Back Curriculum and Assessment Specialist

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 vision of the Educational Quality and Assessment Programme (EQAP) is to be ‘The agency for educational quality in the Pacific region’. Its mission is to enhance the quality of education and training for Pacific learners so they realise the benefits of lifelong learning. EQAP seeks to promote the following core values within the context of SPC’s corporate values:

• a culture of quality;
• a culture of continuous improvement;
• cultural and political sensitivity;
• respect for the autonomy and priorities of the education system in each Pacific Island country and territory (PICTs); and
• assimilation of the expressed needs of countries in its delivery of technical services.

The role – Curriculum and Assessment Specialist will be responsible for building capacity in curriculum development, review and educational assessment to support Pacific Island countries and territories meet their regional and national curriculum, educational assessment and intervention needs.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

• Curriculum review and development
• National assessment and examinations
• Online learning and training
• Teacher competency assessment

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education with two teaching subject majors
• Master of education

Knowledge and experience

• At least 10 years of experience working in the area of education, with at least five years of experience in developing and moderating educational assessment instruments
• Sound knowledge of and experience with qualitative and quantitative educational research methods
• Sound knowledge of current Pacific and international educational assessment issues

Essential skills

• Skills in liaising, negotiating, and training people, especially teachers from different ethnic, cultural and educational backgrounds
• Ability to produce quality curriculum documents and assessment instruments that meet the expressed needs of stakeholders
• Advanced skills in writing framework and guidelines documentation and reports
• Excellent PC-based computer skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
• A flexible approach and a willingness to assist with a variety of other tasks within EQAP and SPC

Language skills

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written), both at a technical level and in the preparation of information for the public

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• A high level of interpersonal skills, well-considered judgements and cultural sensitivity

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 Curriculum and Assessment Specialist is a Band 10 position in SPC’s 2021 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 2,512‒3,140 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 7,586–9,483 (USD 3,492–4,364; EUR 3,081–3,852). 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.