JOB DESCRIPTION & SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
- Suva-based position (Fiji)
- Attractive expatriate package
- Join the principal development organisation in the region
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 27 country and territory members. In pursuit of sustainable development to benefit Pacific people, our unique organisation works across more than 25 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 Human Rights 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) around human rights and the Social Development Programme (SDP) in the areas of gender equality and social inclusion, culture and youth development.
In line with its vision, the work of the Division will encompass the following focal areas:
- Objective 1: Governance for human rights and social development: strengthen inclusive, transparent and active governance for human rights and social development.
- Objective 2: Gender equality and social inclusion: mobilize, empower and build conditions for gender equality, equity and social inclusion in society and development.
- Objective 3: Culture: promote, preserve and protect positive expressions of culture.
- Objective 4: Social innovation and learning: enhance knowledge, learning and innovative solutions to accelerate impact on human development priorities.
The role – Gender Equality & Social Inclusion Adviser will provide technical advice, assistance, and capacity building under the Human Rights and Social Development (HRSD) work programme with a focus on mainstreaming gender and social inclusion into SPC’s technical divisions, and at national level to advance gender equality, social inclusion and human rights. As the role requires working across the objectives of the Human Rights and Social Development (HRSD) work programme, the Gender Equality & Social Inclusion Adviser will have a matrix reporting relationship with other Team Leaders in this regard.
The key responsibilities of the role include the following:
Provide technical assistance and support on gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) and human rights
- Provide technical advice and assistance to SPC’s divisional programmes, projects, and services to mainstream gender and social inclusion
Human rights and gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) capacities and skills development
- Identify needs for development of capacities and skills for Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs) and other stakeholders
Support stakeholder engagement, networking, and coordination
- Advance divisional objectives at national, regional and institutional levels
Project management and people management
- Manage and report on the delivery of projects, programmes, and activities
For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description.
Key selection criteria
Qualifications
- A postgraduate qualification in development, human rights, law, gender, international relations or other relevant social science from a recognized university
Knowledge and experience
- At least 7 years of development experience working in the field of human rights, gender equality and social inclusion, and/or youth development with at least 5 years of working in the Pacific
- Experience in mainstreaming human rights-based, gender, social inclusion in development programming
Essential skills
- Demonstrated experience in programming, developing, delivering, and reporting against work plans
- Experience developing capacity building resources and delivering sessions for diverse government and non-government audiences
- Ability to translate text-heavy documents or information into user-friendly materials for a wide range of audiences
- Applied knowledge of national, regional, and international human rights, gender and social inclusion frameworks and development challenges in the Pacific within national government machinery or within a Council of Regional Organisations of the Pacific (CROP) agency
- Demonstrated high level of emotional intelligence through work approaches
- Understanding of ethical guidelines in programme/project implementation including do no harm and survivor-based approaches
Language skills
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English, with strong writing ability at a donor project reporting level
Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness
- Significant communication skills and experience working in a multi-disciplinary and cross-cultural team
- Excellent interpersonal and representational skills with experience in building and maintaining effective working relationships with a range of different individuals and organisations
Salary, terms and conditions
Contract Duration – 3 years – subject to renewal depending 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 Gender Equality & Social Inclusion Adviser is a Band 11 position in SPC’s 2022 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 3,015‒3,769 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 8,896–11,120 (USD 4,312–5,390; EUR 3,619–4,523). 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 bilinguism, 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 begiven to the Pacific Islander. Applicants will be assured of complete confidentiality in line with SPC’s private policy.
Screening questions (maximum of 2,000 characters per question):
- What are the key considerations to successfully mainstreaming gender, social inclusion and human rights into other development and economic sectors?
- Explain the challenges to mainstream gender, social inclusion and human rights in the public sector.
- Prepare a half-day gender and social inclusion sensitization session plan for government officials.
More Information
- Job Application Details Application procedure Closing date: 28th July 2022 – 11:59 pm (Fiji time) Job Reference: KK000006 Applicants must apply online at http://careers.spc.int/ Hard copies of applications will not be accepted. For your application to be considered, you must provide us with: an updated resume with contact details for three professional referees a cover letter detailing your skills, experience and interest in this position responses to all screening questions Your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed at shortlisting stage if all the above documents are not provided. Applicants should not attach copies of qualifications or letters of reference. Please ensure your documents are in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format. For international staff in Fiji, only one foreign national per family can be employed with an entity operating in Fiji at any one given time. SPC may assist on a case-by-case basis with submissions to Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their consideration and final approval. SPC cannot and does not make any guarantee whatsoever of approval for such applications to the Fijian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and where an application is approved, the spouse or partner will subject to such terms and conditions as may be set from time to time by the Ministry.