Job Overview
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 unique organisation works across more than 25 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 Melanesia Regional Office has the strategic objective to strengthen engagement and collaboration with members and partners in the region. The intention is to contribute to building SPC’s understanding of members’ priorities, values, cultures and context, to ensure meaningful engagement and impact of our members with SPC.
The role – the Programmes and Office Coordinator will support SPC’s Melanesia Regional Office in Port Vila, Vanuatu.
The key responsibilities of the role include the following:
MERO Office representation
- Provide representation of SPC on behalf of Regional Director as assigned and as appropriate, assuming OIC role when Regional Director (RD) is on duty travel or otherwise on leave and assisting as lead officer under RD.
- Promote SPC as an organization to Member States on ground through information dissemination, strong representation and providing input to government partners on SPC work and Strategic Plan.
MERO Office operations
- Support MERO Office operations and supervise the Honiara Project Support Unit (PSU) 2 PAL staff and MERO Vanuatu 1 PAL staff.
- Manage two offices: all administration and supervision of local staff and interns, with responsibility for capacity building of junior staff.
Regional programme coordination
- Support Regional Programme Coordination, Implementation and Monitoring.
- Support SPC Divisions and Flagship programmes with on-ground representation and participation and input as requested by SPC Divisions and the RD.
- Attend stakeholder meetings on behalf of Divisions and liaise with Government counterparts as required to support SPC Programmes and Project work.
- Specifically provide on-ground project management for PHD for ongoing AFD projects and coordination for all PHD work at member level.
Oversee finance and procurement activities
- Undertake all finance transactions (Procurement, POs, Payments, acquittals) and reporting in compliance with SPC Finance and Procurement rules.
For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description.
Key selection criteria
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree/formal training in a relevant discipline (Finance, Administration, Project Management, Procurement, Logistics, Management)
Technical expertise
- 7 years of relevant experience in the management of development programmes and projects, and thorough knowledge of the project management cycle.
- 7 years’ experience working with Pacific Governments and providing advice to Governments and decision makers on development programmes/projects.
- Experience in procurement and finance administration
- Demonstrated experience on collaboration with partners and stakeholders on programme delivery in Pacific Island countries.
- Proven ability to design, plan and facilitate meetings, workshops, trainings.
- Experience in successfully leading and/or collaborating and working with people from different ethnic, cultural and educational backgrounds.
- Willingness to travel and undertake overseas assignments in SPC member countries and territories, sometimes under difficult physical conditions.
Language skills
- Good communication skills (oral and written) and demonstrated ability to produce written reports for donors, funding proposals, etc.
Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness
- Ability to work in a multi-cultural and gender-sensitive environment.
Salary, terms and conditions
Contract Duration – This vacant position is budgeted for 3 years and is subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.
Remuneration – the Programmes and Office Coordinator is a Band 10 position in SPC’s 2023 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 3,067–3,785 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately USD 4,109–5,073. An offer of appointment for an initial contract will be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration being given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale will be based on annual performance reviews. SPC salaries are not presently subject to income tax in Vanuatu.
Benefits for international staff employees based in Vanuatu – SPC provides a housing allowance of USD 1,000–2,000. Establishment and relocation grant, removal expenses, airfares, home leave, medical and life insurance, and education allowance are available for eligible employees and their recognised dependents. Employees are entitled to 25 days of annual 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 begiven to the Pacific Islander. Applicants will be assured of complete confidentiality in line with SPC’s private policy.
Application procedure
Closing date: 8 October 2023 – 11:00 pm (Noumea time)
Job Reference: CR000096
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.
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 describe the importance of the context and culture of our Melanesian members and the impact that culture and context have on all SPC work on the ground?
- Describe your network with MERO Member governments and experience working with them.
- What are your 3 top professional strengths that make you the best candidate for the post?