Project Implementation Officer

• 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.

'One Health' is an approach to designing and implementing programmes, policies, legislation, and research in which multiple sectors communicate and work together to achieve better public health outcomes (WHO). The foundation of One Health is communication, coordination, and collaboration among human, animal, environmental health, and other relevant partners at national, regional, and international level.

The USAID in collaboration with SPC has developed a five-year initiative that seeks to strengthen Pacific Island disease prevention, detection and response capabilities. Under this activity, USAID and SPC will establish a Global Health Security (GHS) regional governance and technical coordination platform, develop One Health policies, tools and training for technical staff and stakeholders, support emergency outbreak preparedness and response activities, strengthen laboratory surveillance capacities through technical assistance and material support, and improve biosafety and biosecurity prevention and response planning across the region. Through reducing the threat of future infectious disease outbreaks, USAID’s new program will contribute to regional health systems strengthening and resilience building efforts.

The role – Project Implementation Officer will be responsible for supporting the implementation of the USAID-SPC Global Health Security (One Health) program through supporting activity management and coordinating the planning, monitoring, evaluation and learning of the program.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Program Activity Management

• Support the One Health Coordinator with the planning and implementation of program activities including establishing annual and/or periodic workplans, budgets and activity schedules.
• Actively take on program main focal point role should the One Health Coordinator be unavailable.
• Ensure that all activities are in line with the funding agreement and comply with donor and SPC requirements.
• Ensure that all activities are aligned where possible to LRD and PHD business plans and SPC objectives.
• Assist the One Health Coordinator with preparation and compilation of program briefs, program reports for donor submissions and key stakeholder meetings.

Program Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL)

• Work closely with the PMEL Advisers of LRD and PHD to design and implement a MEL Plan (MEL framework and calendar) for the program that is clear and succinct and in line with SPC, Divisions and donor requirements.
• Assist the coordinator with monitoring of the program workplans and MEL plan and ensure any changes required are put through the relevant processes for endorsement and approval.
• Ensure that the program risk management plan is monitored and updated on a timely basis.
• Collate and maintain all program data collected through trainings/workshops/meetings for analysis and reporting purposes.
• Develop necessary MEL tools to track activity implementation, analyse and visualise data, document and share lessons.

Stakeholder Management and Effective Collaborations

• Provide support to the One Health Coordinator to map key stakeholders and develop and maintain effective relationships and open channels of communication.
• Seek out and actively manage key internal and external stakeholder relationships based on open and regular discussions and feedback, to ensure effective interface between program development, planning, service design and policy implementation.
• Ensure that a detailed database of key stakeholders is maintained and updated regularly.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• A degree in program management, business administration, international development, evaluation, or other relevant field.

Technical expertise

• At least 8 years of practical experience in international development, MEL and/or project management areas.
• Strong understanding and experience in the project management cycle, including log frames, MEL and risk management.
• Demonstrated experience in relationship building and working with a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Excellent communications and report writing skills.      

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 Program Implementation 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: 1 December 2024 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)

Job Reference: JM000790

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. Program Activity Management

Planning and Implementation: Describe a time when you had to develop and manage a workplan for a project. How did you ensure the activities aligned with organizational objectives and donor requirements?

1. Program Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)

MEL Framework Development: Tell us about your experience in designing a MEL plan for a project. How did you ensure that it was clear, aligned with organizational requirements, and easy to implement?

1. Stakeholder Management and Effective Collaborations

Stakeholder Mapping: Describe a time when you had to map and engage with key stakeholders for a project. How did you ensure effective communication, stakeholders engagement and maintain relationships?