• Suva-based position (Fiji)
• Attractive expatriate package
• Join the principal development organisation in the Pacific region

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 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 Human Rights and Social Development (HRSD) Division has a vision for just, equitable and resilient Pacific societies. 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 in the area of human rights and good governance, and the Social Development Programme in the areas of gender equality and social inclusion, culture and youth development.

In line with its vision, the work of the Division encompasses 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: Mobilise, 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.

Pacific Women Lead (PWL) is a new AUD 170 million Pacific regional development program, funded by the Australian Government. Commencing in 2021 for an initial period of five years, components of PWL will be managed and delivered by HRSD under its Business Plan and work programme for 2021-2025. The PWL program goal is that Pacific women and girls, in all their diversity, are safe and equitably share in resources, opportunities and decision-making, with men and boys. There are three end-of-program outcomes envisaged: (1) Women’s leadership promoted; (2) Women’s rights realised; and (3) Pacific regional partners increase the effectiveness of regional gender equality efforts.

The role – Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Manager will lead the implementation of the monitoring, evaluation and learning framework and approach for SPC’s Pacific Women Lead program, ensuring alignment with the MEL framework and approach for the HRSD Business Plan and work program 2021-2025, and providing management and technical assistance as required. The MEL Manager is a key role within the PWL programme team and works closely with the PWL Communications Adviser, collaborates with HRSD MEL staff and supervises the PWL MEL Officer, Research Officer and Database Officer. The MEL Manager provides overall quality assurance on reporting, advice, and capacity building to the PWL team within HRSD and several Pacific partners to continually improve data collection, reporting and learning processes. The role will also have responsibilities in risk management for the program and division.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

• Manage and provide technical assistance (including data analysis and collection) for the MEL framework across the Pacific Women Lead program
• Build MEL capacity of PWL team and partners
• Provide overall quality assurance of MEL activities and deliverables
• MEL strategic planning, policy and programming advice
• Leadership and management
• Risk management

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

 

Key selection criteria

 

Qualifications

• A tertiary degree or postgraduate qualification in monitoring and evaluation, gender studies, development, social sciences, project/programme management or a related discipline

Knowledge and experience

• At least 7 years of experience in a similar role supporting MEL and/or related organisational systems for complex programs
• Experience undertaking MEL tasks for development programs
• Knowledge and experience working with a range of organisations, including civil society, government, and private sector, and individual leaders working in various areas of gender equality and issues affecting women across the Pacific region
• Understanding and knowledge of Pacific cultural values and international human rights principles and standards

Essential skills

• Understanding of a range of MEL methodologies and approaches (particularly theory-based approaches) and the relative benefits or drawbacks associated with each
• Ability to interact with various stakeholders and facilitate linkages between organisations
• Innovative thinker and critical analysis skills
• Complex multisector coordination, planning and design skills
• Excellent presentation, facilitation and communication skills with strong reporting writing ability at a project donor reporting level
• Networking and stakeholder engagement skills
• Project management 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
• Excellent interpersonal and representational skills with experience in building and maintaining effective working relationships with a range of different individuals and organisations
• Awareness of the cultural, political and religious sensitivities across the Pacific region

 

Salary, terms and conditions

 

Contract Duration – 3 years

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 Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Manager 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 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

Hard copies of applications will not be accepted.

For your application to be considered, you must provide us with:

• an updated resume
• contact details for three professional referees
• 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.

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.

Please ensure that you respond to all 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.

Screening Questions:

1. Please describe a program-wide monitoring, evaluation and learning framework that you have developed, including the most important elements/components.
2. What experience have you had in managing a data analysis or synthesis process with a team, and what types of tools/processes did you find useful?
3. What processes would you recommend for measuring norms and attitude change?

Other Professional

Fiji Residents Only