Water Resources Specialist

Job Overview

• • Honiara-based position
  • Attractive 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 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 Geoscience Energy and Maritime 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:

  1. 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.
  2. Georesources and Energy Programme (GEP) – assists member countries by applying technical knowledge in the areas of geoscience and sustainable energy use.
  3. 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.

  The role – the Water Resources Specialist will have the responsibility for all in-country coordination of the project activities, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting. The position will provide advocacy for closer national, subregional, and regional cooperation and sharing of lessons learned and knowledge gained.

   

  The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

  Ensuring quality stakeholder engagement and MERL for in-country activities

  • Support the CTA, PTA and PIO to convene the national project steering group and national events for the project as relevant.
  • Develop, support and resource national project coordination activities.
  • Prepare relevant documents in support of the project at National Inter-ministerial Committees.
  • Work with relevant national agencies to secure required approvals and permits to support implementation of project activities.
  • Guide and support project country to implement agreed MERL recommendations.

  Project management

  • Coordinate project activities at the national and local levels.
  • Prepare and maintain the project’s country-level implementation plan inclusive of budget.
  • Oversee the execution of project activities, ensuring adherence to established plans and objectives.
  • Coordinate with contractors, engineers, and suppliers for the timely delivery of equipment and materials.
  • Monitor project progress and ensure compliance with technical specifications and quality standards.
  • With support from the PIO, oversee and ensure the implementation of the project’s M&E plan at the national level.
  • With support from the PIO, oversee, develop, and coordinate the implementation of the national stakeholder engagement plan.
  • Visit project sites as and when required to ensure scheduled project implementation.

  Oversight of technical project activities and high-quality reporting.

  • Plan and coordinate project technical activities at the national and local level ensuring engagement with relevant stakeholders.
  • Monitor project progress and participate in the production of progress reports ensuring that they meet the necessary reporting requirements and standards.
  • Provide oversight and guidance on the delivery of technical activities and drafting of technical reports to project and country staff.

  Develop and support in country capacity building.

  • Actively support capacity building of project and country staff to enhance their skills, knowledge, and capabilities.
  • Support technical training and skill development including field assessment, data analysis, IT proficiency, technical report writing, communication and project management including budget development skills.

   

  For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description.

   

  Key selection criteria

  Qualifications

  • A Master’s degree with a specialization in a field related to water resources management, natural resources management, environmental sciences, or similar.

  Technical expertise

  • At least 5 years relevant supervisory and project management experience (GEF experience preferred).
  • Demonstrated experience managing water resource projects, preferably in Pacific island settings.
  • Demonstrated ability to work closely and collaboratively with island communities, government agencies, civil society and the private sector.
  • Proven skills in project team leadership, coordinating multi-disciplinary team inputs, managing projects and resources.
  • Proven ability to work with partners and the ability to plan, coordinate and manage complex multi-country projects.

  Language skills

  • Excellent written and oral communication skills in English including an ability to communicate technical issues to non-technical audiences.

  Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

  • Knowledge of Pacific Island countries and territories is an advantage.

   

  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 Water Resources Specialist is a band 10 position in SPC’s 2023 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 3,350–4,113 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately USD 4,489– 5,511. An offer of appointment for an initial contract will normally be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration being given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale is based on annual performance reviews. SPC international salaries are not presently subject to income tax in Solomon Islands.

  Benefits for international staff employees– 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: 1 October 2023 – 11:00 pm (Noumea time)

  Job Reference: CR000092

  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):

  1. Describe a situation in which you successfully consulted with relevant stakeholders (Govt Departments, private sector, NGOs) on water supply or water resource considerations.
  2. Describe the key components of a water resource assessment, and the tools or assessment techniques that you may be suitable for use with reference to Pacific Island context.
  3. Based on your experience, identify three important challenges for project management in Pacific Island countries and describe how you would go about addressing them.