Geospatial Data Assistant At Pacific Community

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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 surveillance, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.

The Geoscience Energy and Maritime (GEM) Division provides advice, technical assistance, research and training support to Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs). There are four (4) areas of scientific programming within this division:

  1. Oceans and Maritime Programme (OMP) – assists member countries with services that provide applied ocean science and knowledge for evidence-based policy-making and technical solutions for improved ocean and maritime governance, management and capacity development.
  2. Georesources and Energy Programme (GEP) – assists member countries by applying technical knowledge in the areas of geoscience and sustainable energy use.
  3. Disaster and Community Resilience Programme (DCRP) – assists member countries to demonstrate strengthened resilience through integrated action on disaster risk management, climate change adaptation, natural resource management and increased access to water and sanitation.
  4. Earth and Ocean Observation Services – Promoting spatial data and systems analysis and capacity to improve decision-making to improve resilience and sustainable resource management.

The role – Geospatial Data Assistant will provide technical support across work programmes of relevance to SPC member countries and territories through geospatial data collection, analysis, surveying and mapping within Pacific Island Countries and Territories.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Geospatial data collection, analysis, surveying and mapping support

  • Collect the required geospatial data relevant to the national maritime boundaries.
  • Use tools to carry out geospatial analysis for the definition and interpretation of data into appropriate format and structure.
  • Complete maps and geospatial products for the national maritime boundaries.
  • Support the implementation of the Bougainville Coastal Waters Project.

Geospatial database management and maintenance

  • Maintain and enhance the existing geospatial database ensuring it is in an acceptable format and available online.
  • Transfer data from the GIS platform into a database in accordance with the Draft S-121 Standard of the IHO.
  • Liaise with SPC’s ICT for Development team on the design and overall structure of the database.
  • Support the delivery of the geospatial database to SPC member countries.
  • Assist in providing training sessions to member countries and territories on the geospatial database.

Technical analysis and reporting

  • Process, analyse and map geospatial data.
  • Use appropriate tools to carry out geospatial analysis for the definition and interpretation of data into suitable formats and structures.
  • Support the preparation of reports, charts and geospatial products.

Geospatial field survey support

  • Provide support for data collection during field survey activities such as topographic surveys, post disaster surveys and geodetic surveys
  • Provide logistic support for survey equipment.
  • Support the PGSC Partnership Desk.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

  • Diploma in geospatial sciences, geoscience, marine affairs, geography or equivalent body of knowledge and experience.

Technical expertise

  • At least 4 years relevant experience in one or more of the following areas: GIS, remote sensing, generating maps, spatial products using GIS or database management.
  • Sound working knowledge in both GIS, surveying and geoscience.
  • Good knowledge of GIS applications and the use of appropriate mapping software.
  • Familiarity with data and database management.
  • Strong computer literacy, particularly in GIS tools and applications.

Language skills

  • Excellent English communication skills (oral and written).

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

  • Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment.

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – Until 31 May 2028 – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – The Geospatial Data Assistant is a band7 position in SPC’s 2026 salary scale, with a commencing taxable salary range of FJD 2,402-3,002 per month, 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.

Benefits for Staff in a position advertised locally (EPAL) whose duty station is Suva – SPC provides medical and life insurance 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 10% 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.

How to apply

Application procedure

Closing Date – 6 September 2026 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)

Job Reference: JM000985

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 with 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.

Only Fijian citizens are eligible to apply for this role.

SPC does not charge a fee to consider your application and will never ask for your banking or financial information during the recruitment process.

Screening Questions (maximum of 2,000 characters per question):

  1. Can you describe a geospatial project you worked on where you collected, analysed, and mapped spatial data? What GIS software and methods did you use, and what was the outcome?
  2. What experience do you have managing geospatial databases and ensuring data quality? Have you worked with spatial data standards or data migration processes?
  3. Tell us about your experience with field surveys, including GNSS/GPS data collection. What equipment and workflows have you used, and how did you ensure data accuracy?