Planning Advisor

The Pacific Community (SPC) invites applications for the position of Planning Advisor based at its regional office in Suva, Fiji.

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.

The 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) guiding strategic direction through development of the Pacific Community Strategic Plan and facilitation of the Subcommittee of the Council of Representatives of Governments and Administration (CRGA) to analyse, anticipate, plan and innovate for the future through strategy, planning and programming; (ii) increasing development effectiveness through leading and coordinating corporate monitoring, evaluation and learning, including lessons for course correction and adaptation for improved performance and country and integrated programme design, and enhanced accountability and (iii) grow and nurture strategy, foresight, MEL and integrated programming 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. iv) serving as a strategic coordination point for key relationships with external stakeholders, including member countries and territories, donors and development partners

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 Planning Advisor will develop standardised work planning processes and templates at the project, programme and business plan level across SPC to support strategic planning and more coherent financial and non-financial performance planning, monitoring and reporting.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

• Provide specialist technical advice to facilitate the co design of standardised work planning processes, products and practice across SPC to support the Strategic Planning process with Secretariat and Members
• Convene stakeholder engagement, participatory sessions, to capture experience on planning, documenting methodologies and producing learning products to promote and drive a standardised planning approach that supports ‘best practice’ and integrates Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (MEL) focus
• Demonstrate leadership in linking SPC’s planning to SPC’s policy frameworks, especially the PEARL Policy and key national planning, regional and global frameworks.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Postgraduate degree (Masters level) in a specialized field such as international development, social change, geography, business administration, economics.
• Certification in planning, monitoring/ evaluation, project design, or project management.

Knowledge and experience

• At least 9 years relevant experience in leading or advising on the development of programme/projects (with strong MEL focus)
• Experience in multi-sector, integrated programmes, an understanding of social development programmes and projects, and a good knowledge of the project management cycle
• Relevant sectoral experience, including related to cross-cutting issues (climate change, resilience, gender and human rights)

Essential skills

• Demonstrated experience of MEL systems and tools
• Financial acumen and experience in supporting the preparation of budgets
• Advanced analytical skills and attention to detail
• Experience in an international organisation or NGO in the Pacific Region

Language skills

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

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Excellent interpersonal skills and experience in working with and across the organisation in a multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary and gender-sensitive 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 Planning Advisor is a Band 11 position in SPC’s 2020 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 3,015‒3,769 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 8,986–11,233 (USD 4,161–5,202; EUR 3,721–4,652). 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 – SPC provides a housing allowance of FJD 1,350–3,000 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.

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.