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 unique organisation works across more than 25 sectors. We are known for our knowledge and innovation in such areas as fisheries science, public health surveillance, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.
The Statistics for Development Division (SDD) is based in SPC’s headquarters in Noumea, New Caledonia. The division employs approximately 20 staff, all of whom are all based in Noumea. SDD’s goal is to help the Pacific Island Countries and Territories achieve “highly competent and sustainable national statistics systems that meet national and international statistics needs for evidence-based policy, planning and monitoring.” SDD has a regional statistical system leadership and coordination role; and also supports the region directly in data infrastructure, collection, statistical methodology, analysis and dissemination.
The role – the Statistics Adviser (Climate Change) will enable enhanced monitoring and reporting of climate change impact by supporting Pacific Island country and territory members to define, localise, compile and improve the production of climate change and environmental statistics. This includes promoting the use of climate change and related indicators in national and regional monitoring against key commitments such as the SDGs and Sendai Framework. The initial focus will be on measuring social impact of and vulnerability to climate change using household survey data. This position is an integral part of the Climate Change Flagship Programme (CCFP).
The key responsibilities of the role include the following: Ways of working
- Demonstrable contribution of team to organisational or ‘ways of working’ objectives in the division business plan, such as “mainstream good modern collections practice” and “strengthened engagement”.
Establishment and implementation of a programme of work for climate change statistics and indicators
- A well designed and run programme of work is established and implemented to support delivery of climate change statistics and indicators, with an initial focus on measuring social impact of and vulnerability to climate change using household survey data.
- Close collaboration with other SPC Divisions, including CCES to ensure climate change statistics and data needs are identified and addressed.
- Planning and engagement are in place to enable effective ongoing liaison and cooperation with relevant institutions and organisations.
- Value and feasibility are scoped for supporting a wider set of climate change statistics and data to meet needs for the Pacific.
- SPC’s support for climate change statistics is well planned and coordinated with the rest of SDD’s activities and ways of working as well as regional frameworks and priorities.
- Other SDD staff are actively engaged in climate change statistics activities.
Compilation, reporting, analysis, dissemination and communication of climate change statistics and indicators
- Lead the design, analysis, reporting and use of household survey data to measure social impact of, and vulnerability to, climate change.
- Member countries and other partners are assisted in the definition, localisation, compilation, analysis, interpretation, and reporting on climate change statistics and indicators.
- Innovative and user-friendly information, knowledge products, analytical papers, policy briefs and/or fact sheets are produced in collaboration with other SDD and SPC team members as appropriate.
- Member countries and partners are assisted in the identification of data gaps and methods for new data collection for Pacific climate change statistics and indicators, working in collaboration with relevant national, regional and international development partners.
- Pacific climate change statistics and indicators are well aligned with relevant policy frameworks and international reporting commitments.
- Consultants and professional training attachments are supervised / conducted in connection with climate change statistics.
Provision of support – technical assistance, training and capacity development in climate change and environmental statistics
- SPC is recognised as a successful leader promoting good practice in the Pacific with regards to climate change statistics.
- Guidance products on climate change statistics and indicators are produced and used by member countries.
- Support is provided to training workshops and production of quality statistical narratives.
- Relationships with key stakeholders are positive.
For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description.
Key selection criteria
Qualifications
- Master’s Degree in environmental management, climate change, statistics, data science or relevant field; or equivalent combination of degree and work experience.
Technical expertise
- 10 years of relevant professional / technical experience in environmental management, climate change, statistics or related systems.
- Demonstrated ability in statistical analysis and the calculation and interpretation of indicators, packaging, and dissemination, including the production of policy briefs, knowledge products etc.
- Applying data analysis and statistical methods with specialist software for reports and presentations for a range of audiences.
- Experience in designing and delivering training for professionals.
- A good understanding of the challenges developing countries (particularly small island states) face in the collection, production and use of official statistics.
Language skills
- Excellent oral and written English language communication.
Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness
- A team player, with the ability to work in a multi-diverse and multi-cultural environment.
- Knowledge of Pacific Island countries and territories is an advantage.
Salary, terms and conditions
Contract Duration – This vacant position is budgeted until 31 March 2026 and is subject to renewal depending on performance and funding.
Remuneration – The Statistics Adviser (Climate Change) is a Band 11 position in SPC’s 2023 salary scale, with a starting salary range of SDR (special drawing rights) 4,206-5,161 per month, which converts to approximately XPF 637,132-781,844 (USD 5,636-6,916; EUR 5,339-6,552). An offer of appointment for an initial contract will be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration being given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale will be based on annual performance reviews. SPC salaries are not presently subject to income tax in New Caledonia.
Benefits for international staff employees based in New Caledonia – SPC provides subsidised housing in Noumea. 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 bilinguism, 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 begiven to the Pacific Islander. Applicants will be assured of complete confidentiality in line with SPC’s private policy.
Application procedure
Closing date: 2 July 2023 – 11:00 pm (Noumea time)
Job Reference: CR000016
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.
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 some recent developments in environmental and climate change statistics and how can they be applied in the Pacific?
- How does data on economic and social impacts on households fit into the broader context of climate change data needs?
- What is your experience in the development and use of complex surveys?
Position Description
Type: Contract – International
Category: Statistics
Reference ID: CR000016
Date Posted: 30/05/2023
