By continuing to browse this site, you agree to our use of cookies. Read our privacy policy

Animal Health and Production Adviser

Suva

  • Organization: SPC - Pacific Community
  • Location: Suva
  • Grade: Senior level - Senior
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Public Health and Health Service
    • Livestock, production and veterinary
    • Animal Health and Veterinary
  • Closing Date: Closed

  • Suva-based position (Fiji)
  • Attractive expatriate package
  • Join the principal development organisation 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 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, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.

The Land Resources Division (LRD) provides advice, technical assistance, research and training support to Pacific Island countries and territories on all aspects of agriculture and forestry. This includes plant protection, conservation, plant genetic resources, animal health and production, agroforestry, biosecurity and trade facilitation, and sustainable systems for agriculture, forestry and land management. This work has two objectives: improved food and nutritional security, and resilient communities. The division’s services are provided through seven technical/thematic teams: Animal Health and Production; Plant Health; Biosecurity and Trade Facilitation; Forest and Agriculture Diversification; Crop Production and Extension; Genetic Resources; and Forests and Trees.

The role – Animal Health and Production Adviser is responsible for the development of the animal health and production unit within the pillar of sustainable agriculture and will take the lead role in executing the activities under the EDF 11 SAFE Pacific project. This role will provide strategic and expert advice and coordination services in relation to animal health and production across LRD programs, SPC member countries and stakeholders in the Pacific region. The Adviser will initiate and take active part in consultative fora with key stakeholders within LRD - SPC, the region and internationally, to develop and undertake programmes that will contribute to sustainable improved animal health practices in the Pacific Region.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

  • Strategic and policy advice
  • Scientific, technical advice and activity implementation
  • Resource mobilisation and partnerships
  • Monitoring, evaluation and reporting

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in a relevant field such as agriculture, veterinary science, animal science or animal production

Knowledge and experience

  • At least 10 years of experience working on animal health and production
  • Knowledge and experience on managing donor funded projects     

Essential skills

  • Excellent negotiation skills with ability to build and maintain professional, client-focused relationships and mutually beneficial partnerships
  • Creative thinker with ability to work independently or as part of a multi-cultural team

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 – 3 years

Due to the current travel restrictions caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic, and the priority SPC places on its staff safety, health and well-being, please note that there may be delays in taking up the appointment. These matters will be discussed thoroughly with successful candidates. In most cases, any appointment and on-boarding would only commence when relocation to the duty station is permitted.

Remuneration – The Animal Health and Production Adviser is a Band 11 position in SPC’s 2021 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 3,015‒3,769 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 9,107–11,383 (USD 4,191–5,239; EUR 3,699–4,624). 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 matching 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 May 2021 at 11:45pm Fiji time

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. 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 the Fijian 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.

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:

  1. Livestock plays an integral part of the socio-economic and food and nutrition security of the Pacific Island communities. What are the key challenges to livestock production in the Pacific and what strategies should be promoted to address the key challenges?
  2. Explain one key animal disease of concern for the livestock industry in the Pacific and what strategies should be promoted to effectively manage the disease?
  3. Explain what you understand about ‘one health’ and how can ‘one health’ be operationalised in the Pacific to support programming and resource mobilisation for animal health?

JD Animal Health and Production Adviser.docx

This vacancy is now closed.
However, we have found similar vacancies for you: