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 organisation works across more than 25 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: Pacific institutions are strong, transparent, and responsive for upholding and promoting human rights and implementing inclusive, gender sensitive and culturally respectful development.
• Objective 2: Pacific Civil Society understand and can advocate for their rights and uphold cultural values.
• Objective 3: Pacific culture is protected, preserved, and promoted and culturally relevant and appropriate knowledge and systems are integrated across all work.
• Objective 4: All PSC programs and operations are grounded in people centered approaches and consider the rights and cultural values of diverse groups including women, children, youth and persons with disabilities.
• Objective 5: HRSD Division teams work collectively, coherently, and efficiently and to a high standard to achieve shared success for Pacific societies.

The USD 20 million donor-funded ‘Promoting Just, Engaged, Civic-minded and Transparent Governance in the Pacific Project’ (‘PROJECT Governance’) is focused on strengthening democratic institutions and promoting sound, just, and responsive governance in the Indo-Pacific region. PROJECT Governance is anchored by the commitments made by the Pacific Island Forum leaders in the 2000 Biketawa Declaration and reaffirmed in the 2018 Boe Declaration.

The role – Governance Adviser – Promoting Just, Engaged, Civic-minded and Transparent Governance in the Pacific (PROJECT Governance) will serve as the Deputy Chief of Party for PROJECT Governance will be responsible for supporting the Chief of Party with their responsibility for the overall leadership and implementation of the ‘Promoting Just, Engaged, Civic-minded and Transparent Governance in the Pacific’ (‘PROJECT Governance’) project. A key component of the role is to deliver on the programmatic aspects of the project and support the operational aspects.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Operational aspects of project delivery and management, including

• Design and deliver of PROJECT Governance, including implementation planning and monitoring, problem solving, managing budget execution, and donor narrative and financial reporting as per contract and compliance rules from donor.
• Implement the communications and visibility strategy for PROJECT Governance, including the development of communications materials.
• Coordinate communication efforts across PROJECT Governance and other partners and stakeholders.

Strategic planning, policy and programming

• Support the Project Coordinator – PROJECT Governance with strategic advice with respect to planning, policies and programming for PROJECT Governance.
• Design new activities aligned to the project theory of change and lead on implementation.

Stakeholder engagement, networking and coordination, including in relation to

• Coordinate operational aspects between SPC and PROJECT Governance partners.
• Support the Project Coordinator – PROJECT Governance with establishing, strengthening and supporting partnerships that advance PROJECT Governance objectives at national, regional and international levels.
• Analyse other donor-funded projects to avoid duplication and identification of synergies.

Operational aspects of technical assistance for mainstreaming a people-centred approach to development

• Support the Project Coordinator – PROJECT Governance to implement a people-centred approach to PROJECT Governance and across SPC.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• A postgraduate qualification in public administration, economics, business, law, social sciences, or a related field.

Technical expertise

• At least 10 years of progressively responsible professional development as well as experience and expertise in supporting democratic governance reforms.
• Experience working with counterparts at various levels of government and the non-government sector in managing international development assistance projects.
• Strong technical expertise and good management skills.
• Leading teams located and working across multiple locations.

Language skills

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written).

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

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

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – Until 3 May 2026 – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – The Governance Adviser – Promoting Just, Engaged, Civic-minded and Transparent Governance in the Pacific (PROJECT Governance) is a band 11 position in SPC’s 2024 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 3,091‒3,864 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 9,211–11,513 (USD 4,111–5,138; EUR 3,831–4,789). 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 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.

Application procedure

Job Reference: JM000603

Applicants must apply online, via the Apply Now link.

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.

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. SPC may assist on a case-by-case basis with submissions to Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their consideration and final approval. SPC cannot and does not make any guarantee whatsoever of approval for such applications to Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs and where an application is approved, the spouse or partner will subject to such terms and conditions as may be set from time to time by the Ministry.

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. Please define good governance and provide an example of when you have been able to institute democratic governance reforms, preferably within the Pacific context.
2. Please identify three priority areas of democratic governance in the Pacific that require reform and strengthening. Select one and briefly outline how you would establish a good governance framework and approach in this area.
3. Please identify the three most important aspects of project management and detail an example of when you have been in charge of a large project.

A position description is attached.