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 vision of the Educational Quality and Assessment Programme (EQAP) is to be ‘The agency for educational quality in the Pacific region’. Its mission is to enhance the quality of education and training for Pacific learners, so they realise the benefits of lifelong learning. EQAP seeks to promote the following core values within the context of SPC’s corporate values:

•  a culture of quality;
•  a culture of continuous improvement;
•  cultural and political sensitivity;
•  respect for the autonomy and priorities of the education system in each Pacific Island country and territory (PICTs); and
•  assimilation of the expressed needs of countries in its delivery of technical services.

The Education Statistician will collaborate with the UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) in strengthening educational statistical data collection, analysis and reporting in the Pacific. The incumbent will bring the technical specialist support of UIS to the existing EQAP models for capacity building, capacity development, capacity supplementation and capacity substitution in the Pacific region.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

•  Statistical data collection, analysis and reporting for global and regional monitoring across all SPC member countries.
•  Provide support and technical (statistical) training for countries in completion of UIS data collection tools, data analysis and reporting.
•  Technical validation and quality assurance of education statistics collected across SPC member PICs according to UIS standards.
•  Quantitative data and indicator development and analysis in support of PacREF.
•  Design and production of biennial valid and reliable status reports on Pacific Education covering PIFS member states.
•  National education indicator data sets from SPC member countries confirmed and made available across the region on national websites with access via the Pacific Data Hub.
•  Support analysis of integrated statistical data sets for SDG 4 reporting in collaboration with SPC’s Statistics for Development Division (SDD).

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

•  Degree in statistics, statistical analysis or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

Technical expertise

•  At least 10 years of experience in statistical data collection, analysis and reporting at a regional and/or global level.
•  Experience in supporting workshops and capacity building at the individual and group level.
•  Knowledge of international standards (UIS) for data validity and reporting.

Language skills

•  Proven verbal and written presentation and communication skills in English, both at a technical level and in the preparation of information for the public.

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

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

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – This vacant position is budgeted for 3 years

Remuneration – The Education Statistician is a band 10 position in SPC’s 2023 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 2,575‒3,218 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 7,595–9,494 (USD 3,450–4,313; EUR 3,268–4,085). 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: 24 September 2023 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)

Job Reference: JM000478

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 be 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 are the inherent challenges and corresponding best practices in carrying out the role of an Education Statistician across a multidisciplinary team based across several organisations and ministries?
•  In your view, what steps should be taken to improve the use of Education Statistics in countries across the Pacific region?
•  How can the countries be encouraged to release data to the public and internationally more frequently.

Position DescriptionType: Contract – International

Category: Education Quality & Assessment

Reference ID: JM000478

Date Posted: 25/08/2023