Back Director – Educational Quality and Assessment Programme

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 (PICT); and
• assimilation of the expressed needs of countries in its delivery of technical services.

The role – Director – Educational Quality and Assessment Programme (EQAP) will manage the work of the Educational Quality and Assessment Programme ensuring the delivery of high-quality services to member countries, the region and SPC. The role will be guided by the EQAP Business Plan as endorsed by the CRGA subcommittee known as the PBEQ and the SPC strategic plan.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

• Strategic Planning, Policy and Programming Advice
• Leadership and People Management
• Program Management
• Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Management
• Support to Senior Leadership of SPC

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Postgraduate (Masters level) in an educational field covered by the EQAP mandate**

Knowledge and experience

• Wide knowledge of education particularly in educational assessment as well as in the other fields covered by the EQAP mandate
• Extensive management experience at a state or national level within an education assessment system
• At least 10 years teaching experience
• At least 5 years’ experience in:
• State/national or international assessment and at least one of: State /national curriculum development or; teacher training or; educational policy development
• At least 10 years of demonstrated senior management experience, including in personnel, project and financial management

Essential skills

• Highly developed leadership and planning skills
• Demonstrated ability to network, communicate and represent effectively at national, regional and international levels
• Knowledge of key global and regional frameworks and plans for education

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 – Three 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 Director – Educational Quality and Assessment Programme is a Band 15 position in SPC’s 2020 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 5,505‒6,881 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 16,404–20,505 (USD 7,597–9,496; EUR 6,794–8,492). 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.

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.