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 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 Land Resources Division (LRD) provides advice, technical assistance, research and training support to Pacific Island countries and territories on all aspects of agriculture and forestry. This includes plant protection, conservation, plant genetic resources, animal health and production, agroforestry, biosecurity and trade facilitation, and sustainable systems for agriculture, forestry and land management. This work has two objectives: improved food and nutritional security, and resilient communities. The division’s services are provided through seven technical/thematic teams: Animal Health and Production; Plant Health; Biosecurity and Trade Facilitation; Forest and Agriculture Diversification; Crop Production and Extension; Genetic Resources; and Forests and Trees.
The role – Pacific Heads of Veterinary and Animal Production Services Network (PHOVAPS) Coordinator will build PHOVAPS capacity through technical support on programme development to address animal health and production issues of common interest, capacity building initiatives and policy advocacy to support resource mobilisation needs. The role will work closely with the PHOVAPS in ensuring high level awareness and visibility of the network needs and strategic priorities through effective communication with allied members and key development partners.
The key responsibilities of the role include:
Serve as focal point for the Pacific Heads of Veterinary Animal Production Services (PHOVAPS) through dialogue and joint programme development and implementation
Policy and Advocacy
Coordinate the implementation of the Pacific Animal Health and Production Framework (PAHPF) through programme and policy strengthening in close collaboration with PHOVAPS focal points
Programming and Implementation
Provide support to SPC and PHOVAPS in the identification of resource needs, program development aligned to SPC-LRD business plan/one health initiative and the Pacific Animal Health and Production Framework (PAHPF) and coordinate implementation of network activities in the Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs)
Communication and information dissemination
Coordinate work planning, communication, and reporting of activities to SPC, PHOVAPS governance, members and disease reporting obligations under World Organization for Animal Health (OIE)
For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description.
Key selection criteria
Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Agriculture, animal production/science or related field
A postgraduate qualification with specialisation in animal production/science would be an advantage
Knowledge and experience
At least 3 years’ experience in programme and policy development support related to animal health and production
Experience with donor project management, policy and advocacy work
Essential skills
Proven experience in coordinating and managing regional partnerships and networks
Demonstrated understanding of emerging issues relating to agricultural development in the Pacific
Proven experience in negotiating, building and maintaining professional, client-focused relationship and mutually beneficial partnerships
Language skills
Excellent English communication skills (oral and written), with strong writing ability at a donor project reporting level
Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness
Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, creative thinker and ability to work independently
Salary, terms and conditions
Contract Duration – until 31 March 2025 – 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 Pacific Heads of Veterinary and Animal Production Services Network (PHOVAPS) Coordinator is a Band 8 position in SPC’s 2022 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 1,994‒2,493 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 5,883–7,354 (USD 2,852–3,565; EUR 2,393–2,991). 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 are 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).
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.
More Information
- Job Application Details Application procedure Closing Date: 31st August 2022 at 11:59pm (Fiji time) Job Reference: KK000015 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 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.