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 Operations and Management Directorate (OMD) provides corporate services to all SPC Divisions and Programmes. It consists of three key departments: Finance, Human Resources and Information Services. OMD is focused on improving the effectiveness of systems, policies and management to provide high-quality customer-oriented services.
The role – The Human Resources Officer – Advisory and Operations is responsible for providing timely, high quality and customer-focused advice, support and services to managers across a broad spectrum of HR needs and under the direction of the HR Manager support employee relations, performance management, HR operations, change management and policy advice.
The key responsibilities of the role include:
HR Advisory services
- Under direction of the HR Manager (HRM) advise, coach and support managers to manage their staff and take responsibility for people issues, performance management, employment relations, and interpretation of employment agreements and policies.
- In collaboration with the HRM, provide support for the planning, implementing and monitoring of change management processes.
- Provides orientation to new managers and ongoing training on HR systems and processes.
- Conduct Job Evaluations – in collaboration with the HR certified job evaluators, size and evaluate roles after ensuring the descriptions are coherent and duties are well encapsulated. Report the outcome and have discussion with managers as needed.
HR Services
- Work with assigned portfolios to proactively manage; Staff Contracts, HR system data management, Employee mobility/off-boarding, Employee induction, Employee benefits, Payroll coordination, Recruitment (temporary roles), Role Approvals and Visas
- Collation and organization of key audit documents for audit verification exercises.
- Advice managers on processes around internship, secondees and PHD, volunteer placements.
- Support the HRM with medical and life insurance processes.
HR Projects, Policy and Process Development
- Contributes to the updating and publishing of HR forms, templates, best practice process (SOPs) and guidelines to be accessible for managers.
- Assists with the development, review and implementation of HR policy, tools, and best practice guidelines.
- Identify and implement system and process improvements (including SOPs) to support the ongoing delivery of HR advice and support to managers.
Team Effectiveness
- Contribute to a positive team culture that enables high performance of the HR team.
- Practice a continuous improvement approach by reviewing own work methods and maintaining a positive approach to solving problems/issues.
- Contribute to the efficient delivery of HR support, being flexible, adaptable and operating as a team, undertaking work in other areas where necessary.
For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description.
Key selection criteria
Qualifications
- A bachelor’s degree in human resource management, industrial relations or a related discipline.
Technical expertise
- At least 5 years of HR experience, with 3 years in a similar role ideally in an international setting and medium to large organisation structure in the Pacific region.
- Sound knowledge and experience across a range of HR Practices and Policies.
- Ability to coach, communicate and be credible with a wide range of people.
- Good level of computer literacy, confident using the Microsoft Office suite and able to learn new applications when required.
- A high level of organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize work.
Language skills
- Excellent English communication skills (oral and written).
Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness
- Excellent interpersonal and representational skills with experience in building and maintaining effective working relationships with a range of different individuals and organisations.
Salary, terms and conditions
Contract Duration – 3 years – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.
Remuneration – The Human Resources Officer – Advisory and Operations 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: 21 May 2023 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)