Back Senior Project Officer - Pacific Partnership to End Violence against Women and Girls Project

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.

For over 20 years the Human Rights and Social Development Division (HRSD) has operated as the region’s pioneer in human rights and gender capacity building to Pacific states, institutions and civil society. Through a team of regional advisers and Country Focal Officers (CFOs) based in member states, it provides a comprehensive suite of policy and legislative advice, technical assistance and capacity building to support Pacific states to respond effectively to priority regional human rights and social development priorities, such as gender equality, ending violence against women and children, youth development, disability rights, climate change and equitable, sustainable development.

The role – Senior Project Officer - Pacific Partnership to End Violence against Women and Girls Project will support the Project Coordinator in the planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting on the SPC component of the Pacific Partnership to End Violence against Women and Girls project. The role will also manage and develop direct reports.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

• Support capacity building, technical assistance and support on human rights, gender equality and social inclusion education
• Support In-Country SCE Officers
• Assist project coordination
• Support stakeholder engagement, networking and coordination
• Monitoring, evaluation and learning

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, development, human rights, gender or related discipline from a recognised university, or equivalent work experience

Knowledge and experience

• At least five years of work experience in the field of education (formal or community level), engaging with government and/or civil society
• Solid working knowledge of human rights, gender and social inclusion concepts and issues in the Pacific context
• Experience in designing and facilitating capacity building/training programmes on social issues, engagement with teacher training is advantageous
• Experience with integration of human rights and GESI in the education sector

Essential skills

• Project management skills, including implementation, monitoring and donor reporting
• People management skills
• Awareness of cultural, political and religious sensitivities
• Critical analysis and innovative thinking skills
• Ability to support complex multisector coordination, planning and design
• Presentation, communication, reporting writing and facilitation skills
• Networking and relationship building skills with government and non-government stakeholders

Language skills

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written)
• Ability to speak one or more Pacific Island languages is advantageous

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment
• Knowledge and understanding of Pacific cultural values

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – until 31 December 2022

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 Senior Project Officer - Pacific Partnership to End Violence against Women and Girls Project 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 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.