Country Programme Assistant – Kiribati At Pacific Community

The Pacific Community (SPC) invites applications for the position of Country Programme Assistant – Kiribati. This position will be located at the Ministry of Education, in Tarawa, Kiribati.

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 Educational Quality and Assessment Programme (EQAP) has the vision of being ‘The agency for educational quality in the Pacific region’. The mission of the Educational Quality and Assessment Programme is to enhance the quality of education and training for Pacific leaners to realise the benefits of lifelong learning. The Educational Quality and Assessment Programme seeks to promote the following core values within the context of SPC’s corporate values:

• creating a culture of quality;
• creating a culture of continuous improvement;
• cultural and political sensitivity;
• respect for the autonomy and priorities of each PICT’s education system; and
• assimilating expressed needs of countries into its technical delivery.

The role – the Country Programme Assistant – Kiribati will support EQAP in the implementation of the country work programme.

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

Implementation of the Regional Form Seven Qualification (SPFSC)

• Monitoring and support for timely submission and/or entry into PacSIMS of enrolment data, fee payments, IA programs for approval, and IA scores.
• Verification of SPFSC IA Program.
• Customs clearance of the SPFSC examination papers, and despatch to, and receipt from, island schools.
• Facilitation of SPFSC administration.
• Facilitation of Supervisors’ allowance payments to all supervisors and return of remittance slips.

Communication

• Serve as the liaison between SPC (EQAP) and the host Government and Public Service.
• Coordinate registration and distribution of documents and knowledge materials.
• Liaise with relevant national agencies to share and solicit relevant information.
• Liaise with multiple stakeholders to ensure adherence to timelines for EQAP-related work.

Logistics and Travel Support for events

• Provide administrative, financial and logistical support to ensure successful delivery of events.
• Develop budgets for in-country events.
• Develop communications that are precise and use appropriate language such as Government Protocol letters and Administrative Notes for events.

Programme Administration Support

• Provide logistical support for programme activities, in terms of travel and accommodation logistics for POs and participants.
• Maintain a system of filing of physical as well as electronic records.
• Support and lead local Procurement carried out in accordance with donor and SPC procurement policies.
• Transfer information from records into M&E templates.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Diploma in a relevant field such as business administration or commerce.

Technical expertise

• 3-4 years’ experience in a similar role, or role that demonstrates suitable business administration skills to perform this role.
• Demonstrated experience in conference management and event organisation, logistics and travel.
• Relevant practical experience in procurement, administration, travel support and financial aspects of large and complex projects.
• Strong PC-based computer skills, preferably with Microsoft Programs (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Ability to effectively manage information and carry out data entry with attention to detail.
• Demonstrated organizational and multi-tasking skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.

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 with a wide range of individuals.
• 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 Programme Assistant – Kiribati is a Band 6 position in SPC’s 2022 salary scale, with a starting salary range of AUD 14,539- 18,174 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 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 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 private policy.

Please note that applicants must be Kiribati nationals currently residing in the country or hold the proper work permit for salaried employment there.