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 – Team Leader – Maritime Transport will lead and manage the maritime development, advice and support resource mobilisation, project management and provide supervision, and provide team leadership and development within SPC’s Ocean and Maritime Programme. The incumbent will implement solutions and strategies in the functional area of sustainable maritime transport, managing the performance of specialists, and ensuring projects are completed within budget and on schedule.
The key responsibilities of the role include: Maritime Development Advice and Support
- Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for the maritime transport development of SPC member countries, in collaboration with partners and relevant stakeholders.
- Assess the needs and provide expert advice on domestic ship safety, safe navigation, regulations, ports, including decarbonization of the sector.
- Lead and manage the regional efforts to improve the governance of the maritime sector in the Pacific Islands Countries.
Resource Mobilisation
- Identify potential sources of funding for sustainable maritime transport and safe navigation in the Pacific, drawing from relevant national, regional, and international documents.
- Engage with line ministries, sector specialists, and government focal points to identify national priorities for accessing funding and opportunities for collaboration.
- Develop and implement strategies to mobilize resources, including the development and submission of funding proposals.
Project Management and Supervision
- Initiate, lead and manage the implementation of projects and the Pacific Maritime Technology and Cooperation Centre (MTCC-Pacific) related to maritime development and transport in SPC member countries.
- Provide technical guidance and support to projects, including planning, directing and resolving operational or technical problems.
- Manage project budgets and deliverables, ensuring that project outputs are maximized, and impacts are evaluated.
Team Leadership and Development
- Provide leadership, guidance, and support to the Maritime Transport team to ensure that they are motivated, productive, and deliver high-quality results.
- Develop and maintain a culture of learning and continuous improvement within the team.
- Mediate between team members to resolve complex and contentious issues and foster a positive and collaborative team environment.
For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description.
Key selection criteria
Qualifications
- Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Maritime Transport, Engineering, Business Administration, or Foreign-Going Master Class 1 with progressive experience
Technical Expertise
- At least 10 years of experience in the maritime industry or related fields, with a focus on sustainable maritime transport in the Pacific region
- Extensive experience in a senior position within a Pacific-based institution, maritime administration and/or shipping company
- Understanding of decarbonisation strategies and approaches in the maritime industry, including experience with relevant international and regional frameworks such as those developed by the IMO
- Knowledge of the requirements of SOP, SMS, and SEEMP and their implementation requirements
- Familiarity with policies and plans associated with development partners, specifically in the maritime transport and ports in the Pacific region
- Proven project management experience and demonstrated delivery of technical projects and initiatives
- Demonstrated ability to successfully organise and conduct training courses, workshops, seminars and meetings
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 – Until 31 March 2026
Remuneration – The Team Leader – Maritime Transport is a band 12 position in SPC’s 2023 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 3,565‒4,456 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 10,516–13,146 (USD 4,777–5,971; EUR 4,525–5,657). 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: 17 July 2023 – 11:59pm (Fiji time)
Job Reference: MC000022
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):
- What experience do you have in enhancing the participation of women in the maritime sector?
- Please describe your experience in sustainable maritime transport and what are the priority areas for Pacific Islands Countries?
- Please describe your experience in designing, negotiating, implementing and reporting maritime-related projects and in managing associated budget.
Position Description
Type: Contract – International
Category: Geoscience – Energy and Maritime
Reference ID: MC000022
Date Posted: 19/06/2023
