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
Geoscience Energy and Maritime 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:
- 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.
- Georesources and Energy Programme (GEP) – assists member countries by applying technical knowledge in the areas of geoscience and sustainable energy use.
- 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
Disaster and Community Resilience Programme (DCRP) integrates SPC efforts in relation to water and sanitation,
disaster risk reduction,
climate change adaptation and
natural resource management initiatives. The DCRP delivers its work through a series of projects and programme funding, coming together through integrated programmatic delivery. These projects include a high-level of procurement and grant-related activities which must be implemented in line with SPC and donor policies, whilst ensuring quality goods and services are acquired at the best price, on the best terms and in line with Member Country needs.
The
Project Procurement and Grants Officer will support the procurement and grant-related needs of the DCRP and participating Member Countries in the implementation of selected
development projects. The role will report directly to the Manager – Procurement, Grants, Risk and Assets (PGRA) who sits within SPC’s corporate office under the Operations and Management Directorate (OMD). However, the role will be physically located within DCRP, and closely liaise with the Principal
Advisor and
Grants Management Adviser of the EU Project
Management Unit (EU PMU within OMD) in relation to all grant-related functions.
The key responsibilities of the role include:
- Policy execution and compliance – support DCRP’s implementation of selected development projects through the efficient and compliant application of SPC policies and procedures for procurement and grants
- Procurement planning and reporting – support DCRP’s overall procurement planning and reporting needs
- Communications and engagement – establish, support, and maintain effective linkages and productive working relationships between DCRP project teams, PGRA procurement team, and the SPC EU Project Management Unit (EUPMU)
- Capacity development – lead the design and execution of appropriate capacity strengthening programmes to increase the capacity of DCRP project teams and participating Member Country Departmental staff to efficiently and effectively undertake the procurement and grant-related activities of selected DCRP projects
- Systems improvement – support DCRP to improve its systems and procedures for procurements and grants and contributing DCRP learnings into wider organisational systems improvements led by PGRA and the EU PMU
For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the job description provided online.
Key selection criteria
Qualifications
- Degree in procurement/supply, finance or business administration or other relevant qualification, and/or equivalent and relevant work experience
Knowledge and experience
- Minimum of 5 years procurement and/or grants experience on donor-funded projects implemented in small island developing states
- Expert level skills in the provision of procurement, supply and/or grants advice, and in ensuring compliance with relevant organisational and donor policies and procedures
- Advanced data management and analysis skills
Essential skills
- Advanced level negotiation, collaboration, and relationship management skills
- Demonstrated capacity building and coaching skills
- Ability to think strategically, and to analyze and overcome challenges
- Able to perform well under pressure, and to prioritize work schedules to meet commitments and deadlines
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 – 3 years
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 Procurement and Grants Officer is a Band 8 position in SPC’s 2021 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 1,994‒2,493 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 6,022–7,528 (USD 2,772–3,465; EUR 2,446–3,058). 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.
