Project Implementation Officer – Resilient Boundaries for the Blue Pacific Project

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 Geoscience Energy and Maritime Division provides advice, technical assistance, research and training support to Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs). There are three (3) areas of scientific programming and two areas of focus within this division:

1. Oceans and Maritime Programme (OMP) – assists member countries with services that provide applied ocean science and knowledge for evidence-based policy-making and technical solutions for improved ocean and maritime governance, management and capacity development.

2. Georesources and Energy Programme (GEP) – assists member countries by applying technical knowledge in the areas of geoscience and sustainable energy use.

3. Disaster and Community Resilience Programme (DCRP) – assists member countries to demonstrate strengthened resilience through integrated action on disaster risk management, climate change adaptation, natural resource management and increased access to water and sanitation.

The other two focus areas within this division are Programming and Operations, which is responsible for driving integrated programming excellence and operational support across the division, and Geoinformatics, which is responsible for providing diverse, integrated, and unique and demand-driven services across SPC work programmes, projects and countries.

One such project is the Australian funded ‘Resilient Boundaries for the Blue Pacific’ Project. This project aims to identify critical basepoints for the generation of Pacific countries’ maritime zones that are most vulnerable to climate change related impacts.

The Project Implementation Officer – Resilient Boundaries for the Blue Pacific Project will be responsible for assisting the countries understand and assess technical and legal issues concerning the impact of climate change on vulnerable base points. The officer will work with countries and expert contributors to assess and design management options for vulnerable features. The officer will support the project manager in tracking, implementing, and evaluating project activities. The key responsibilities of the role include:

• Coordinate the development of legal strategies to minimise climate change impacts on maritime boundaries with regards to jurisdictional rights,
• Design, coordinate and monitor risk assessments to assess climate change impacts and provide treatment options for vulnerable features,
• Contribute to project management activities including internal planning and execution and external advocacy and communication activities

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• A degree in a relevant field such as law of the sea, climate change, management and planning**

Knowledge and experience

• At least 8 years professional experience working with Pacific island countries in areas relating to the law of the sea, especially maritime boundaries
• At least 4 years of experience working in regional or international organisations to design and deliver donor-funded projects in the Pacific region
• Demonstrated experience with the implementation of multi-sector projects in a cross-cutting field such as climate change

Essential skills

• Proven record of accomplishment in the monitoring and evaluation of project outputs.
• Demonstrated experience with the implementation of multi-sector projects in a cross-cutting field such as climate change.
• Experience with multi-stakeholder participatory and consultative approaches including gender sensitive and rights-based approaches.

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
• Excellent interpersonal skills in the multicultural environment of the Pacific Islands

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – Three 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 Project Implementation Officer – Resilient Boundaries for the Blue Pacific Project 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 2,453–3,066). 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 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.