The Pacific Community (SPC) invites applications for the position of Project Officer - Engineered Wood Products located at its regional office in Suva, Fiji.

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 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.

Coconut and other non-traditional forest resources for the manufacture of Engineered Wood Products project - in collaboration with the Australian Centre for International Agriculture Research (ACIAR), will deliver and validate wood processing technologies to transform coconut and other currently low-value forest resources into high-value engineered wood products suitable for local and international markets.

The role – Project Officer - Engineered Wood Products will be responsible for the provision of technical assistance and project coordination in the area of integrated landscapes management. This role will have a particular focus on the manufacturing of engineered wood products from coconut and other non-traditional forest resources.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

· Project planning, development and coordination

· Technical advice, partnership building and representational work

· Reporting and administration

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

· Degree in wood science or wood technology or related discipline

Knowledge and experience

· At least 7 years of experience in forestry, wood science and technology, or wood manufacturing, with at least 3 years of experience in the international sector

· Experience working with Pacific region Government representatives and international sector partners

· Experience working with NGOs and communities

Essential skills

· Excellent report writing, planning and organisational skills

· Meticulous attention to detail and strong computer literacy

· Effective communication skills with ability to be responsiveness to needs of stakeholders

· Familiarity with Rio Conventions and Paris Agreement

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 – 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 Officer - Engineered Wood Products is a Band 9 position in SPC’s 2021 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 2,229‒2,786 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 6,731–8,413 (USD 3,098–3,872; EUR 2,734–3,417). 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 are 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.

This vacancy is archived.

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