• Suva-based position (Fiji)
  
• Competitive 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 26 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 Human Rights and Social Development Division has a vision for just, equitable and resilient Pacific societies and it aims to achieve this by advancing human rights, equality and social inclusion for all Pacific people, grounded in cultural values and principles.The work of this Division includes work previously undertaken by the Regional Rights Resource Team (RRRT) in the area of human rights and the Social Development Programme (SDP) in the areas of gender equality and social inclusion, culture and youth development.

In line with its vision, the work of the Division will encompass the following focal areas:

• 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: Social innovation and learning: Enhance knowledge, learning and innovative solutions to accelerate impact on human development priorities.

SPC has entered a 4-year project, the Pacific Partnership to end Violence against Women and Girls (herein referred to as Pacific Partnership EVAWG project), in partnership with UN Women and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS). The goal of this project is to promote gender equality and prevent violence against women and girls. The SPC component of the project will be led by the Human Rights and Social Development Division (HRSD) and implemented in collaboration with SPC’s Educational Quality and Assessment Programme (EQAP). This component aims to equip school students, schools and communities to understand and apply human rights and responsibilities, gender equality, inclusion and non-violence in four countries: Kiribati, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. This position of Project Coordinator is a full-time position, once-off contract under this project and manages a team of up to 7 staff.

The Project Coordinator will provide overall leadership and management of the Pacific Partnership to End Violence against Women and Girls Project. Where the role requires linking across the objectives of the HRSD work program, the Project Coordinator will have a matrix reporting relationship with other Team Leaders in this regard. The role will also manage and develop direct reports.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

• Programme Management
• Supervision, Mentoring and Supporting Team Members
• Networking and Partnership
• Stakeholder and Partnership Engagement
• Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• A master’s degree or postgraduate qualifications in development, human rights, law, gender, international relations, or other relevant social science degree, or education postgraduate degree from a recognised university.
• Diploma or certificate course in project cycle management, or equivalent years of project management experience.

Knowledge and experience

• At least seven years’ progressive project management and development experience, with a background covering work with governments and/or civil society.
• 5 years’ experience managing staff including staff appraisal and performance management.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English, with strong writing ability at a project donor reporting level.
• Proven record of accomplishment in coordination and partnership building with donors, governments, development partners and civil society.

Essential skills

• Demonstrated understanding and knowledge of Pacific cultural values and international human rights principles and standards.
• Pacific experience and an in-depth understanding of the human rights (including violence against women), good governance and development challenges in the region.

Language skills

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

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Cross-cultural skills and the ability to work with team members from different cultural backgrounds.

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – Until 31 August 2022, with possibility of extension subject to funding.

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 Project Coordinator, Pacific Partnership to End Violence against Women and Girls Project is a Band 11 position in SPC’s 2021 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 3,015‒3,769 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 9,107–11,383 (USD 4,191–5,239; EUR 3,699–4,624). 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 relocation grant, removal expenses, airfares, home leave, medical and life insurance and education allowances are available for eligible employees and their recognised dependents. Employees are entitled to 25 days of annual leave and 30 days of sick leave per annum, 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

Applicants must apply online by clicking on the button below.

Hard copies of applications will not be accepted.

For your application to be considered, you must provide us with:

• an updated resume
• contact details for three professional referees
• a cover letter detailing your skills, experience and interest in this position
• responses to all screening questions.

Please ensure your documents are in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.

Applicants should not attach copies of qualifications or letters of reference. These documents may be requested at a later stage.

For international staff in Fiji, only one foreign national per family can be employed with an entity operating in Fiji at any one given time. The Pacific Community does not support dual spouse employment.

Please ensure that you respond to all the screening questions. If you do not respond to the screening questions, your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed at shortlisting stage.

Screening Questions:

1. This programme involves: (a) working with education ministries, teachers and schools in RMI, Tuvalu, Kiribati and Vanuatu; (b) the implementation of activities in these countries; and (c) the management of programme staff in these countries. With the position based in Suva, and given COVID-19 related travel restrictions, what are the 3 key issues you anticipate facing in managing this programme and how would you address them to ensure effective programme management?
2. What do you think might be some of the barriers to teaching about human rights, gender equality and ending violence against women and girls in schools in the Pacific? What are some of the things you might suggest to address these barriers?
3. Please develop a one-day session plan for Kiribati teachers on how to teach about gender equality and ending violence against women and girls.