Pacific Islands Decade Collaborative Centre 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.

In commemorating the SPC’s 70th anniversary, the 10th Pacific Community Conference agreed to establish the Pacific Community Centre for Ocean Science (PCCOS) to be hosted at SPC and become a true flagship for scientific excellence and a dedicated regional science information and knowledge hub. PCCOS leads the design of the SPC Ocean Flagship through consultation with SPC divisions and regional partners, as well as coordinating cross-divisional projects, implemented across SPC divisions (FAME, GEM, CCES). PCCOS is also implementing seed-projects/programmes such as the Pacific Islands Ocean Acidification Centre (PIOAC), the Pacific Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOP) Network and Placement Programme, the Pacific Islands Decade Coordination Centre (PI-DCC), and the Regional Alliance of the Global Ocean Observing System for the Pacific Islands (PIGOOS), that all have regional coordination mandates.    

The role – Pacific Islands Decade Collaborative Centre Coordinator will be responsible for launching and scaling the activities, building resources and expanding the impact of the Pacific Decade Collaboration Centre (DCC), to further support the UN Ocean Decade implementation while ensuring alignment with regional priorities and stakeholder needs.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Coordination of Actions and Stakeholder Facilitation and Engagement

• Engage regularly with Decade Actions that are attached to the DCC, to assist them with guidance and documentation related to data management and data sharing.
• Support implementation of the Ocean Decade Data and Information Strategy and its associated Implementation Plan in the region.
• Provide technical and logistical support for ocean data management training initiatives among endorsed Decade Actions, such as dedicated workshops or training courses through the Ocean Teacher Global Academy (OTGA).
• Engage regularly with other key infrastructure coordination hubs, namely the DCO for Ocean Observing (GOOS), and the DCC for Ocean Prediction (Mercator Ocean International) to align strategies and efforts, focusing on the entire data value chain.

Supporting Decade Calls for Action

• On the basis of stakeholder consultations and analysis of existing Decade Actions, contribute information as requested by the DCU to scoping of future Calls for Decade Actions, in close cooperation with the Data Coordination Group.
• Ensure codesign and regional ownership by stakeholders, so that future Decade Actions prioritise Pacific specific needs and challenges.

Monitoring and Reporting

• Deliver a workplan to the DCU at the start of the assignment (and subsequently, at the start of every year), setting out the DCC’s priorities, tasks, goals, and timing for the year.
• Lead reporting by the DCC in response to requests from the DCU, in compliance with the requirements of the Ocean Decade Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Framework, and support attached Decade Actions in fulfilling their M&E responsibilities, where needed.

Communication

• Contribute to the implementation of the Ocean Decade Communications Strategy.
• Foster understanding, awareness and visibility of Pacific Islands ‘contributions to the Ocean Decade by promoting content in relevant digital platforms.
• Support the Development of relevant communication, advocacy and marketing material and ensure timely dissemination.
• Support Ocean Decade partners on aspects of communication, to ensure that desired standards are met.

Mobilisation of Resources

• Develop a projection of resources needs for the DCO for the next 3 years including priorities and proposed prioritisation for resource mobilisation, including climate finance and ocean sustainability related donors.
• Source and ensure the mobilisation of all relevant resources available in the region (finance, people, technology, infrastructure, data).

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• A postgraduate qualification in ocean science, marine science, maritime affairs, coastal engineering or other relevant discipline or equivalent body of knowledge and experience.

Technical expertise

• At least 7 years of experience in an organisation conducting ocean science.
• Demonstrated experience in project or programme development and management and experience in coordinating groups and networks of diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in a regional or international organisation.
• Fundraising, partnership development and experience in mobilisation of resource.
• Agility and flexibility with ability to meet tight deadlines and manage changing priorities.
• Ability to work within a small, multi-disciplinary team that is geographically dispersed.

Language skills

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written) with a working knowledge of French being an advantage.

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment.

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – Until 30 June 2025 – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – The Pacific Islands Decade Collaborative Centre Coordinator 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: 12 January 2025 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)

Job Reference: JM000816

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 identify challenges and opportunities in strengthening oceanic science development in the Pacific region and suggest potential approaches that could be utilised by SPC to enhance and strengthen the Decade Collaborative Centre.
2. Please outline key partnerships with Pacific and international organisations through which the DCC would benefit, and how you would go about developing or strengthening engagement with these entities.
3. Based on your understanding of SPC, PCCOS and the DCC, please describe how the DCC is placed to serve SPC’s Pacific members with ocean data, information and advice.