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Biosecurity, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Officer

Suva

  • Organization: SPC - Pacific Community
  • Location: Suva
  • Grade: Level not specified - Level not specified
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Border and Customs
    • Agriculture and Forestry
    • Natural Resource Management
  • Closing Date: Closed

  • Suva-based position (Fiji)
  • Competitive 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 Biosecurity, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Officer will provide timely technical support and services in Biosecurity and Sanitary and Phytosanitary matters at both the country and regional level.  The role entails the provision of services on request by the member countries and documentation and dissemination to partners and stakeholders through existing knowledge platforms. 

The key responsibilities of the role include: 

  • Technical support to countries – Liaise with focal points in the Pacific Plant Protection Organisation member countries for a coordinated approach on Biosecurity & SPS Training.
  • Research and Development – Carry out Research with Private and Academic institutions on Biosecurity and SPS issues that are critical for member countries to give the level of assurance needed for market access export requests on SPS.
  • Communication and Information Dissemination – Facilitate tracking of implementation program of program activities. Ongoing coordination and timely feedback to Member countries on technical reports and support relating to Biosecurity threats and trade issues relating to SPS.
  • Programming and Coordination – Support the Integrated Programme Coordinator (Biosecurity, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standards) in the programming, development and delivery of the Biosecurity & SPS work plans 

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

Key selection criteria 

Qualifications

  • Degree in a relevant field such as agricultural science, plant protection or biosecurity 

Knowledge and experience

  • At least 7 years of experience in a similar field or line of work with government, NGOs or regional organisations
  • Demonstrated experience in technical research including development project writing on biosecurity and SPS
  • Knowledge on addressing biosecurity and SPS non-compliance issues and technical report writing 

Essential skills

  • Strong technical knowledge on EWS, EDRR, SCHS, AFAS, ISPMS, PRAs and IRAs
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, creative thinker and ability to work independently 

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 31 December 2022

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 Biosecurity, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Officer is a Band 8 position in SPC’s 2021 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 1,994‒2,493 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 6,022–7,528 (USD 2,772–3,465; EUR 2,446–3,058). 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 insurance are available for eligible employees and their recognised dependants. 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 – 22 June 2021 – 11:45pm Fiji time

Applicants must apply online.

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: 

  1. Describe your experience with implementing a project(s) across multiple countries and or locations.
  2. Please explain what PPPO stands for and what is its role in the South West Pacific region?
  3. What is the SPS Articles and how do they apply to trade within the region?

JD - Biosecurity Sanitary and Phytosanitary Officer .pdf

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