Back Team Leader – Programming

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 surveillance, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.

The Strategy, Performance and Learning (SPL) is a specialised unit within SPC’s Office of the Director-General. SPL has staff based at our headquarters in Noumea, as well as our regional office in Suva. The team has the following core functions: (i) guiding strategic direction through development of the Pacific Community Strategic Plan and facilitation of the Subcommittee of the Council of Representatives of Governments and Administration (CRGA) to analyse, anticipate, plan and innovate for the future through strategy, planning and programming; (ii) increasing development effectiveness through leading and coordinating corporate monitoring, evaluation and learning, including lessons for course correction and adaptation for improved performance and country and integrated programme design, and enhanced accountability and (iii) grow and nurture strategy, foresight, MEL and integrated programming capability across the breadth and depth of the Pacific Community to ensure SPC scientific and technical work is impactful and meets member’s development needs. iv) serving as a strategic coordination point for key relationships with external stakeholders, including member countries and territories, donors and development partners

SPL engages with SPC membership and key strategic relationships through managing the Committee of Representatives of Governments and Administrations (CRGA) subcommittee on the implementation of the Pacific Community strategic plan, which meets twice a year to look at SPC's performance against the strategy and act as a reference point for prioritisation.

The Team Leader – Programming is responsible for conceptualising SPC’s programmatic approaches and coordinating appropriate programming designs based on well-defined development problems and opportunities and a deep understanding of member needs.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

• Provide technical advice on SPC’s programming design approaches, including to further develop, the integrated and country programming approach (with recognition of the particular cultural and developmental context of SPC)
• Manage facilitation of the Strategic ‘Team Backbone’ (programming support team) to provide guidance to the Programming Design Approach
• Development and implementation of systems, processes, tools and templates to assist divisions, programmes and projects throughout the lifecycle of the Programming Process
• Provide ongoing support and advice to Deputy Director Generals (Suva & Noumea)
• Promote and drive a programming approach based on evidence and intelligence from SPCs Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Postgraduate degree in strategic or corporate planning; public policy; economics; management or project management; international development, programme development, business or public administration.

Knowledge and experience

• 10 plus years of relevant experience in the development of programmes/projects**
• Experience in the design or management of integrated programmes, understand social development programmes and projects, and thorough knowledge of the project management cycle
• Experience in an international organisation or NGO in a similar position

Essential skills

• Demonstrated experience and knowledge of M&E systems and tools
• Analytical skills and attention to detail
• Relevant experience in the Pacific
• Proficient in team management techniques

Language skills

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

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Excellent interpersonal skills and experience in working with and across the organisation in a multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary and gender-sensitive environment

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – Until 29 September 2023

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 – Programming is a Band 12 position in SPC’s 2020 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 3,478‒4,348 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 10,365–12,956 (USD 4,800–6,000; EUR 4,278–5,348). 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 – 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.