Back Communications Officer - Design and Outreach

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 Land Resources Division (LRD) provides advice, technical assistance, research and training support to Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs) on all aspects of agriculture and forestry. This includes plant protection, conservation, plant genetic resources, animal health and production, agroforestry, biosecurity and trade facilitation, and sustainable systems for agriculture, forestry and land management. This work has two objectives: improved food and nutritional security, and resilient communities. The division’s services are provided through seven technical/thematic teams: Animal Health and Production; Plant Health; Biosecurity and Trade Facilitation; Forest and Agriculture Diversification; Crop Production and Extension; Genetic Resources; and Forests and Trees.

The Communications Officer - Design and Outreach will be responsible for the creative design, development and delivery of print and digital communication products and campaigns. Under the supervision of the Information Communications and Knowledge Management (ICKM) Advisor, the successful candidate will work with team members for the production of information, communication, knowledge, education, promotion and advocacy materials relevant to sustainable agriculture, forests, genetic resources, extension, sanitary/phytosanitary, organics and biosecurity in LRD.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

• Design, develop and deliver communication products and campaigns with LRD Pillars and programmes
• Work with team members, programme members and or external consultants for the production of information, communication, education, knowledge and promotion materials in digital and traditional formats
• Contribute to developing and updating relevant websites and social media operations including media releases, report on agriculture and forests related events and advise senior staff on major events that require knowledge management support
• Contribute to PICTs’ capacity to implement communication strategies and plans in the areas of agriculture and forests and assist in establishing an outreach mechanisms through knowledge management products

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Degree in communications, public relations or related field and/or relevant experience

Knowledge and experience

• Demonstrated extensive work experience (at least 7 years) in communications design in agriculture and forests related areas
• Experience in designing and developing creative and innovative communications products and campaigns in agriculture and forests themed content
• Experience in the provision of capacity building or on the job training in agriculture and forests related communications
• Understanding of the media and communications environment in PICTs

Essential skills

• Demonstrated creative design skills and ability to work independently within a team and support teams
• Ability to design and conduct communications and awareness campaigns
• Good understanding of publication processes, digital design technology and the production of audio-visual materials
• Understanding of advocacy and public relations

Language skills

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

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

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

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – Until 31 December 2022

Remuneration – The Communications Officer - Design and Outreach is a Band 8 position in SPC’s 2020 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 1,946‒2,432 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 5,739–7,174 (USD 2,763–3,453; EUR 2,329–2,911). 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 1,230–2,750 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.

Equal opportunity – SPC is an equal opportunity employer. Recruitment is based entirely on merit; in cases where two short-listed candidates are judged to be of equal rank by the selection committee, preference will be given to Pacific Island nationals.

Child protection – SPC is committed to child protection, irrespective of whether any specific area of work involves direct contact with children. SPC’s Child Protection Policy is written in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Police clearance – Successful candidates will be required to provide a police clearance certificate.