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, education, public health, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.

The Geoscience Energy and Maritime (GEM) 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 role – Senior Renewable Energy Lead will lead the technical components of small to medium-scale sustainable power supply systems (focus on solar PV and hybrid micro and mini grids), and management support to SPC’s energy projects, particularly those in Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and Kiribati. The incumbent will help raise SPC and member state capacity and profile in effectively delivering sustainable electrification initiatives which will be a key facet of the role.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Leading technical components (design, installation, oversight and commissioning) of SPC’s electrification projects

• Lead the development of appropriate designs, detailed drawings, specifications and tender documents for FSM and Kiritimati sustainable electrification infrastructure works.
• Support procurement administration and tender evaluation processes, providing technical advice as needed.
• Support contract management and regularly liaise directly with contractors to facilitate successful achievement of deliverables.
• Lead electrical infrastructure works undertaken directly by SPC and local counterparts (i.e. not outsourced).

Supporting management of SPC’s electrification projects

• Support project managers with planning, reporting, administration, procurement, monitoring, stakeholder engagement, technical guidance, contract management, financial management, site supervision, etc.
• Provide technical advice and support to other project activities, including energy audits, community education and awareness, data analysis, electrical utility institutional capacity building, operator training, grid extensions, OH&S, etc.
• Provide ongoing guidance, quality control and recommendations to improve project delivery.

Leading, coordinating and strengthening the implementation and integration of SPC’s portfolio of energy projects and activities

• Identify technical capacity gaps and build SPC and counterpart/partner capacities in appropriate fields of energy security and electrification.
• Consolidate lessons learned, best practices and knowledge sharing products to streamline and strengthen implementation of rural and outer island electrification projects.
• Work with project and communications teams to prepare case studies (and/or similar communications products) to publicize achievements made and promote application of sustainable energy.
• Identify opportunities and leverage funding to expand scale of SPC’s energy security project portfolio.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• A post-graduate degree in electrical engineering, energy, renewable energy and/or related field.

Technical Expertise

• At least 10 years of relevant experience in the electricity sector.
• At least 5 years of project/programme management experience.
• Experience in the detailed design and optimisation of electricity supply systems particularly with medium and low voltage distribution networks.
• Extensive experience with design, installation and commissioning of solar PV, BESS and diesel hybrid systems.
• Field experience with site supervision and quality control.
• Electrical health and safety experience (low and medium voltage systems).
• Experience with mini grids, micro grids and standalone solar PV and hybrid systems.
• Experience reviewing and developing electrical design drawings and tender documentation for electrification goods, services and works.
• Experience working with and building capacity of electric utilities.
• Willingness to undertake frequent travel within the region.

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 – 30 June 2027 – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – The Senior Renewable Energy Lead 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 10% 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: JM000741

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. How many years of experience do you have in the electricity sector and in project or programme management? Can you provide examples of your leadership in managing energy projects?
2. Can you describe your experience in designing and optimising electricity supply systems, particularly in medium and low voltage distribution networks? What projects have you worked on involving solar PV, BESS, and diesel hybrid systems?
3. Have you had field experience in the supervision, installation, and commissioning of renewable energy systems? Please provide details on your experience with site supervision and quality control.

A position description is attached.