Pacific Islands-Global Ocean Observing Systems (PIGOOS) Coordinator

• Suva-based position (Fiji)
• Attractive expatriate package
• Join the principal development organization in the Pacific region

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

PI-GOOS is a network of regional organizations established in 1998 aiming to raise awareness of, and support ocean observing systems in the Pacific Islands region. It aims to identify and address gaps in the Pacific Ocean observing network. PI-GOOS is one of the 15 GOOS Regional Alliances (GRAs). GOOS (Global Ocean Observing Systems) unifies national observing systems to meet national needs, strengthen connections through learning and sharing, and make a greater set of ocean observations available to a global community. The Regional Alliances (GRAs) integrate these national needs into regional systems and deliver the benefits of GOOS’s strategy, structure, and programmes at a regional, national, and finally global level. GRAs are coalitions of nations and/or institutions that share GOOS principles and goals but are mostly concerned with local priorities and organized around ocean basins or coastal environments. GRAs interact with each other to learn and share best practices in implementing observing systems.

The current PI-GOOS Goals include: Provide and improve seasonal predictions of weather and climate, and their impact on Pacific Island Communities; Provide base data for longer-term predictions of weather and climate influenced by climate change; Raise awareness and use of the ocean observing system in the Pacific Ocean; Coordinate between other ocean and climate projects in the Pacific Ocean; and Facilitate support of the ocean observing system and the deployments of associated instruments from Pacific Island Countries and Territories.

The role – PIGOOS Coordinator will coordinate and manage the activities expected of the Pacific Islands GOOS programme. The role involves expanding the PI‐GOOS programme substantially by identifying gaps, supporting needs assessments, and advocating for strengthening ocean observation capacity of PICTs as well as improving seasonal predictions of weather and climate. Additionally, the successful candidate will represent the region in relevant forums, conduct stakeholder engagement and work internally within SPC and with partners to secure funding opportunities. 

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Management of the PI-GOOS Activities

• Provide advice on all aspects of the development of the GOOS programme in the Pacific Islands region through the preparation of medium-term (3‐5 year) work plans.
• Facilitate the PI‐GOOS Advisory Committee to ensure its effective operation and functioning by way of organizing regular meetings, preparing annual reports and financial statements, and fulfilling all reporting requirements of PI‐GOOS sponsors including MEL.
• Support the development of project concepts and proposals, including drafting of budgets and timelines.
• Develop and continuously update programme implementation documents (costed workplan, daily log, issue log, risk register, etc.)

Advocacy, Coordination and Stakeholder Management

• Represent PI‐GOOS at relevant national, regional, and international GOOS related meetings, actively participate in regional and international networks, chair working groups of established programmes, and engage in activities related to PI‐GOOS to ensure across‐programme synergies and benefits.
• Prepare briefings and reports to the GOOS, IOC, and UNESCO Secretariats, and provide a focal point for all activities under the IOC‐UNESCO GOOS programme in the Pacific Islands region.
• Provide guidance to ensure cooperation and collaboration between national, regional, and international partners, to identify and meet specific needs for coastal and ocean observations and identify funding opportunities to support the implementation of new observing programmes.
• Support the facilitation of stakeholder engagement strategies and workshops.

Technical Support, Training and Knowledge Training

• Keep up to date with relevant technologies and advancements related to ocean science for the benefit of the region.
• Identify and research new products/tools and liaise and collaborate or negotiate with providers of services/tools for Pacific wide use.
• Coordinate GOOS, IOC/WMO related trainings for the region.
• Initiate, develop, and maintain working collaborations with regional and international partners on topics related to ocean science in particular ocean observations.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Postgraduate level in natural sciences preferably climate science, marine science, environment science, oceanography, or related discipline.

Technical expertise

• At least 5 years’ experience in technical and applied science activities including planning, analysis, development of associated tools and products.
• Demonstrated experience in programme coordination and monitoring and evaluation including financial management, proposal and report writing with a high level of organisational, analytical, problem‐solving and facilitation skills and working with donors and developing country partners.
• Knowledgeable in and good understanding of weather, climate and ocean issues and processes in the Pacific, including donor and development agency priorities, regional strategies, and sector drivers.
• Good level of computer literacy, experience with computer programming and modelling.
• Experience in stakeholder management and capacity building.
• Experience with data handling, databases, and display systems.         

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 – This vacant position is budgeted until 31 December 2026 – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – The PIGOOS Coordinator is a band 10 position in SPC’s 2023 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 2,575 – 3,218 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 7,595 – 9,494 (USD 3,450 – 4,313; EUR 3,268 – 4,085). 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 and disability insurances and education allowances are available 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 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.

Application procedure

Closing Date: 10 December at 11:59pm (Fiji time)

Job Reference: MC000075

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.

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. SPC may assist on a case-by-case basis with submissions to Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their consideration and final approval. SPC cannot and does not make any guarantee whatsoever of approval for such applications to Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs and where an application is approved, the spouse or partner will subject to such terms and conditions as may be set from time to time by the Ministry.

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. Please identify challenges and opportunities in strengthening ocean observations development in the Pacific region and suggest potential approaches that could be utilised by SPC to enhance and strengthen PIGOOS.
2. Please outline key partnerships with Pacific and international organisations through which PIGOOS would benefit, and how would you go about developing or strengthening engagement with these entities.
3. Based on your understanding of PIGOOS and SPC, please describe how PIGOOS is placed to serve SPC’s Pacific members with ocean data, information and advice.