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 Geoscience Energy and Maritime Division provides advice, technical assistance, research and training support to Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs). There are three areas of scientific programming and two areas of focus within this division:
- Oceans and Maritime Programme (OMP) – Driving growth in blue economies through well-informed and inclusive action from integrated solutions for ocean and coastal management and maritime and transport.
- Geo-resources and Energy Programme (GEP) – Strengthening the management of the Earth’s non-living resources through responsible harnessing of mineral resources, including metalliferous and development minerals, and clean and renewable energy resources, such as solar, wind, and geothermal for sustainable development.
- Disaster and Community Resilience Programme (DCRP) – Improving resilience and sustainability through the management of disaster risk and assessment of hazards. This includes building resilience through wider support for climate change, disaster risk management (DRM) initiatives, and water and sanitation initiatives. Several regional climate change projects are housed in this programming area.
- The other two focus areas within this division are Programming and Operations, responsible for driving integrated programming excellence and operational support across the division, and Geo-informatics, which is responsible for providing diverse, integrated, and unique and demand-driven services across SPC work programmes, projects and countries. This includes developing, managing, building on and retaining or preserving spatial data and information for the benefit of all scientific areas.
The Geoscience Officer – will support the GEM Division to progress work related to geoparks across the Pacific region, including assessing the feasibility of developing geoparks in various locations, mobilising resources to fund development of geoparks, and subsequently supporting the establishment of geoparks in selected locations. With the long-term vision of establishing a network of UNESCO Global Geoparks across the Pacific region.
The key responsibilities of the role include the following:
- Conduct desktop research and field data collection related to geoparks
- Support the Geotechnical Adviser with the preparation of technical reports, and when required support the Geotechnical Adviser with various tasks related to Development Minerals Phase 2, Pacific Resilience Project 2, and other relevant projects.
- Support the geotechnical adviser with resource mobilisation efforts related to Geoparks
For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the job description provided.
Key selection criteria
Qualifications
- A Bachelor of Science majoring in environmental science, earth science, or geology
Knowledge and experience
- At least 1 year of work experience
- Experience in the area of geotourism, including specific knowledge of geoparks is essential
- Knowledge of geoscience, including geology, climate change, and environmental science is essential
- Experience/knowledge of Pacific cultures and traditional knowledge is desirable
Essential skills
- Experience writing technical reports
- Proven research skills
Language skills
- Excellent English communication skills (oral and written)
Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness
- Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment
Salary, terms and conditions
Contract Duration – Until 31 December 2022
Remuneration – This is a full-time temporary position at Band 7 in SPC’s 2021 salary scale, with a commencing taxable salary range of FJD 2,232-2,790 per month, plus local benefits for staff only. An offer of appointment for an initial contract will 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.
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.
Application procedure
Closing Date – 23 November 2021 until 11:45pm Fiji time
Applicants must apply online at: http://careers.spc.int/
Hard copies of applications will not be accepted.
To be considered for this role, you must provide us with:
- an updated resume
- a cover letter detailing your skills, experience and interest in this position
- responses to all screening questions
Please ensure your documents are in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.
Applicants should not attach copies of qualifications or letters of reference. These documents may be requested at a later stage.
Please ensure that you respond to all of the screening questions. If you do not respond to the screening questions, your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed at shortlisting stage.
Only Fijian citizens are eligible to apply for this role.
Screening Questions:
- Please describe your experience related to Geoparks and/or geotourism.
- Please briefly describe which area(s) in the Pacific you think are prospective locations for geopark development, and why.
- What are the three most important strengths you would personally contribute to the SPC team?