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 Operations and Management Directorate (OMD) provides corporate services to all SPC Divisions and Programmes. It consists of three key departments: Finance, Human Resources and Information Services. OMD is focused on improving the effectiveness of systems, policies and management to provide high-quality customer-oriented services.
The role – Application Developer will focus primarily on technological evolution and improvement of core SPC-wide applications and to provide specific advice, project management, analysis, development and support to the above systems and also contribute to other technical aspects of ICT activities.
The key responsibilities of the role include:
Analyse and interpret user ICT requirements, in particular database and programming needs for existing and potentially new value adding applications
- Develop and support core SPC-wide applications e.g. HRIS, Finance and Payroll applications, SharePoint sites and Office 365.
- Contribute to work on other SPC-wide applications as directed by the Systems Developer Analyst.
- Participate in the development and use of endorsed SPC project guidelines and standards, and apply those techniques to manage, implement and deploy approved ICT projects.
Assist in running the corporate ICT Helpdesk and provide prompt, high quality support to all SPC staff and authorised network users across SPC
- Participate in the SPC’s ServiceDesk system.
- Close off all faults logged through the system in a timely manner.
Present options and recommendations for addressing user needs, with explanation of the implications (costs and benefits) of each option
- Review, analyse and document priority business requirements identified by SPC staff, business users and other essential stakeholders, and provide timely and appropriate recommendations and/or solutions.
Prepare, design and organise and coordinate training for corporate applications or any other systems for SPC staff
- Participate in the preparation and delivery of training opportunities to enhance the knowledge and efficiency of SPC staff, registered network users and authorised guests, through the proper use of installed application systems.
Direct and indirect support of ICT in SPC member countries
- Participate in the review, development and deployment of direct or indirect technical ICT support to SPC member countries and alliance partners in support of enhanced ICT services in Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs).
For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description.
Key selection criteria
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
Technical expertise
- 8 years’ experience as a software/application developer/analyst, with a proven track record of programming in client-server environments (preferably Microsoft SQL Server 2008 and later, SQL, C#, Visual Basic, Access, MySQL, Microsoft .Net technologies, Power Apps).
- More than 5 years’ experience in technical project management and the successful implementation of medium to large monitoring, reporting, and related application systems.
- Experience with MS Project Server, SharePoint 2010 or 2013, SQL report building, financial management, and HR applications (preferably Microsoft Dynamics NAV).
- More than five years’ experience in the use of Microsoft Office products.
- Demonstrated work experience in producing system and user manual documentation for deployed applications.
- Demonstrated ability to provide user training and support, particularly for deployed applications.
- Experience working in the Pacific.
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 17 January 2025.
Remuneration – The Application Developer is a band 10 position in SPC’s 2024 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 2,575‒3,218 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 7,672–9,591 (USD 3,424–4,280; EUR 3,191–3,989). 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 on temporary contracts – SPC provides a housing allowance of FJD 1,350–3,000 per month. Relocation airfares, excess luggage, health and life and disability insurances are available for employees. Employees are entitled to 25 working days of annual leave per annum and other types of leave, prorated on contract length 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: 29 September 2024 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)
Job Reference: JM000753
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 describe your experience with supporting and enhancing corporate applications (Finance System, HR System etc) in collaboration with the relevant Business owners. What role did you play? Can you describe the process/methodology etc you used for enhancements? What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
- Can you please describe your experience in managing and supporting Microsoft Products like SharePoint, Power BI, Power Automate etc that would be beneficial in a business to improve efficiency. Can you give 2 examples, any challenges faced, and steps taken to overcome these challenges.
- This role often involves teamwork. Can you provide an example of a time when you had to collaborate with team members to solve a challenging technical problem or deliver a project under a tight deadline? How did you contribute to the team’s success in that situation?
