Office of the Pacific Energy Regulator Alliance (OPERA) Coordinator

• 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, education, 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 Office of the Pacific Energy Regulators Alliance (OPERA) is currently a network for energy regulators in the Pacific Islands region. It was established through the OPERA Constitution signed by Tonga, Samoa and Vanuatu in 2016 and currently has 13 members. OPERA is mandated to promote and support independent energy regulations through policy formulation, relevant capacity building initiatives, and technical and advisory assistance to its members.

The role – Office of the Pacific Energy Regulator Alliance (OPERA) Coordinator will be responsible for carrying out the activities and daily functions of OPERA and implementation of the OPERA business plan. The incumbent will also act as Technical Advisor and ensure OPERA’s financial sustainability through fundraising, grant writing, and/or donor coordination. The Regional Coordinator will enhance OPERA‘s effectiveness and expand its impact on sustainable energy development in the region.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Strategic Leadership for OPERA

• Provide strategic guidance for OPERA's activities, in alignment with OPERA’s goals and objectives.
• Support OPERA leadership in the conduct of meetings of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors and the development and implementation of OPERA's annual work plan, ensuring its alignment with members’ needs.
• Foster effective collaboration and coordination among OPERA members, strategic partners, donors, and relevant stakeholders to achieve common objectives.

Operations and Financial Management

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of OPERA, ensuring a smooth functioning of all activities and initiatives.
• Coordinate and support the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of projects and activities outlined in the approved work plan/budget.
• Work with OPERA members in discussing, developing, reviewing and submitting concept notes and proposals to donors.
• Assist in the development and management of OPERA's budget, ensuring proper allocation of funds and adherence to financial guidelines.

Stakeholder Engagement/Communication and Outreach

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including Pacific energy regulators, technical experts, government agencies, development partners, NGOs, and private-sector representatives.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to identify training needs and support capacity-building initiatives in the energy regulatory field.
• Develop and implement communication strategies to raise awareness of OPERA's activities and achievements, streamline requests for support, and promote knowledge sharing among experts.
• Manage OPERA's external communication channels, including the webpage, social media platforms, and outreach materials.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• A post-graduate degree in energy, renewable energy, climate change mitigation and/or related fields.

Technical expertise

• At least 10 years of relevant experience in the energy sector, with 5 years of leadership experience at project/programme management level.
• Proven ability to work effectively with government, donor development partners, and private sector agencies.
• Experience in advising government executives and officials.
• Demonstrated leadership and management skills, including the ability to provide strategic direction and foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders.
• Strategic planning and organisational development experience.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
• Proficiency in computer applications and software relevant to project management and communication.         

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 – 2 years – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – The Office of the Pacific Energy Regulator Alliance (OPERA) Coordinator is a band 11 position in SPC’s 2024 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 3,091‒3,864 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 9,211–11,513 (USD 4,111–5,138; EUR 3,831–4,789). 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 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 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: 13 October 2024 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)

Job Reference: JM000742

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. Do you have at least 10 years of experience in the energy sector, including 5 years in a leadership role at the project or programme management level? Please provide examples of your relevant leadership experience.
2. Can you describe your experience in successfully coordinating and advising government officials, donor development partners, and private sector agencies on energy-related initiatives?
3. Have you previously managed fundraising efforts or secured grants for sustainable energy projects? Please provide details on your experience in grant writing and donor coordination.