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 organisation works across more than 25 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 Operations and Integration (O&I) collective delivers essential enabling services that support the organisation’s scientific and technical portfolio. Our key functions include corporate services, programme support, partnerships, resource mobilisation, and strategic engagement. These services are coordinated through our regional and satellite offices across the Pacific and Europe. Additionally, the O&I collective leads a dedicated workstream focused on organisational change and transformation to drive continuous improvement and adaptability.
The role – Grants and Collaborations Team Leader – Performance Enhancement will lead a small team within the Grants and Collaborations Team to ensure the effective and timely delivery of high-quality grant management services across SPC. The incumbent will provide expert advice and support on complex grant-related activities, strengthen grants management processes, and drive continuous improvements in grant systems and practices. The Team Leader will also play a key role in fostering strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring grant activities meet SPC’s standards, comply with funder requirements and contribute to the achievement of SPC’s strategic objectives.
Job Summary
- Employer: Pacific Community (SPC)
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Suva, Fiji
- Category: Project Management
- Salary: 3,245‒4,057 SDR per month (approximately FJD 10,028-12,535)
- Closing Date: 2026-11-15
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and implementation of initiatives to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, quality and consistency of SPC’s grants and collaborations function.
- Develop practical improvement plans and oversee their implementation, monitoring progress and reporting results to the Grants and Collaborations Manager.
- Identify and implement improvements to Grants and Collaboration Tools and Systems: Enhance the tools and systems used for managing grants and collaborations, ensuring they support better understanding, compliance, and efficiency across SPC.
- Monitor the performance of grants management processes and identify trends, bottlenecks, control weaknesses, recurring issues and opportunities for improvement.
- Establish and maintain appropriate performance indicators, service standards and quality measures for the Grants and Collaborations function.
- Lead the review and improvement of grants and collaborations systems, tools and workflows including supporting the evaluation, selection and implementation of a Grants Management System (GMS) including definition of business requirements and integration with Business Central (PR-to-Pay); and contribute to the transition to a Centre-Led operating model for grants management.
- Identify opportunities for automation, digitalisation and improved use of technology across the grants lifecycle.
- Work with ICT and relevant business units to define business requirements for grants management systems and digital solutions.
- Promote the use of reliable grants data to support operational management, performance monitoring, reporting and decision-making.
- Develop and maintain appropriate management information, dashboards and performance reports.
- Provide expert advice on SPC grants and collaborations processes: Provide expert advice to the Grants and Collaborations Manager and senior management on grants management performance, risk, systems and process improvement.
- Provide advice to decision-makers on complex grant and collaboration Issues: Provide evidence-based advice to relevant committees and decision-makers on systemic grants management issues and proposed improvements.
- Brief decision-makers on trends, performance issues, risks and opportunities for improvement.
- Prepare high-quality reports, briefing notes, dashboards and management information for internal stakeholders.
- Support the Grants and Collaborations Manager in preparing reports for senior management, the Executive, governing bodies and the Audit and Risk Committee.
- Team leadership and supervision: Lead the staff, ensuring clear direction, support, and motivation is provided to staff.
- Recruitment and staffing: Lead the recruitment and selection process ensuring that staffing level and capabilities are appropriate to meet operational needs.
- Performance management, training and development: manage the performance management process for staff ensuring that team performance goals are aligned with SPC objectives. manage the training and development needs for staff ensuring continuous learning and skill development within the team.
- Develop mechanisms to capture, share and institutionalise lessons learned across the Grants and Collaborations Team.
- Lead communication and change-management activities associated with new or revised grants processes, systems and requirements.
- Provide capacity building: Lead the development and delivery of training programs to internal and external stakeholders to enhance understanding and management of grants and collaborations, including pre-award and post-award processes, and as part of SPC’s performance enhancement work.
- Build collaborative relationships: Lead on fostering strong, collaborative relationships with all SPC stakeholders, ensuring alignment and support for grants and collaborative activities.
- Ensure effective communication: Lead on maintaining open and effective lines of communication with key stakeholders, building strong relationships to support the effective implementation of grants and collaborative initiatives.
