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.
The Geoscience Energy and Maritime (GEM) Division provides advice, technical assistance, research and training support to Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs). There are three (3) areas of scientific programming and two areas of focus within this division:
- Oceans and Maritime Programme (OMP) – assists member countries with services that provide applied ocean science and knowledge for evidence-based policy-making and technical solutions for improved ocean and maritime governance, management and capacity development.
- Georesources and Energy Programme (GEP) – assists member countries by applying technical knowledge in the areas of geoscience and sustainable energy use.
- Disaster and Community Resilience Programme (DCRP) – assists member countries to demonstrate strengthened resilience through integrated action on disaster risk management, climate change adaptation, natural resource management and increased access to water and sanitation.
The role – The Digital Communications and Capacity Development Officer will support the development, planning and implementation of activities related to strengthening communications capability, capacity building, programme communications and knowledge management for the Climate and Oceans Support Program in the Pacific.
The key responsibilities of the role include:
Programme digital communications and event coordination
- Support the COSPPac team with the development and the implementation of communications strategy.
- Prepare and coordinate the review and approval process of media alerts and media releases and disseminate them to media outlets.
- Collate stories of programme activities/events from team members for publishing in relevant regional newsletters.
- Create and distribute multimedia content.
- Support the management of website content and social media channels.
- Ensure that programme outputs and communication materials are communicated and shared during programme events and public forums.
- Provide programme updates including video clips on social media.
- Monitor and analyze digital campaign performance.
Development, dissemination, monitoring and evaluation of knowledge products
- Assist the COSPPac team to design, package and disseminate information and knowledge products.
- Liaise with publications and graphic artists on the layout and design of knowledge products.
- Liaise with software engineer on the layout and functionality of online knowledge products.
- Support the coordination of the annual production and distribution of Tide Prediction Calendars.
- Organise and coordinate the production of documentaries, animations and/or video clips.
- Establish and maintain media log of published articles, interviews, and programme mentions.
- Report back to Programme Team on a quarterly basis re: programme media outreach and partner satisfaction.
Training and capacity development
- Support the delivery and ongoing improvement of current trainings and stakeholder engagement workshops.
- Support the development of digital and visual communications training and conduct inclusive and accessible communication training.
- Create and distribute guides, toolkits, and templates for effective digital communication.
- Facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration among meteorological professionals.
- Creation and development of audience- appropriate content for in-country technical training.
- Support coordination of student and professional attachments/ internships with the Ocean Science Officer.
For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description.
Key selection criteria
Qualifications
- Bachelor or equivalent degree in graphic design, communications, journalism, mass communications, public relations or other relevant discipline or equivalent work experience.
Technical expertise
- At least 5 years of experience in communications with at least 3 years in an international context.
- At least 5 years working in digital communications with experience in strategic communications.
- Excellent design and editing skills with portfolio of published work available for review including video, digital, written and recorded work.
- Excellent Photographic and/or video skills with portfolio of work available for review
- Fluency in social media strategy and content development
- Willingness and demonstrated capacity to travel and undertake overseas assignments in SPC member countries, sometimes under difficult physical conditions.
- Experience working in the Pacific.
Language skills
- Excellent communication skills in English (oral and written), Pacific Island languages with capacity to engage government, public and community audiences.
Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness
- Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, multi-cultural and gender-sensitive environment.
Salary, terms and conditions
Contract Duration – Until 30 June 2027 – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.
Remuneration – The Digital Communications and Capacity Development Officer is a band 9 position in SPC’s 2024 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 2,284‒2,856 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 6,808–8,509 (USD 3,038–3,798; EUR 2,832–3,540). 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.
How to apply
Application procedure
Closing Date: 20 October at 11:59 pm (Fiji time)
Job Reference: CR000294
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):
- Can you provide an example of a digital communications campaign you have led or significantly contributed to? Please describe the tools and platforms you used, as well as the outcomes achieved
- Describe a situation where you developed and delivered capacity-building initiatives for a diverse audience. How did you ensure that the content was accessible and impactful for all participants?
- Do you have any experience working with or communicating about climate, ocean, or environmental services? If so, please detail your role and how you tailored your messaging for different stakeholders.