Country Coordinator – Organic Learning Farms Network At

The Pacific Community (SPC) invites applications for the position of Country Coordinator – Organic Learning Farms Network in its Land Resources Division. The position will be located in Kastom Garden, Honiara, Solomon Islands.

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 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 Land Resources Division (LRD) provides advice, technical assistance, research and training support to Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs) 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 – The Country Coordinator – Organic Learning Farms Network will facilitate the project coordination at national level, provide technical support to project participants, facilitate national level network development, and ensure strong monitoring evaluation and reporting.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

1. In country project coordination and management

• Ensure the effective in country implementation of the Organic Learning Farms and associated network of farms.

• Support identification and development of value chains.

• Monitoring, reporting, problem solving, and budget execution.

• Oversee successful economic and capacity building management of the Organic Learning Farms.

• Ensure the appropriate arrangements and linkages of the project in country.

• Ensure detailed participatory social and technical assessments are carried out in country that will be used for developing log frames and work plans.

2. Capacity Building

• Identify training and capacity needs at national level.

• Collaborate with Project Manager, Organic production officer, Organic Extension Systems Officer, other Country Coordinators and POETCom Staff to develop training materials, toolkits and modules.

• Implement and assist with internal and external trainings.

3. Stakeholder Engagement

• Assist with the Coordination and facilitation of national stakeholders.

• Raise awareness of project activities at national level.

• Assist with requests for information and ensure flow of information at national level and to Project manager.

• Facilitate addressing the needs of Organic Learning Farms and First Circle Farmers as they arise.

4. Monitoring, Evaluating and Reporting

• Support development of MEL framework in collaboration with POETCom’s MEL officer.

• Gather and collate all required data from the farms for effective monitoring and impact assessment.

• Facilitate quarterly reporting by Organic Learning Farms.

• Contribute to the documentation and development of success stories and learning generated by the project.

• Manage and repot on national financial commitments.

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

Key selection criteria

1. Qualifications

• Tertiary degree in governance, management, development studies, tropical agriculture, forestry, social science or related field.

2. Technical expertise

• At least 3 years of relevant work experience working in agriculture or other relevant fields.

• Demonstrated understanding Pacific farming systems.

• Proven project implementation experience.

• Commitment to organic and agroecological approaches.

• Good knowledge of climate change and biodiversity issues in the Pacific.

• Good knowledge of climate adaptation issues in the agriculture sector.

• Proven financial, human resource and administrative management skills in a challenging environment, with a particular focus on stakeholder management and monitoring program/organizational performance.

• Advanced computer skills across necessary applications including database management.

3. Language skills

• Fluency in English communication skills (oral and written).

4. Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• A team player, with cultural sensitivity and the ability to work as part of an inter-disciplinary and multi-cultural team.

• Knowledge of Pacific Island countries and territories is an advantage.

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – This position is budgeted for 1 year and is subject to renewal depending on performance and funding.

Remuneration – The Country Coordinator – Organic Learning Farms Network is a Band 7 position in SPC’s 2022 salary scale, with a salary range of 72,677– 90,846 SBD (Solomon Islands Dollars) per year. An offer of appointment for an initial contract will be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration being given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale will be based on annual performance reviews.

Benefits – SPC provides a housing allowance of 25% of salary per month. Employees are entitled to: 25 days annual leave, sick leave, medical and life insurance, and access to Provident Fund (contributing 8% of salary to which SPC adds a matching contribution). Salary is subject to Solomon Islands tax regulations.

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.

Please note that applicants must be Solomon Islands Nationals currently residing in the country, or hold the proper work permit for salaried employment there.