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 26 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, 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 Safe Agricultural Trade Facilitation through Economic integration in the Pacific (SAFE Pacific) project sits within the Markets for Livelihoods Program. SAFE Pacific will impact positively on efforts of Pacific Island Countries (PICs) to deliver Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. It will also consolidate and enhance the results already achieved with past and on-going EU trade related technical assistance programmes at both regional and national levels, and it complements actions being pursued under the 11th EDF Pacific Regional Indicative Programme (RIP) Priority 2.1 – Sustainable management of natural resources and the environment. The project consists of Output 1.2 Sanitary and Phytosanitary services are improved and Output 2.3 Strengthened competitiveness of sustainable agricultural value-chains in the Pacific of the EU EDF11 Pacific Regional Integration Support Programme (PRISE)
The Procurement and Grants Officer will support the procurement and grant needs of the EU funded SAFE Pacific Project and provide overall support to the Land Resources Division in these specific areas
The key responsibilities of the role include:
- Policy execution and compliance
- Procurement planning and reporting
- Capacity development
- Systems improvement
For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the job description provided.
Key selection criteria
Qualifications
- Degree in procurement/supply, finance or business administration or other relevant qualification, and/or equivalent and relevant work experience
Knowledge and experience
- Minimum of 5 years procurement and/or grants experience on donor-funded projects implemented in small island developing states
- Expert level skills in the provision of procurement, supply and/or grants advice, and in ensuring compliance with relevant organisational and donor policies and procedures
- Advanced level negotiation, collaboration, and relationship management skills
Essential skills
- Demonstrated capacity building and coaching skills
- Ability to think strategically, and to analyze and overcome challenges
- Advanced data management and analysis skills
Language skills
- Excellent English communication skills (oral and written) with a working knowledge of French being an advantage
Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness
- Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment
Salary, terms and conditions
Contract Duration – Until 31 December 2024
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 Procurement and Grants Officer is a Band 8 position in SPC’s 2021 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 1,994‒2,493 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 6,022–7,528 (USD 2,772–3,465; EUR 2,446–3,058). 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 is 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 insurance are available for eligible employees only. 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).
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 Privacy Policy.
How to apply
Application procedure
Closing Date – 18 November 2021 – 11:45pm Fiji time
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
Please ensure your documents are in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.
Applicants should not attach copies of qualifications or letters of reference. These documents may be requested at a later stage.
For international staff in Fiji, only one foreign national per family can be employed with an entity operating in Fiji at any one given time. The Pacific Community does not support dual spouse employment.
Please ensure that you respond to all the screening questions. If you do not respond to the screening questions, your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed at shortlisting stage.
Screening Questions:
- Provide an example where you have strengthened the capacity of an organisation to undertake procurement and/or grant processes that are efficient, effective and compliant with organisational and donor policies and procedures.
- In your experience, what are the most difficult challenges in managing procurement processes associated with donor-funded projects, and what approaches have you utilised in addressing these?
- Briefly explain why compliance with organisational and donor procurement policies and procedures is critical for organisations such as SPC, and describe three basic guiding principles or best practice requirements you would follow in undertaking procurement or grant processes