Monitoring and Evaluation Database Officer

• Suva-based position (Fiji)
• Attractive expatriate package
• Join the principal development organisation in the Pacific region

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 Public Health Division (PHD) supports members in developing healthier Pacific Island communities by providing assistance in public health
surveillance, and in the prevention and control of communicable and non-communicable diseases. The primary focus of the division is to provide scientific and technical assistance and to support the implementation of plans and programmes in member countries and territories. The primary
goals for all PHD activities is to promote population health and well-being, help communities prevent disease and restore and/or maintain health,
and reduce inequalities in health. PHD is primarily concerned with improving and protecting public (population) health, rather than providing
individual treatment services. PHD is comprised of three programmes: Surveillance Preparedness and Response; Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD)
Prevention and Control; and Clinical Services.

The role – Monitoring and Evaluation Database Officer will be responsible for improving data collection, data analysis and management, and timely reporting by PHD and Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs).

The key responsibilities of the role include:

• Lead in the development and management of databases
• Facilitate and develop database and visualisation work in response to PICTs and partner needs
• Facilitate and deliver capacity building related to database access and use
• Facilitate and generate data collection, data analysis and information generation for monitoring, evaluation and reporting purposes
• Provide general support for other MEL activities

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in information management and/or public health from a recognised university

Knowledge and experience

• At least 5 years of experience in managing project data/information
• Experience in creating databases for the entering, processing, cleaning and extraction of data       

Essential skills

• Solid PC-based computer skills including ability to use MS Excel to advanced level, MS Access and Power BI
• Data/information management skills
• Strong analytical and data visualization skills with the capacity to communicate to a range of audiences
• Results oriented problem-solving skills
• Meticulous attention to detail with ability to make quality and accurate decisions

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 until 31 December 2024

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 Monitoring and Evaluation Database Officer is a Band 9 position in SPC’s 2021 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 2,229‒2,786 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 6,731–8,413 (USD 3,098–3,872; EUR 2,734–3,417). 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 – 18 October 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. Based on what you know about the position we are recruiting for, what qualifications and skills do you have directly related to this position?
2. Briefly share your experience in designing and managing a database aimed at improving automated reporting at country or regional level.
3. Which software or application have you used extensively to develop and manage an information database, and what are its strengths and weaknesses for automated reporting?