Ocean Management Specialist

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 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 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 other two focus areas within this division are Programming and Operations, which is responsible for driving integrated programming excellence and operational support across the division, and Geoinformatics, which is responsible for providing diverse, integrated, and unique and demand-driven information and spatial data services across SPC work programmes, projects and countries. 

The role - Ocean Management Specialist will provide technical advice and generalist support to the Pacific Maritime Boundaries programme of work and the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development under the direction of the Ocean Management and Literacy Team. The job holder will lead the Pacific Extended Continental Shelf Project by managing specialist technical contractors, project planning, delivery, and reporting, coordinating capacity building and support any project development related to management of ocean resources in Pacific Island Countries. 

The key responsibilities of the role include: 

• Project Management
• Technical Advice and Country Support
• Data and Knowledge Management
• Capacity Development 

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

Key selection criteria 

Qualifications 

• Postgraduate qualifications (MSc), in an appropriate field of earth science (geophysics, geology, geoscience) from a recognized university 

Knowledge and experience 

• At least 10 years of progressive experience in the field of geoscience, ocean and coastal geoscience, marine resource management
• 3 – 5 years regional development experience with a focus on ocean management issues
• Experience in project management (financial project administration)
• Comprehensive understanding of large-scale ocean and geologic processes
• Knowledge of oceanographic and/or geological instrument, data acquisition, processing, analysis, and application of data
• In depth knowledge of the institutional context and partners within at least one of the following sectors: geophysical surveys or maritime zones and limits 

Essential skills 

• High degree of problem solving at a project management level
• Ability to communicate technical information to non-technical audiences, including a comprehensive training programme 

Language skills 

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written) with a working knowledge of French being an advantage 

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness 

• Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment

Salary, terms and conditions 

Contract Duration – Until 31 December 2023

Due to the current travel restrictions caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic, and the priority SPC places on its staff safety, health and well-being, please note that there may be delays in taking up the appointment. These matters will be discussed thoroughly with successful candidates. In most cases, any appointment and on-boarding would only commence when relocation to the duty station is permitted.

Remuneration – The Ocean Management Specialist is a Band 11 position in SPC’s 2022 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 3,015?3,769 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 8,896–11,120 (USD 4,312–5,390; EUR 3,619–4,523). 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 are 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.