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 26 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 Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems (FAME) Division is one of SPC’s oldest Divisions and it has been providing scientific and technical expertise to support fisheries management and sustainable development in the Pacific for over 60 years. FAME’s goal is that fisheries resources of the Pacific region are sustainably managed for economic growth, food security and environmental conservation. FAME includes the Oceanic Fisheries Programme (OFP) and Coastal Fisheries Programme (CFP). OFP is the region’s centre for oceanic fisheries science and information, providing essential data collection, data management and modelling and analysis services to the Pacific. CFP provides science and technical support to PICTs to enhance the management of coastal fisheries, and the sustainable development of aquaculture and nearshore livelihoods across the region. The work of OFP and CFP are supported by the FAME Director’s Office, which includes the Information Section, communications, and monitoring, evaluation and learning.

The role –The Programme Planning Officer – will provide strategic coordination, oversight and logistical support to high-level fisheries events and meetings (including the Heads of Fisheries (HoF) Meeting, the Regional Technical Meeting on Coastal Fisheries (RTMCF, and the Regional Fisheries Ministers Meeting (RFMM)) and facilitate engagement and participation of SPC members and other partners. They will coordinate the implementation of, review and strategic planning for, the FAME Business Plan and corresponding work plans; and assist with other tasks as required in the FAME Directors Office.

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

• Provide strategic coordination, oversight and support for high-level fisheries meetings and events
• Provide strategic coordination of and logistical support for meeting content, format, agenda and participation for the annual SPC HoF meeting, RTMCF, SPC contributions to the Regional Fisheries Ministerial Meeting (RFMM) and other regional fisheries meetings
• Liaise with the SPC Director General’s office, FFA and PIFS as appropriate on arrangements for key fisheries meetings
• Prepare meeting budgets and track meeting costs to stay on budget
• Assist with the management of meeting papers and outputs
• Maintain a meeting calendar, including non-SPC events, and ensure meeting preparations are scheduled well in advance
• Support FAME Communications Officer in raising the profile of fisheries meetings
• Coordinate implementation of, and strategic planning for, the FAME Business Plan and corresponding programme work plans.
• Coordinate implementation of the current FAME Business Plan, including identifying areas for improvement
• Lead the periodic review and update of the FAME Business Plan
• Support FAME Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Unit in monitoring progress and results against the FAME Business Plan
• Support FAME Communications Officer in reporting results from the FAME Business Plan
• Support FAME teams to develop programme workplans that are aligned with the FAME Business Plan and SPC-wide planning processes
• Support other strategic alignment of the FAME Business Plan within the Division, including Business Plan objectives and key result areas being reflected in new project designs, financial reporting and the staff performance development system
• Facilitate engagement and participation of SPC members and other partners in SPC regional fisheries meetings and FAME divisional strategic planning
• Keep abreast of regional policy issues, including conducting research as required
• Liaise and engage with member government fisheries agencies, CROP agencies and other strategic partners in relation to engagement and participation in regional meetings and processes
• Engage members and partners in FAME business planning processes, priority identification and work planning, along with SPC-wide programming and planning processes as required
• Assist with other tasks as required in the FAME Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Unit to support collaboration, participation and communication of FAME results to members and partners

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Specialised degree or equivalent in international development, international relations, public policy, public administration, social sciences or a related discipline.

Technical expertise

• At least five years work experience in an international relations, public policy or public administration environment, including working with senior government officials
• Experience in convening international or high level governance or technical meetings
• Experience with networking, relationship building and partnership management across a wide range of stakeholders
• Demonstrated understanding and experience in the aid and international development sector in the Pacific
• Experience working in Pacific Islands countries and/or territories, with a good working knowledge of the Pacific region

Language skills

• Excellent communication skills in English

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• A team player, with excellent interpersonal and people management skills
• Cultural sensitivity and a demonstrated understanding of developing country environments
• Excellent organisational skills and proven ability to multi-task

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – This position is budgeted for 3 years and is subject to renewal depending on performance and funding.

Remuneration – The Programme Planning Officeris a Band 10 position in SPC’s 2020 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 3,490–4,267 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately XPF 514,028–628,360 (USD 4,817–5,888; EUR 4,308–5,266). 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 New Caledonia.

Benefits for international staff employees based in New Caledonia – SPC provides subsidised housing in Noumea. 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).

Equal opportunity – SPC is an equal opportunity employer. Recruitment is based entirely on merit; in cases where two short-listed candidates are judged to be of equal rank by the selection committee, preference will be given to Pacific Island nationals.

Child protection – SPC is committed to child protection, irrespective of whether any specific area of work involves direct contact with children. SPC’s Child Protection Policy is written in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Police clearance – Successful candidates will be required to provide a police clearance certificate.

Languages – SPC’s working languages are English and French.

A position description is attached.