Technical Officer, FSM EDA Program 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 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 Micronesia Regional Office (MRO) situated in Kolonia, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), is the main hub for SPC’s projects and partnerships with the Micronesian members of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), the Republic of Palau, and the United States territories of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), and Guam. The MRO opened in January 2006.

The role – the Technical Officer, FSM EDA will lead the establishment of a GCF Funded Gant Facility aimed at strengthening the capacities of State governments and Municipalities to adapt to climate change and address vulnerability issues. The purpose of this position is to enhance the technical delivery of the GCF-funded FSM EDA Program in all four States of FSM and support the establishment of a Resilient Communities Grant Facility (RCGF). This position is the key liaison officer between the FSM EDA program and State focal points. This officer will lead the implementation of capacity building efforts and strengthen coordination across all States.

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

Provide technical support for the delivery of the FSM EDA Program

• Assists with the development of program technical reports, climate change frameworks, training packages and other Program documents.
• Develops Terms of Reference (TORs) as appropriate for relevant consultancies and service providers.
• Supports Program Coordinator in networking and collaboration with Municipalities, State governments, facilitating agents, non-governmental organizations, women’s organizations and community groups.
• Provides updates and reviews to Program strategies including communications, gender, environmental and social safeguards to ensure they factor in technically sound climate adaptation considerations.
• Focal point responsible for coordinating communication with FSM EDA grantees, local authorities, state governments, GCF State focal points and other important and State- based stakeholders in relation to the Resilient Communities Grants Facility (RCGF).
• Directly inputs to planning and review of Annual Work Plan and Budgets to ensure implementation in the States and Municipalities is effective and efficient.
• Provides of technical advice to state actors designed to improve climate change interventions at the State and municipality level.

Support establishment and implementation of Resilient Communities Grant Facility

• Assists with the development of the documentation required to operationalise the RCGF.
• Assists with the development of Expressions of Interest (EOIs) and proposals.
• Facilitate stakeholder feedback on updates/reviews of RCGF and provide reports to the Technical Evaluation Committee and SPC Procurement Committee.
• Assists with development of training and awareness packages linked to the RCGF.
• Coordinate internal reviews of EOI and proposals by FSM EDA Coordination Unit.
• Supervises grant implementation, providing technical supervision to grantees.
• Facilitates capacity assessment of grantees by providing technical inputs.

Supervision and technical support of State Officers

• Assists with the coordination and analysis of implementation of activities as per State-based workplans.
• Provide training and mentoring for Local Authorities (LAs) and Facilitating Agents
• Assists with the development of content for awareness raising and capacity building workshops in each State to ensure they are technically sound from a climate adaptation perspective.
• Provides technical support and mentoring of field-based State Officers.
• Represents FSM EDA Program and/or SPC at National State, Municipal and regional workshops.
• Identification of training needs for State Officers and provision of technical support.
• Assists with the development of a roster, through a Preferred Suppliers Agreement, for technical experts and resources in each State.
• Supports mapping of projects and initiatives implemented in each State.

Coordination of draft reports for GCF and SPC

• Coordinates the national officer and ESS consultant in obtaining and verifying project data from grantees, Facilitating Agents and other relevant stakeholders.
• Assesses data collected from program to identify project risks and develop a risk management strategy.
• Identifies adaptive management recommendations to ensure improved implementation and link this to reports.
• Assists with the development of technical sections of Annual Progress Reports to the GCF, coordinating inputs from the ESS Assistant and M&E Assistant.
• Responds to SPC internal quality assurance comments as well as GCF comments on technical aspects of Annual Progress Reports.
• Drafts quarterly reports in consultation with State Officers and GCF State Focal Points to ensure frequent assessment of program monitoring.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in international development, climate change, natural resources management or related field.

Technical expertise

• At least 5-7 years of relevant experience in development in cross-sectoral natural resources management or climate change adaptation.
• At least 5-7 years of project implementation experience in Pacific countries or territories.
• Provision of technical support and mentoring of project officers.
• Experience in project monitoring, evaluation & learning (MEL) frameworks.

Language skills

• Fluency in English.

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Proven ability to work in an inter-disciplinary and/or multi-cultural team.
• Knowledge of Pacific Island countries and territories is an advantage.

Salary, terms and conditions

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

Remuneration – the Technical Officer, FSM EDA is a Band 9 position in SPC’s 2023 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 2,918–3,582 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately USD 3,911–4,800. 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. Remuneration of expatriate SPC staff members is not subject to income tax in Federated States of Micronesia; Federated States of Micronesia Nationals employed by SPC in Pohnpei will be subject to income tax.

Benefits for international staff employees based in Pohnpei – SPC provides a housing allowance of USD 1,000 USD – 2,000 USD. Establishment and relocation grant, removal expenses, airfares, home leave, medical and life insurance, and education allowance are available for eligible employees and their recognised 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 begiven to the Pacific Islander. Applicants will be assured of complete confidentiality in line with SPC’s private policy.