Communications and Strategic Engagement Adviser

• Suva-based position
• Attractive expatriate package
• 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, 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 Strategic Engagement Adviser will drive effective communication, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement to advance the strengthening of climate and ocean-related services in the region through the Climate and Oceans Support Program in the Pacific (COSPPac). By strategically leveraging communication channels and fostering partnerships, the Adviser contributes to achieving tangible impacts through the development and implementation of the communications strategy, enhancing communication roles within national counterparts and providing strategic support for the program.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Programme Communications, Strategy Development and Implementation

• Develop and execute comprehensive communications strategies aligned with COSPPac Programme goals and objectives.
• Monitor media coverage and online discussions related to climate and ocean issues in the Pacific region.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of communication efforts using key performance indicators (KPIs) and feedback mechanisms, and adjust strategies as needed to optimize impact.
• Develop comprehensive workplans for communications across the programme.
• Represent COSPPac at regional and international forums, conferences, and meetings.
• Provide strategic advice and support to national meteorological services and partner organizations.

Content creation, Knowledge Management and Reporting

• Compelling and impactful content is created.
• Manage and maintain a repository of communication materials, best practices, and lessons learned to support knowledge sharing and organizational learning within COSPPac and among partner organizations.
• Prepare regular progress reports, case studies, and success stories highlighting COSPPac's achievements and impacts.
• Support the development and dissemination of research findings, policy briefs, and other knowledge products to inform decision-making and policy development in the Pacific region.

Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building

• Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships with government agencies, regional organizations, academia, civil society groups, and other stakeholders to advance COSPPac's objectives.
• Develop and deliver training workshops, webinars, and other capacity-building activities.
• Facilitate participatory processes to engage stakeholders in the co-design and implementation of communication initiatives.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of capacity-building efforts, gathering feedback from participants and stakeholders to inform continuous improvement and adaptation.

People Management

• Manage the performance and supervise communication officers within COSPPac.
• Identify opportunities and organise capacity development activities and for staff and stakeholders.
• Contribute to a team environment that is high-performing, respectful and committed to continuous learning and support internal knowledge sharing lead by example.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant area including journalism, communications, marketing, international relations, political science, or related field or equivalent work experience.

Technical expertise

• At least 7 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.
• 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.
• 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 as well as graphic tools such as Adobe packages.                                                                                                                                                                              

Language skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including an ability to effectively communicate complex information to technical and non-technical audience.

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• A collaborative and open communication style with strong interpersonal and influencing capabilities to build relationships across different stakeholder groups.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team-based environment and supervise staff and consultants.

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – Until 30 June 2027 – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – The Communications and Strategic Engagement Adviser 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 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 - 11:00 pm (Noumea time)

Job Reference: CR000282

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. Can you provide an example of a communications strategy you developed and implemented? Please describe the objectives, key messages, and the impact of the plan on your target audience.
2. Describe a time when you successfully engaged with multiple stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and community groups. How did you ensure alignment of interests and effective communication across these diverse groups?
3. Do you have experience in promoting or advocating for climate, ocean, or environmental services? Please explain how you have communicated complex scientific information to non-expert audiences and influenced decision-making.