Requirements
- A postgraduate qualification in a relevant field such as law, finance, grants management, business administration or international development or equivalent body of knowledge and experience.
- At least 7-8 years of relevant experience in grants management, programme/project management, business administration, finance, risk management, compliance, process improvement, international development, law or a related field.
- Demonstrated experience leading or coordinating teams and/or complex cross-functional initiatives.
- Demonstrated experience reviewing and improving organisational processes, systems or operating procedures.
- Experience in performance monitoring, data analysis and management reporting.
- Experience developing guidance, procedures, tools and training materials.
- Demonstrated ability to translate complex information into practical recommendations.
- Excellent English communication skills (oral and written) with a working knowledge of French being an advantage.
- Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment.
Salary
3,245‒4,057 SDR per month (approximately FJD 10,028-12,535)
How to Apply
To apply, please visit: careers.spc.int
REF Code: JM001006
About the Company
Join Jobs Fiji WhatsApp Channel
Click the button below to join our WhatsApp channel for updates.
Join NowThe Pacific Community (SPC) is an international organisation headquartered in Noumea, New Caledonia, with significant operations in Fiji including its Regional Office for the Pacific based in Suva. Established in 1947, SPC works across 22 Pacific Island countries and territories, delivering technical assistance in areas such as public health, agriculture, fisheries, education, statistics, and climate resilience. In Fiji, SPC employs local staff and implements programmes supporting sustainable development, food security, and disaster preparedness, working closely with the Fijian government and communities. The organisation is owned and governed by its 26 member countries and territories, including Fiji, which contributes to and benefits from its regional initiatives.
The Pacific's principal scientific and technical organisation
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or certifications are typically required for a Grants and Collaborations Team Leader role in Fiji?
Most employers in Fiji expect a bachelor's degree in project management, development studies, or a related field, with a master's degree often preferred for leadership roles. Professional certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional) or PRINCE2 are highly valued, particularly within international organizations like SPC. Experience with grant writing and donor compliance from agencies like DFAT, EU, or New Zealand MFAT is also commonly required.
What does a typical day look like for a Grants and Collaborations Team Leader in Fiji?
Your day usually starts with reviewing grant proposals and monitoring reports from Pacific member countries, followed by coordinating with internal teams and external partners across multiple time zones. Afternoons often involve stakeholder meetings, budget reviews, and ensuring compliance with donor requirements. Given Fiji's role as a regional hub, you may also travel occasionally to other Pacific islands for partnership development.
How does the local work culture in Fiji influence this leadership role?
Fijian workplaces emphasize relationship-building and consensus, so effective leaders invest time in talanoa (dialogue) with team members and partners before driving decisions. Hierarchical respect is important, but Pacific organizations like SPC also value inclusive leadership that empowers diverse nationalities. Understanding iTaukei and Indo-Fijian cultural protocols helps navigate government and community partnerships smoothly.
What career progression opportunities exist for grants and project management professionals in Fiji?
Strong performers typically advance to senior program manager, country director, or regional advisor roles within international organizations. Some transition into consultancy or establish their own grant-writing firms serving the Pacific development sector. Others move into policy advisory positions with government ministries or multilateral agencies based in Suva's dense NGO and diplomatic community.
What benefits should I expect from a full-time role with an international organization in Fiji?
International organizations in Fiji typically offer competitive packages including medical insurance, annual leave exceeding statutory minimums, and pension or provident fund contributions. Housing allowances, relocation support, and education assistance for dependents are common for expatriate or regional recruitments. Always review the specific employment category—local, regional, or international—as benefit tiers vary significantly.
How should I apply for this role, and what do Fiji-based employers prioritize in candidates?
Submit applications through the organization's official careers portal with a tailored CV highlighting measurable grant management outcomes and Pacific regional experience. Employers prioritize demonstrated success with multi-donor funding environments, cross-cultural team leadership, and fluency in English with French or Pacific languages as assets. Strong references from previous supervisors in the development sector carry substantial weight in Fiji's tight-knit professional community.