Job Overview
- Suva-based position (Fiji)
- Attractive expatriate package
- Join the principal development organisation in the Pacific 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 Human Rights and Social Development (HRSD) Division has a vision for just, equitable and resilient Pacific societies. It aims to achieve this by advancing human rights, equality and social inclusion for all Pacific people, grounded in cultural values and principles.
In line with its vision, the work of the Division encompasses the following objectives:
Objective 1: Governance for human rights and social development: Strengthen inclusive, transparent and active governance for human rights and social development.
Objective 2: Gender equality and social inclusion: Mobilise, empower and build conditions for gender equality, equity and social inclusion in society and development.
Objective 3: Culture: Promote, preserve and protect positive expressions of culture.
Objective 4: Enhance knowledge, learning and innovative solutions to accelerate impact on human development priorities.
As the key implementing partner for the Pacific Women Lead portfolio, SPC leads the Pacific Women Lead (PWL) at SPC programme (PWL at SPC), located within SPC’s HRSD Division. The PWL at SPC programme receives more than AUD 55 million under the Australian Government’s AUD 170 million PWL portfolio. PWL at SPC has funding for five years from 2021−2026.
The PWL at SPC programme goal is that Pacific women and girls, in all their diversity, are safe and equitably share in resources, opportunities and decision-making, with men and boys. There are three outcomes: (1) Women’s leadership promoted; (2) Women’s rights realised; and (3) Pacific regional partners increase the effectiveness of regional gender equality efforts. Joining PWL at SPC, other central partners include PWL Enabling Services (PWLES); AIR (Amplify – Invest – Reach) partnership of women’s funds, civil society organisations and coalitions; and the Australian Government’s direct relationships with development partners for regional programmes, such as the United Nations (UN).
The role – Research Officer for PWL at SPC will manage the commissioning of research as required, as well as managing the dissemination of research to contribute to communication, information sharing and learning approaches for the programme.
The key responsibilities of the role include:
Development and implementation of an annual work plan and research strategy for PWL at SPC
- Manage the development of an annual work plan.
- Develop a research strategy that meets the needs of the programme to ensure the objectives are met.
- Manage regular reviews to measure the effectiveness and impact of the research strategy.
Management of all research activities to support the PWL at SPC programme
- Manage the development and commissioning of research activities in consultation with appropriate programme team members.
- Produce research reports, briefs and other relevant information in a timely manner to key stakeholders.
- Maintain an inventory of Pacific gender research and work with the Communications Adviser and Communications Officer to provide relevant website and material content.
- Research findings are effectively collated and disseminated to meet a range of internal and external purposes (eg, programme evaluation, planning, communications, learning).
Utilise research findings to input into and inform communications and learning approaches across the team
- Support the Evaluation and Learning Officer by providing research assistance and reporting as required.
- Work collaboratively with the Communications Adviser and Communications Officer to provide appropriate research findings for internal and external communications and activities.
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 social sciences, development or other relevant discipline.
Knowledge and experience
- At least 5 years of experience in a related field.
- Experience conducting and/or managing social research.
- Proven ability to develop strong working relationships with a diverse range of individuals and organisations, including researchers and research institutes.
- Proven ability to anticipate clients’ needs, demonstrates understanding of clients’ perspectives, and solicits feedback on service provision and quality.
Essential skills
- Demonstrated skills in presenting information in a clear and simple manner.
- Strong communication and analytical skills, with ability to convey (both verbally and in writing) complex information to stakeholders of varying levels of experience or ability.
- Detail conscious and experience working in a deadline-driven environment.
Language skills
- Excellent English communication skills (oral and written).
Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness
- Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment.
Salary, terms and conditions
Contract Duration – 3 years – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.
Remuneration – The Research 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: 10 May 2023 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)