Procurement Officer (SAFE Pacific) At Pacific Community

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, education, public health, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.

The Land Resources Division (LRD) provides effective expert scientific advice, capacity building and services on conservation, development and utilisation of plant genetic resources, forest and landscape management, resilient agricultural systems, diversification of livelihood strategies and access to markets to maintain ecosystem services and improve land productivity and the food, nutrition security and resilience of Pacific communities. LRD has expertise in genetic resource conservation, resilient agriculture, biosecurity, pest and disease management, agricultural extension, plant pathology, entomology and animal health. It collaborates with governments, regional organisations, civil society and other SPC divisions to pinpoint the needs and priorities of Pacific countries and communities and provide technical expertise to address them. This mission is realised through four main thematic work areas, or pillars, and a progressively integrated approach to programming that works towards achieving SPC’s development goals.

The Pacific Regional Integration Support (PRISE) Programme is a EUR 37m programme aimed to support greater economic integration among the small and scattered countries of the region, and between the Pacific Region and the global economy. The overall objective is to contribute to improving the economic and social benefits for 15 Pacific countries from the African, Caribbean, Pacific Group of States arising from stronger regional economic integration. SPC is taking the lead in implementing 2 key outputs with an allocation of EUR 12m: Output 1.2 Sanitary and Phytosanitary services are improved; and Output 2.3: Strengthened competitiveness of sustainable agricultural value-chains in the Pacific. PRISE Outputs 1.2 and 2.3 with the title ‘Safe Agricultural Trade Facilitation through Economic Integration in the Pacific’ (SAFE Pacific) project will be managed and implemented by SPC in all 15 Pacific Africa Caribbean and Pacific (PACPs) countries.

The role – Procurement Officer will provide support in a variety of procurement functions including supporting good quality decision-making; problem-solving and providing customer service.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Operations: Procurement

• Lead all procurement activities in accordance with SPC’s Procurement and Grants Policies.
• Lead with drafting tender documentation for RFQ processes.
• Lead and monitor infrastructure procurement and manage contracts with Suppliers.
• Assist in maintaining relationships with vendors, including preferred suppliers, are managed.

Support and Client Services

• Provide high quality customer service on procurement issues.
• Provide professional and sound service to team members to assist with procurement decisions.
• Keep clients informed of progress on their matters.
• Information provided to divisions on routine procurement matters to divisional contacts.

Compliance and Improvements

• Support reporting and ensure tracking is up to date.
• Contribute to the LRD Procurement portfolio knowledge and lessons learnt hub.
• Identify and escalate risks and any ethical issues.
• Support the implementation of process improvement.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Degree in procurement, finance, business administration or a related field or equivalent body of knowledge and experience.

Technical expertise

• At least 5 years of experience in procurement or project operations on a development project.
• At least 3 years of experience liaising with beneficiaries on a donor project.
• Project administration experience.

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 22 December 2025.

Remuneration – The Procurement Officer is a band 8 position in SPC’s 2025 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 2,044‒2,555 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 6,152–7,691 (USD 2,719–3,398; EUR 2,504–3,130). 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 staff employees on temporary contracts – SPC provides a housing allowance of FJD 1,500–5,200 per month. Relocation airfares, excess luggage, health and life and disability insurances are available for employees. Employees are entitled to 25 working days of annual leave per annum and other types of leave, prorated on contract length and access to SPC’s Provident Fund (contributing 8% of salary, to which SPC adds a 10% 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.