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 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 Land Resources Division (LRD) provides effective expert scientific advice, capacity building and services on conservation, development and utilization of plant genetic resources, forest and landscape management, resilient agricultural systems, diversification of livelihood strategies and access to markets to maintain ecosystem services and improve land productivity and the food, nutrition security and resilience of Pacific communities.LRD has expertise in genetic resource conservation, resilient agriculture, biosecurity, pest and disease management, agricultural extension, plant pathology, entomology and animal health. It collaborates with governments, regional organisations, civil society and other SPC divisions to pinpoint the needs and priorities of Pacific countries and communities and provide technical expertise to address them. This mission is realized through four main thematic work areas, or pillars, and a progressively integrated approach to programming that works towards achieving SPC’s development goals. LRD’s integrated programming connects the pillars and its wider alliance with SPC and its seven other divisions, delivering a holistic programme of work for Pacific lands that meets the SPC vision of a region of peace, harmony, security, social inclusion and prosperity so that all people can lead healthy and productive lives.
The Information, Communications and Knowledge Management (ICKM) Adviser will develop, manage and implement information and knowledge management strategies and systems for the Land Resources Division.
The key responsibilities of the role include:
Strategy, awareness and advocacy
- Lead the development and coordinate the implementation of a Communications and Information and Knowledge Management strateg(ies) for the Division.
- Promote LRD regionally and internationally through international forums, global events and campaigns.
- Coordinate the planning and implementation of High-Level Advocacy events and campaigns that showcase LRD’s programs, comparative advantages and strategic priorities.
- Promote LRD strategic goals and objectives with Donor agencies as part of the division’s resource mobilisation strategy.
Information and knowledge management
- Foster a collaborative and knowledge sharing culture to execute the division’s KM strategy.
- Develop and maintain a central information and knowledge management system for the division that is easily accessible and updated regularly.
- Identify and curate technical content for LRD web sites and Pacific Data Hub ensuring consistency of the materials
- Develop and manage the division specific website and website community engagement.
Communications and publications
- Strengthen communication and messaging with key partners which include other SPC divisions, development agencies, member countries and regional/international stakeholders.
- Coordinate and quality assure all LRD publication activities, including content management, norms for publishing, design and supervision of publications dissemination.
- Assist in the preparation and publication of LRD internal reports on the project results, best practices and lessons learned of the Division
- Oversight production of multi-media products to support national and regional uptake of regionally accumulated scientific knowledge from LRD programmes.
People Management
- Coordinate management of direct reporting staff in the team, to achieve work plan deliverables.
- Provide mentoring and support to ICKM staff within Pillars.
- Creating a team environment that fosters and develops effective working relationships and high performance.
- Manages staff performance and supports training and development.
For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description.
Key selection criteria
Qualifications
- Master’s degree preferably in knowledge management, communications, organizational learning, ICT or related subject, or alternatively in a discipline relating to international development.
Technical expertise
- 10 years of relevant experience at the national or international level in knowledge management or organizational learning.
- Demonstrated understanding of knowledge management principles and capacity to deliver knowledge management and/or organizational learning activities.
- Experience in sustainable development issues and approaches at national, regional or international level.
- Demonstrated experience in the use of various online tools and systems that support ICKM.
- Demonstrated analytical skills and the ability to master, compile, summarise and communicate new material quickly.
- Excellent networking skills with the ability to create rapport with various types of stakeholders.
- Proficiency in using Microsoft Office suit of programmes as well as usage of web-based management systems including good knowledge and experience in audio-visual production.
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
- Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment
Salary, terms and conditions
Contract Duration – Until 31 December 2026 – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.
Remuneration – The Information, Communications and Knowledge Management (ICKM) Adviser is a Band 11 position in SPC’s 2023 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 3,091-3,864 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 9,118–11,397 (USD 4,142–5,177; EUR 3,923–4,904). 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: 27 September 2023 – 11:59pm (Fiji time)
Job Reference: JM000480
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 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):
- How would you ensure that the impacts of the work of the Division is made known widely?
- Describe what sort of cross-collaboration tools can be used to ensure effective communications internally to an organisation and externally to stakeholders?
- Share two examples of knowledge management products you have developed – one successful and one unsuccessful. Please share the learnings from each.