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 26 country and territory members. In pursuit of sustainable development to benefit Pacific people, our organisation works across more than 20 sectors. We are known for our knowledge and innovation in such areas as fisheries science, public health surveillance, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.

Strategy, Performance and Learning (SPL) is a specialised unit within SPC’s Office of the Director-General. SPL has staff based at our headquarters in Noumea, as well as our regional office in Suva. The team has the following core functions: (i) analyse, anticipate, plan and innovate for the future through SPC's strategy, business planning and strategic projects; (ii) document, report on and unpack results and lessons from programs for course correction and adaptation for improved performance and programme design, and to enhance accountability and (iii) grow and nurture strategic thinking and monitoring, evaluation and learning capability across the breadth and depth of the Pacific Community to ensure SPC scientific and technical work is impactful and meets member’s development needs.

SPL engages with SPC membership and key strategic relationships through managing the Committee of Representatives of Governments and Administrations (CRGA) subcommittee on the implementation of the Pacific Community strategic plan, which meets twice a year to look at SPC's performance against the strategy and act as a reference point for prioritisation.

The role - Head of Strategy, Performance and Learning (SPL) leads three distinct but connected functions:

  • Strategy and planning, including foresight, direction, adaptation, integrated planning
  • Monitoring and reporting on results and impact – driving development effectiveness
  • Strategic monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) innovation, which includes strategic projects

The key responsibilities of the role include:

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications 

  • Postgraduate qualification in international development, strategic planning, evaluation, economics, management, project management or public administration.

Knowledge and experience

  • At least 10 years of experience in leadership, strategic planning project management, monitoring, evaluation and learning, policy development and advice, particularly in an international development context
  • Experience in applying monitoring, evaluation and learning evidence to strategic thinking and decision making
  • Experience in the design, co design or management of programmes and projects
  • Thorough knowledge of the project management cycle
  • Proven experience in leading change, innovation and doing development differently
  • Experience working in the Pacific region

Essential skills

  • Strategic and systems thinker with well-developed innovation and analytical skills
  • Ability to negotiate and proven ability to develop and sustain professional partnerships
  • Ability to influence and drive change across a diverse stakeholder base
  • Capacity development and mentoring skills, including the ability to motivate, inspire and promote teamwork

Language skills

  • Excellent English communication skills (oral and written) with a working knowledge of French being an advantage 
  • Ability to communicate effectively with member country governments and other regional and international organisations

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness  

  • Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment
  • High emotional intelligence

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – Three years

Remuneration – The Head of Strategy, Performance and Learning (SPL) is a Band 14 position in SPC’s 2018 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 4,553‒5,692 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 13,022–16,278 (USD 6,284–7,854; EUR 5,630–7,038). 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 1,170–2,625 per month. Establishment and relocation grant, removal expenses, airfares, home leave, medical and life insurance and education allowances are available for eligible employees and their recognised dependents. Employees are entitled to 25 days of annual leave and 30 days of sick leave per annum, and access to SPC’s Provident Fund (contributing 8% of salary, to which SPC adds a matching contribution).

Languages – SPC’s working languages are English and French.

Equal opportunity – SPC is an equal opportunity employer. Recruitment is based entirely on merit; in cases where two short-listed candidates are judged to be of equal rank by the selection committee, preference will be given to Pacific Island nationals.

Child protection – SPC is committed to child protection, irrespective of whether any specific area of work involves direct contact with children. SPC’s Child Protection Policy is written in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Police clearance – Successful candidates will be required to provide a police clearance certificate.

Application procedure

Closing Date – 17 January 2019

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
  • contact details for three professional referees
  • a cover letter detailing your skills, experience and interest in this position
  • responses to all screening questions

Please ensure your documents are in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.

Applicants should not attach copies of qualifications or letters of reference. These documents may be requested at a later stage.

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. The Pacific Community does not support dual spouse employment.

Please ensure that you respond to all the screening questions.  If you do not respond to the screening questions, your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed at shortlisting stage.

Screening Questions:

  • Please summarise your experience in leading strategy and planning at an organisational level.
  • Please share your best three examples of using performance evaluation approaches and methods to understand the impact and non-financial performance of projects, programmes or divisions.
  • Describe a time where you have piloted an innovative monitoring, evaluation and learning practice within an organisation. What were the key learnings?
At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.