Programme Officer

• Suva-based position (Fiji)
• 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 role – Programme Officer will be responsible for coordinating and leading strategic engagements and travel arrangements for the Principal Strategic Lead (Pacific Strategic Leadership) and WIL (Women in Leadership) Programme. This role involves co-leading, managing, and aligning various workplans, including the WIL and Human Rights and Social Development (HRSD), in collaboration with the Executive Office.  The Programme officer will also contribute to efforts aimed at enhancing gender equality and inclusion across SPC’s work programmes and prepare briefs and reports for knowledge-sharing and informed decision-making.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Strategic Coordination for the Principal Strategic Lead and the WIL Programme

• Coordinate strategic engagements for the Principal Strategic Lead and WIL Programmes.
• Coordinate with the Executive Office the Gender Equality Flagship for integrated programming and mainstreaming across.
• Work with the Principal Strategic Lead and WIL and PWL at SPC programmes plus the SPC Gender Community of Practice, to support the design and implementation of the Gender Equality Flagship.
• Facilitate engagement to ensure alignment of the gender flagship across SPC divisions business plans, other flagships.

Lead and facilitate actions to strengthen gender equality and social inclusion through the Gender Equality Flagship

• Contribute to and coordinate initiatives aimed at strengthening gender equality and social inclusion across all SPC work programmes.
• Advocate for inclusive practices and policies within the organization as part of the WIL Programme and 2022 Leadership Audit.
• Support planning of trainings and activities that support awareness and advocacy on gender equality and social inclusion.
• Ensure integration of strategic objectives and operational activities within these workplans.

Workplan Management to support efficiency in administrative, finance and procurement requirements

• Manage day-to-day administration and operations work for the Principal Strategic Lead, Gender Flagship and WIL Programme through an agreed workplan.
• Co-Lead planning, budgeting and workplan process for the Gender Equality Flagship in close consultation with the Executive Office.
• Organise Principal Strategic Lead ‘s calendar, including liaison with internal and external stakeholders to arrange meetings.
• Manage travel logistics and related arrangements to ensure smooth execution of programme activities.

Facilitate effective communication, M&E and reporting outputs

• Research and prepare detailed briefs and reports from various divisions and programmes.
• Facilitate awareness-raising and knowledge-sharing regarding Principal Strategic Lead and WIL Programmes.
• Facilitate meetings and information sessions for information gathering, reporting both to SPC, partners and donors.
• Co-lead monitoring and reporting with the MEL Adviser and the Strategy, Planning and Learning Division.
• Facilitate communications support in collaboration with the Communications Officer.

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

 Key selection criteria

 Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant field such as human rights, law, gender, international relations or other relevant social science from a recognized university or equivalent work experience.

 Technical expertise

• Minimum of 5 years of program management experience in development projects specifically in the areas of women in leadership and/or gender equality and social inclusion and/or human rights.
• Sound and applied knowledge of work planning, budgeting and financial control, results-based management, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience performing administrative and coordination functions in a well- established progressive organisation.
• Excellent analytical, organizational and negotiation skills, and abilities to work effectively in a matrix team structure.
• Demonstrated experience in development sector in finance, administration and travel
• Sound experience in logistics management inclusive of travel for workshops and training programs.

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 – Until 31 May 2026 – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – The Programme Officer is a band 9 position in SPC’s 2024 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 2,284‒2,856 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 6,808–8,509 (USD 3,038–3,798; EUR 2,832–3,540). 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: 11 November 2024 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)

Job Reference: CR000311

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. Please outline your skills and experience in advancing gender equality, particularly on women’s leadership, in the Pacific.
2. Please share your understanding on what an integrated programme is and share an example.
3. Please share the values that guide your actions when working in a team consisting of persons, with different work experience and from different socio-cultural backgrounds. Please provide an example of how you successfully worked with a difficult work colleague or in a challenging team.