Back Coastal Analyst

The Pacific Community (SPC) invites applications for the position of Coastal Analyst 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 Geoscience Energy and Maritime Division (GEM) provides advice, technical assistance, research and training support to Pacific Island countries and territories. There are three (3) areas of scientific programming and two areas of focus within this division:

1. 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.

2. Georesources and Energy Programme (GEP) – assists member countries by applying technical knowledge in the areas of geoscience and sustainable energy use.

3. 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 other two focus areas within this division are Programming and Operations, which is responsible for driving integrated programming excellence and operational support across the division, and Earth and Marine Observation, which is responsible for providing diverse, integrated, and unique and demand-driven services across SPC work programmes, projects and countries.

The Coastal Analyst will develop and implement the science component of the ‘Resilient Boundaries for a Blue Pacific (RBBP)’ Project and provide project management support as well as capacity building. The primary focus is a risk-based approach to coastal assessments and the development of resource management approaches to preserve critical island features. Within GEM, the jobholder will also provide technical support and advice to governments, stakeholders, and partners on activities related to the impacts of climate change on the Pacific island’s shorelines and supporting reef systems.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

• Project support and staff supervision
• Risk-based approach to coastal systems
• Training and information transfer

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Coastal Engineering /Coastal Geology /Marine Ecology from a recognised university

Knowledge and experience

• At least 5 years of experience on applied multidisciplinary projects including solving problems related to multidimensional classification for large-scale ocean parameters such as aragonite saturation, available oxygen, ocean heat content, tides, wave forcing, etc.
• Sound understanding of practices, techniques, concepts and theoretical principles around the relationship between reef ecosystems and coastal geomorphology
• Capable of providing specialised technical service, developing risk-based solutions to varied and complex problems relating to the impact of climate change on coastal reef systems and associated soft sandy shorelines.

Essential skills

• Analytical and creative reasoning to explore alternative risk-based options and formulate solutions across multiple parameters
• Experience with handling large spatial datasets and remote sensing data used in coastal and nearshore assessments with strong GIS capabilities
• Capable and organised report preparation and communication skills
• Ability to provide necessary training and transfer of skills as demanded by the project

Language skills

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written)

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment
• Capacity to engage with government, public and community audiences

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – 3 years

Remuneration – The Coastal Analyst is a Band 10 position in SPC’s 2020 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 2,512‒3,140 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 7,486–9,357 (USD 3,466–4,333; EUR 3,090–3,862). 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.

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.