• 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 surveillance, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.

The Strategy, Performance & Learning (SPL) unit is a specialised unit within the Office of the Director-General, with responsibilities for co-developing SPC Strategic Plan and the necessary methodology, capability and practice for monitoring and reporting against the Strategic Plan. SPL has staff based at our headquarters in Noumea, as well as our regional office in Suva. We provide whole of organisation service (Secretariat and member) through: i) Strategy and Planning; ii) Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning; iii) Programming and Design. Our work is focused on creating the conditions for change, grounded in contextually relevant and culturally responsive practice.

The Relationships and Learning Adviser is one of three new positions implementing the Strengthening Pacific MEL Capacity project funded by MFAT. The Relationships and Learning Adviser will develop and strengthen relationships between the partners and stakeholders for Pacific MEL, and lead the engagement, partnership development, and collaboration for the voyage ahead outlined for Pacific MEL in the Pacific Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Capacity strengthening Rebbilib [1] roadmap.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

• Pacific-led va’a for co-ordination - Strengthening the ownership, coordination and cohesion of MEL in the Pacific region through solesolevaki (reciprocity, social capital, kinship and community relationships). Shared responsibility with the MEL Adviser.
• MEL culture - Coordinate initiatives aimed at building (for emerging or progressing individuals or organisations) or continuously strengthening (for more established ones) MEL organisational culture. This includes building MEL awareness, MEL literacy and MEL leadership.
• MEL collaboration - Pursuing and expanding on the MEL partnerships and communities of practice already existing, as well as forging new ones, within countries across different MEL stakeholders, but also across the region and the globe.
• Evidence for resilient development - Improve knowledge management and sharing, and the development of tailored knowledge products, to support evidence-based decision making for resilient development.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Postgraduate degree qualification in a relevant field such evaluation, international development, public sector policy, adult learning

Knowledge and experience

At least 7 years of experience in:

• Understanding on Pacific ways of learning, engagement, and/or partnership building
• Experience developing organisational diagnostic tools
• Expertise in adult learning
• Design, leadership, and management of programmes and projects, and the project management cycle.

Essential skills

• Demonstrated experience in developing organisational planning frameworks
• Demonstrated ability to influence for positive change
• Demonstrated experience in building or supporting communities of practice / professional networks
• Experience in communicating PMEL products for development effectiveness

Language skills

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

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Excellent interpersonal skills and experience in working with and across the organisation in a multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary and gender-sensitive environment

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – Until 31 December 2024

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 Relationships and Learning Adviser 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 – 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 Apply Now.

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. What key approaches do you see as being critical for strengthening MEL organisational culture? Consider approaches with different organisational stakeholders from different sectors (MEL practitioners, programme managers, senior managers, science and technical staff, etc).
2. This role involves building new and existing MEL partnerships and communities of practice across the region. Please outline strategies you would use for collaboration and partnership development, particularly in light of COVID-19 travel restrictions.
3. Briefly describe some key considerations for consciously applying Pacific ways of being, ways of communicating, ways of learning and ways of knowing into regional MEL practice.

https://www.spc.int/updates/blog/2020/08/pacific-mel-rebbilib-report-on-mel-capacity-available-for-download

A position description is attached.