Job Overview
- Suva-based position (Fiji)
- Competitive expatriate package
- Join the principal development organisation in the 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 27 country and territory members. In pursuit of sustainable development to benefit Pacific people, our organisation works across more than 25 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 vision of the Educational Quality and Assessment Programme (EQAP) is to be ‘The agency for educational quality in the Pacific region’. Its mission is to enhance the quality of education and training for Pacific learners, so they realise the benefits of lifelong learning. EQAP seeks to promote the following core values within the context of SPC’s corporate values:
- a culture of quality;
- a culture of continuous improvement;
- cultural and political sensitivity;
- respect for the autonomy and priorities of the education system in each Pacific Island country and territory (PICTs); and
- assimilation of the expressed needs of countries in its delivery of technical services.
The Education Data and Education Management Information System (EMIS) Officer will provide advice and support on Data and EMIS initiatives to ensure the delivery of high-quality services to member countries as guided by the current and future strategic plans.
The key responsibilities of the role include:
Data advice and support
- Provide advice on data and EMIS related work to facilitate the achievement of activities related to the EQAP business plan that links directly to professional input and benefits for member countries as per work of the integrated team. This also includes establishing clear guidelines and procedures for data governance by defining data standards, ensuring data quality, establishing data sharing protocols and maintaining data security.
- Provide advice and support to the Education Data Team, to member countries, other EQAP initiatives and to the broader SPC are consistently of high quality and links with measurable indicators on access and the quality of education in the Pacific.
Provide training and capacity building
- Conducts training and support in the development of EMIS in countries for the production, storage and reporting of high-quality data that will facilitate reporting against national, regional and international goals.
- Conducts trainings and workshops for EMIS users in the region to enhance their data management and analysis skills and to build their capacity on effective use of the EMIS system and interpretation of education data.
Data Management, Analysis and Reporting
- Responsible for collecting, organizing, and managing education related data from various sources. Make analysis of the collected data to identify trends, patterns, and insights to education stakeholders.
Data Quality Assurance
- Ensures the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of education data by implementing data quality assurance procedures. Work closely with countries to resolve data discrepancies and establish data validation mechanisms.
For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description.
Key selection criteria
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in education, preferably education statistics, statistical analysis or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
Technical expertise
- At least 5 years of experience in managing EMIS, Education statistics and statistical analysis.
- Experience in supporting workshops and capacity building at the individual and group level.
- Working knowledge of developing and extending Education Management Information Systems (EMIS) and integrating data systems within a country and with externally such as international (UIS) systems for data validity and reporting.
Language skills
- Proven verbal and written presentation and communication skills in English, both at a technical level and in the preparation of information for the public.
Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness
- Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment.
Salary, terms and conditions
Contract Duration – This vacant position is budgeted for 3 years.
Remuneration – The Education Data and Education Management Information System (EMIS) Officer is a band 8 position in SPC’s 2023 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 2,044‒2,555 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 6,030–7,537 (USD 2,739–3,424; EUR 2,595–3,243). 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: 28 September 2023 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)
Job Reference: JM000482
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 with contact details for three professional referees
- a cover letter detailing your skills, experience and interest in this position
- responses to all screening questions
Your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed at shortlisting stage if all the above documents are not provided. Applicants should not attach copies of qualifications or letters of reference. Please ensure your documents are in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.
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 Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs and where an application is approved, the spouse or partner will be subject to such terms and conditions as may be set from time to time by the Ministry.
SPC does not charge a fee to consider your application and will never ask for your banking or financial information during the recruitment process.
Screening Questions (maximum of 2,000 characters per question):
- What are the inherent challenges and corresponding best practices in carrying out the role of an Education Data and EMIS Officer across a multidisciplinary team based across several organisations and ministries?
- In your view, what steps should be taken to improve the use of EMIS in countries across the Pacific region?
- On the issue of “Child Protection” discuss how it will be addressed through Education Statistics, EMIS and their related policies.