Country Focal Officer – Solomon Islands At Pacific Community

The Pacific Community (SPC) invites applications for the position of Country Focal Officer – Solomon Islands. This position will be located at the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children, and Family Affairs, in 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 unique organisation works across more than 25 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 Human Rights and Social Development Division – For over 20 years SPC has operated as the region’s pioneer in human rights and gender capacity building to Pacific states, institutions and civil society. Through a team of regional advisors and Country Focal Officers (CFOs) based in member states, it provides a comprehensive suite of policy and legislative advice, technical assistance and capacity building to support Pacific states to respond effectively to priority regional human rights priorities, such as gender equality, ending violence against women and children, disability rights, climate change and equitable, sustainable development.

The role – the Country Focal Officer – Solomon Islands will support the Solomon Islands government through relevant ministries to meet its national, regional and international Human Rights, Gender Equality, Social Inclusion and Culture for Development commitments through the provision of advisory services, technical assistance, networking, coordination, and capacity-building.

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

Country Planning and Implementation

• Serves as the liaison between SPC HRSD and the host Government, Public Service and other stakeholders as required to further HRSD’s work in the host country.
• Takes responsibility for and guides strategic direction of HRSD’s in-country work.
• In consultation with host Ministry, other relevant government ministries and key stakeholders, develop annual country work programme.
• Ensures effective implementation of activities and programs in the annual country work plan.
• Maintains accurate financial records in compliance with SPC financial and procurement policies and procedures.

Technical Assistance and Advice

• Provides timely, quality, and contextualised advice and technical assistance to Government and other stakeholders on national, regional and international commitments on (as required) human rights, gender equality, social inclusion, culture and youth development.
• Supports preparation of State delegations prior to regional and international forums and meetings.
• Supports participation of civil society and communities.

Training and Capacity-Building

• Coordinates, facilitates, supports delivery, monitors and reports on, in-country capacity development programs for state and non-state actors on human rights, gender, culture, social inclusion and youth.
• Applies appropriate and relevant capacity-building and training methodologies for adult learners.

Networking and Partnership

• Shares information on country’s human rights, gender, culture and youth situation and priorities with key stakeholders.
• Establishes, strengthens and supports partnerships that advance HRSD objectives at national, regional and international levels.
• Facilitating good communication and information flows among agencies involved in implementation at national, regional and international forums.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning

• Monitors the progress towards the country’s HRSD plans and in accordance with the results framework including identification of outcomes, gaps and any required mitigation measures.
• Ensures accurate and timely reporting of all interventions including training and technical assistance.
• Develops and submits progress reports against work plans, including activity and budget execution rates.
• Leads learning and reflection process with in-country and HRSD supervisor.
• Contributes to design and implementation of effective monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) system for country work using both qualitative and quantitative indicators.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in public policy, law, human rights, gender, youth, culture, social science, community development, international relations, development studies or similar field.

Technical expertise

• At least five years’ experience in Solomon Islands in human rights, gender equality and social inclusion, youth for development or culture for development (in government and/or civil society).
• Strategic planning experience and in-depth understanding of country cultures, context, challenges and opportunities.
• Knowledge of legislative reform process and policy development.
• Proven experience in report writing, analysis, and project proposal writing.
• Experience in community development, non-formal adult education and/or community outreach.
• Experience in financial management, budgeting and acquittals.
• Computer literacy in Microsoft Office suite.

Language skills

• Excellent oral and written communications skills.

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• A proactive and positive team player able to work effectively in a multicultural environment.
• Knowledge of Pacific Island countries and territories is an advantage.

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – This position is budgeted for 3 years and is subject to renewal depending on performance and funding.

Remuneration – the Country Focal Officer – Solomon Islands is a Band 7 position in SPC’s 2022 salary scale, with a starting salary range of SBD 72,677–90,846 per year, plus local staff benefits. 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. Salary and housing allowance are subject to income tax.

Benefits – SPC provides a housing allowance of 25% of the base salary, medical and life insurance for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Employees are entitled to 25 days of annual 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 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 be given 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.