Health and Safety Officer

The Pacific Community (SPC) invites applications for the position of Health and Safety Officer located 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, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.

The Operations and Management Directorate (OMD) provides corporate services to all SPC divisions and programmes. It consists of three key teams: Finance, Human Resources and Information Services. OMD is focused on improving the effectiveness of systems, policies and management so as to provide high-quality customer-oriented services.

The Health and Safety Officer will provide, operate and maintain best practice health and safety systems for SPC by delivering health and safety reporting and advice in order to promote excellence and maximise company performance through audit, communication and continuous improvement of health and safety systems. The role will look to build commitment to health and safety and develop a culture where all staff take responsibility for the health and safety of themselves and others.

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

• Support the design and implementation of policies and procedures, and ensure that hazard identification is recorded, and site safety compliance is maintained
• Health and safety systems and tools coordination support
• Promote health and safety values and deliver health and safety training on health and safety policies, procedures and processes
• Encourage a positive health and safety reporting culture by supporting staff and managers to ensure all accidents and incidents are reported and recorded in an open, accurate and timely manner

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• A relevant tertiary qualification specialized in health and safety

Knowledge and experience

• At least 3 years of relevant experience in health and safety
• Experience in providing advice on complex health and safety issues
• Working knowledge of the relevant health and safety standards.

Essential skills

• Ability to work autonomously, take initiative and is solutions driven
• Ability to work collaboratively and inclusively
• Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and awareness, and the ability to effectively work with team members from different cultural backgrounds

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 Health and Safety Officer is a Band 8 position in SPC’s 2020 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 1,994‒2,493 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 5,943–7,428 (USD 2,752–3,440; EUR 2,461–3,076). 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 bilinguism, 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.