Scientist - Germplasm Health and Genomics

• 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 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 – Scientist – Germplasm Health and Genomics will oversee and manage the day-to-day functions of the Germplasm Health and Genomics unit in the Centre for Pacific Crops and Trees (CePaCT) including technical responsibilities for independent assignments in molecular diagnostics, plant virology and genomics requiring research, analysis, interpretation, conclusions, and decisions. The role will also be responsible for the management of research/scientific team and project management.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Overall management and coordination of CePaCT’s Germplasm Health and Genomics (GHG) unit

• Manage and coordinate the overall operations of the Germplasm Health and Genomics unit within the CePaCT.
• Lead and manage the technical/research teams and facility and work towards creating a positive environment that encourages constructive collaboration and debate as well as efficient and timely delivery of outputs.
• Develop annual workplans for team activities and support staff with the development of individual workplans.
• Support the development and alignment of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for key GHG functions.

Develop high level research methodologies and provide advanced level scientific and technical advice and support both internally and externally including SPC member countries  

• Provide advance level scientific and technical advice on germplasm health and genomics related areas and issues both internally and externally.
• Coordinate and support the research-based activities of current and future projects at SPC including genomics’ and molecular diagnostic for pathogens, genetic resources for future sustainability, etc.
• Consistently lead, manage, and evolve SPC’s research plans and form insights and publish relevant and critical information for the Pacific.
• Formulate comprehensive research strategies, methodologies and analytical frameworks and processes.

Contribute and participate in all CePaCT current and future projects

• Contribute to a manager capacity in all project-related matters including scoping, planning, implementation, funding, and reporting.
• Build and maintain good relationships with other counterparts, stakeholders, and project partners.
• Formulate comprehensive research strategies, methodologies and analytical frameworks and processes.
• In consultation with the Program Leader, and the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Officer,lead/oversee/coordinate relevant project execution, communications, and processes.

Program and administrative support

• Lead capacity development and capability enhancement within the team.
• Support the overall functions of the Genetic Resources program as well as across the LRD.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• A master’s degree with emphasis on molecular diagnostics, microbiology or virology.

Technical expertise

• A minimum of 8 years of extensive specialized experience in the relevant scientific field, normally gained through relevant professional qualifications together with significant post qualification practical experience.
• Expert level of knowledge in plant virology, diagnostic methodologies, plant genotyping, research design and publications.
• Extensive people leadership experience
• Highly skilled communicator, facilitator, and mediator with demonstrated experience in building effective and enduring relationships with a variety of stakeholders, partners, and agencies across the region.
• Demonstrated thought leadership and critical thinking.
• Has world level understanding and knowledge of the industry to be able to successfully develop and deliver allocated projects/programmes.       

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 Scientist – Germplasm Health and Genomics 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: 27 October 2024 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)

Job Reference: JM000767

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. How have you used genomics and molecular diagnostics to improve germplasm health, whether in managing genebank collections or for other purposes? Share a specific example.
2. How have you collaborated with external stakeholders to advance your work in germplasm health or a related area? Provide an example.
3. What is your understanding of plant pests and/or diseases of quarantine concern in the Pacific? Choose a specific crop, such as taro or coconut, and describe a relevant pest or disease. Include details on its spread in the region, its impact, and how it has been managed.