaking proficiency.
• Experience with the development of awareness and communications products.
• Experience with media liaison.

Language skills

• Excellent communication skills, including good written English and i-Kiribati, and ability to communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders.

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Excellent interpersonal skills in a diverse multicultural environment.

 

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – This position is budgeted until 30 June 2027 and is subject to renewal depending on performance and funding.

Remuneration – the Communications and Engagement Assistant is a Band 7 position in SPC’s 2024 salary scale, with a starting salary range of AUD 17,139–21,423 per year, plus local staff benefits. An offer of appointment for an initial contract will be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration being given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale will be based on annual performance reviews.

Benefits – SPC provides medical and life insurance for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Employees are entitled to 25 days of annual leave and access to SPC’s Provident Fund (contributing 8% of salary to which SPC adds a 10% 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 bilinguism, 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 private policy.

Please note that applicants must be Kiribati Nationals currently residing in the country, or hold the proper work permit for salaried employment there.

 

Application procedure

Closing date: 11 August 2024 – 11:00 pm Noumea time

Job Reference: CR000256

Applicants must apply online at http://careers.spc.int/

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.

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:

1. This position is based on Kiritimati Island, working out of the SPC PMU office in Ronton. If you live abroad, please explain your motivations for potentially moving to this location.
2. Provide an example of a workshop or training event that you have run or supported. What were the key facets of workshop delivery that optimised participant engagement, learning and post-workshop action?
3. Briefly describe some communications/knowledge/awareness products that you have recently developed (e.g. posters, brochures, photos, videos, presentations, infographics, social media posts, feature articles, etc.). What medium was most effective in communicating your messages, and why?

Position Description