Communications and Visibility Officer

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

‘One Health’ is an approach to designing and implementing programmes, policies, legislation, and research in which multiple sectors communicate and work together to achieve better public health outcomes (WHO). The use of the One Health approach is so important in our daily lives as human, animal and environmental health are inextricably linked through the ecological realities governing life. The foundation of One Health is communication, coordination, and collaboration among human, animal, environmental health, and other relevant partners at national, regional, and international level.

The role – Communications and Visibility Officer will be responsible for the USAID-funded One Health Programme communications and visibility.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Implementation and monitoring of a communications plan with a people-centered approach

• Implementation of One Health Branding and Marking Plan.
• Communicate the goals and key elements of the plan to all sub-grantees and relevant stakeholders.
• Regular monitoring and evaluation of the plan.

Project One Health visibility

• Lead the development of content and informational materials which include feature stories, videos, multimedia content for social media platforms and website.
• Coordinate and contribute to the design of One Health collateral including but not limited to, stickers, brochures, videos, posters, clothing, and merchandise.
• Actively seek and secure opportunities to promote the work of One Health.

Event planning

• Coordinate the public communication elements of One Health events including workshops, conference, meetings, knowledge exchanges, and milestone celebrations at national and regional levels.
• Develop communications plans, concept notes, programmes and agendas.
• Organise digital communication at events and conferences to drive action.

Strategic communication support

• Provide guidance to SPC Communications staff and sub-grantees on USAID/ One Health communications.
• Provide support to the Information, Communication and Knowledge Management (ICKM) team and sub-grantees for the advancement of a People-centered Approach in the region in line with the goals of One Health.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in journalism or communications or equivalent work experience.

Technical expertise

• At least 5 years of communications-related experience.
• Experience in a regional or international context.
• Experience in digital communications.
• Proven experience in designing a range of communication materials and multimedia products.
• Social media management experience.
• Experience drafting, implementing, and monitoring communications strategies.
• Ability to convey complex messages to different audiences.
• Photographic and video skills.
• Excellent computer skills.
• Excellent writing skills with an eye for detail.
• Experience working in the Pacific.
• Excellent time management.
• Dealing with donor projects.

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 – 3 years – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – The Communications and Visibility Officer is a band 8 position in SPC’s 2024 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 2,044‒2,555 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 6,091–7,614 (USD 2,719–3,398; EUR 2,534–3,167). 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 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.

Application procedure

Closing Date: 10 November 2024 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)

Job Reference: JM000775

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. Give one example of how you have previously used communications to drive positive change, ideally toward a development outcome. Please describe the impact this had.
2. More development organisations now use creative and participatory ways to convey their messages to effectively engage stakeholders. List 3 ways you would communicate to meaningfully engage stakeholders from the agriculture and health sectors and the tools and skills you would bring to accomplish this?
3. Often scientific and technical concepts and project results are communicated in ways that cannot be easily accessible for the general reader. Describe your approach to working with technical specialists to develop materials and products that are easy to read, influential and impactful?

Position Description