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 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 Geoscience Energy and Maritime (GEM) Division provides advice, technical assistance, research and training support to Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs). There are three (3) areas of scientific programming and two areas of focus within this division:
- Oceans and Maritime Programme (OMP) – assists member countries with services that provide applied ocean science and knowledge for evidence-based policy-making and technical solutions for improved ocean and maritime governance, management and capacity development.
- Georesources and Energy Programme (GEP) – assists member countries by applying technical knowledge in the areas of geoscience and sustainable energy use.
- Disaster and Community Resilience Programme (DCRP) – assists member countries to demonstrate strengthened resilience through integrated action on disaster risk management, climate change adaptation, natural resource management and increased access to water and sanitation.
SPC works across the region to assist member countries to better manage vulnerability and risks such as those associated with climate change, natural disasters and water security, including through the implementation of national and regional donor funded projects. One such project is the Resilient Boundaries for the Blue Pacific (RBBP) project for which the SPC Geoscience Energy and Maritime (GEM) Division is undertaking a climate change risk-based approach to identifying and preserving coastal features.
The Technical Assistant will assist with the Geographic Information System (GIS)/Remote sensing (RS) components of the RBBP project, with a primary focus on supporting spatial data management and related information systems.
The key responsibilities of the role include:
Field Surveys and Data Acquisition
- Assist in the acquisition of high-resolution remote sensing data.
- Set up and operate survey equipment and provide assistance to make arrangement to carry out surveys to acquire data (e.g., asset mapping, coastal mapping, environmental survey, stakeholder consultation, etc.)
- Assist in stock taking and structuring existing GIS/RS data archives.
Capacity Building Support
- Assist in coordination and delivery of capacity building activities regarding the use of GIS data and applications.
- Assist with the preparation of training manuals and data for country trainings.
- Assist participants during country secondments.
Provide logistical support to ensure the successful delivery of project meetings, conferences, technical support, training and learning events
- Assist in the process and store survey data including facilitating the integration of survey data into GIS.
- Process and store data from drone imagery. Be familiarized with Pix4DMapper software.
- Provide general technical support to the Coastal Analyst.
For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description.
Key selection criteria
Qualifications
- A diploma in science in an appropriate field of geospatial, environmental, or marine science.
Technical expertise
- At least 6 months of practical experience in GIS applications and field survey.
- Demonstrated knowledge of QGIS and GEE.
Language skills
- Good 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 – Until 30 June 2024 – subject to renewal depending on performance and funding.
Remuneration – The Technical Assistant is a Band 5 position in SPC’s 2023 salary scale, with a commencing taxable salary range of FJD 1,558-1,948 per month, plus local staff benefits. 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.
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: 7 September 2023 – 11:59pm (Fiji time)