Back Team Leader - Ocean Prediction and Monitoring

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 provides advice, technical assistance, research and training support to Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs). 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 Geoinformatics, which is responsible for providing diverse, integrated, and unique and demand-driven information and spatial data services across SPC work programmes, projects and countries.

The role – Team Leader - Ocean Prediction and Monitoring will provide overall leadership and management for Ocean Prediction and Monitoring and be the focal point for coastal hazard risk matters in the Oceans and Maritime Programme of the Geoscience, Energy and Maritime Division. This role will assist SPC member countries in a strengthened integrated approach towards ocean prediction, early warning systems, and coastal monitoring by applied ocean and coastal geoscience services and with a focus on capacity development.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

• Oceanographic and coastal development advice and support
• Resource mobilisation
• Project management and supervision
• Team leadership and development

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant area such as marine studies, oceanography, physics, coastal engineering, and/or equivalent work experience

Knowledge and experience

• At least 10 years of combined national and international progressive experience in coastal management and numerical predictions in the Pacific region
• Extensive experience in a senior position within a Pacific government or regional organisation
• Knowledge of survey techniques and the application of marine surveys in small island settings
• In-depth knowledge of the latest IPCC reports relating to climate change issues, sea-level rise and impacts on small island developing states
• Familiarity with policies and plans associated with development partners, specifically in the application of coastal hazard and risk information and climate change adaptation in the Pacific region

Essential skills

• Project management skills and experience with ability to design and delivery of technical projects and initiatives
• Demonstrated ability to successfully organise and conduct training courses, workshops, seminars and meetings
• Facilitation and negotiation skills with ability to motivate, transfer skills and provide training
• Leadership and managerial skills
• Aptitude for the provision of high-quality service and attention to detail
• Proactive in seeking to analyse, develop and design new areas of work and initiatives

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 – 1 year until 31 December 2022 – possibility of extension based on funding and performance.

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 Team Leader - Ocean Prediction and Monitoring is a Band 12 position in SPC’s 2021 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 3,478‒4,348 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 10,504–13,130 (USD 4,835–6,043; EUR 4,266–5,333). 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.