The Pacific Community (SPC) invites applications for the position of Director – Human and Social Development 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 Human and Social Development Division has a vision for just, equitable and resilient Pacific societies and it aims to achieve this by advancing human rights, equality and social inclusion for all Pacific people, grounded in cultural values and principles.

The work of this Division includes work previously undertaken by the Regional Rights Resource Team (RRRT) in the area of human rights and the Social Development Programme (SDP) in the areas of gender equality, culture and youth development.

In line with its vision, the work of the Division will encompass the following focal areas:

· Responsive PICTs on Human Rights and GESI – support Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs) to be responsive in delivery on their human rights and gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) commitments.

· GESI and Youth Development – support Pacific people to realise the benefits of human rights and GESI commitments through strengthening capabilities, creating opportunities for empowerment, and transforming behaviour and practice.

· Cultural Development – promote, preserve and protect positive expressions of cultural heritage, including Pacific indigenous knowledge, values, languages, traditions and creative arts.

· Social Innovation and Learning – enhance knowledge, research and innovative solutions for social development.

The role – Director – Human and Social Development will manage the work of the Human and Social Development Division, including overseeing the management of all programmes and projects in the area of human rights, gender equality, culture, and youth development. The role will oversee the management of research, monitoring, evaluation and learning to inform policy and interventions to advance national and regional priorities on human rights, gender equality, culture and youth, in alignment with the global commitments of Pacific member states.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

· Strategic planning, policy and programming advice

· Leadership and people management

· Programme management, integrated programming and mainstreaming

· Fundraising and resource mobilisation

· Stakeholder engagement and relationship management

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

· A master’s degree in human rights law, development, sociology or other relevant subject related to human rights, development studies, or gender

Knowledge and experience

· At least 10 years of experience in human rights or social development

· At least 10 years of senior management experience, including personnel, project and financial management

· Experience with the raising of external funding

· Knowledge of key global and regional frameworks and plans for human rights and social development, particularly in gender, culture and youth development

· Knowledge and experience of the socio-political situations, government systems and public policy processes in Pacific Island Countries and Territories

· Experience in working with UN agencies, development partners, NGOs, civil society organisations in the Pacific region

Essential skills

· Highly developed leadership and planning skills

· Ability to network, communicate and represent effectively at national, regional and international levels

Language skills

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written) with a working knowledge of French being an advantage**

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

· Cross-cultural skills and the ability to work with team members from different cultural backgrounds

· Ability to work in an inclusive and equitable environment**

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – Three years

Remuneration – The Director – Human and Social Development 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.

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.

This vacancy is archived.

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