Principal Adviser to the Deputy Director General Science & Capability

Principal Adviser to the Deputy Director General Science & Capability

SPC – Secretariat of the Pacific Community

Suva, Fiji

The role – Principal Adviser to the Deputy Director General Science & Capability will support the Deputy Director General of Science and Capability (DDG S&C) to facilitate cooperation and integration across sectors and strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening regional integration. The role will provide technical advice and coordinate internal contributions toward regional policy initiatives, including strategic engagement with Pacific Islands Countries and Territories (PICTs), development partners, and CROP agencies. The role will facilitate effective liaison between the DDG Science and Capability and constituencies, including high-level officials, heads of ministries or ministerial offices, as well as represent the Deputy Director General Science and Capability at regional and international engagements as needed. It will also facilitate collaboration from S&C teams to the One SPC Transformation Programme (OTP).

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Strategic engagement and coordination with SPC members, CROP agencies, development partners, and donors

• Lead and foster high-level strategic engagement with member governments, regional agencies, and donors to strengthen partnerships and align priorities;
• Represent the organisation in regional forums, negotiations, and strategic discussions to advance shared goals, values and visibility of the region’s/SPC priorities;
• Ensure effective coordination of multi-stakeholder regional initiatives or collective actions to promote collaboration and maximize impact across the region;
• Provide advice and support to DDGs in consultation with technical leaders at the highest level in SPC member countries and territories or regional forums such as the Pacific Islands Forum.

Coordinate and facilitate SPC’s contributions to the CROP strategic work agenda

• Drive SPC’s active participation and contributions to the development, implementation, and monitoring of the CROP strategic work agenda;
• Collaborate with internally and externally to ensure SPC strategic initiatives align with regional priorities and deliver measurable outcomes;
• Advocate for inclusive and sustainable approaches within the regional agenda that reflect member needs and emerging challenges;
• Represent DDG at the executive level in important regional and / or international engagements where the executive or member of the senior leadership team is unavailable.

Provision of technical advice/assistance to the DDG Science and Capability to harmonise OneSPC strategic initiatives

• Provide expert technical advice to the Deputy Director General to harmonise cross-sectoral initiatives and ensure alignment with organisational goals;
• Guide the design and execution of integrated initiatives (flagships, OTP, strategic evaluations/reviews) that leverage synergies across disciplines for enhanced efficiency and impact;
• Offer strategic insights to inform decision-making on complex regional issues, ensuring evidence-based approaches;
• Support the DDG Science and Capability to provide strategic advisory support and guidance to the SLT on issues with organisation-wide implications.

Facilitate collaboration between Science and Capability teams and Operations and Integration on the OTP

• Engage in OTP meetings including TAG;
• Liaises closely with Team Lead – OTP on areas for collaboration and to be strengthened;
• Work closely with S&C divisions on matters related to OTP.

Key selection criteria:

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field such as international development, sustainable development, business administration, management or equivalent body of knowledge and experience.

Technical expertise

• At least 15 years of relevant experience;
• At least 10 years of experience in a similar or comparable role at the regional and/or international level, in a similar environment;
• Solid knowledge and experience of the Pacific region, the government mechanisms, protocols, and a sound understanding of international and regional development priorities and processes;
• Demonstrated relevant working experience in and/or with national administrations, including consulting with senior government officials and ministers;
• Cross-cultural skills and ability to collaborate with colleagues from diverse cultural backgrounds;
• A methodical thinker and collaborative, inclusive mindset.

Language skills

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written) with a working knowledge of French being an advantage.

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment.