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 Strategy, Performance and Learning Division (SPL) is a specialised unit within SPC’s Office of the Director-General. SPL has staff based at our headquarters in Noumea, as well as our regional office in Suva. The team has the following core functions: (i) guiding strategic direction through development of the Pacific Community Strategic Plan and facilitation of the Subcommittee of the Council of Representatives of Governments and Administration (CRGA) that oversights the implementation of the plan (ii) increasing development effectiveness through leading and coordinating corporate monitoring, evaluation, reflection, reporting and learning; (iii) supporting the Director-General and the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) in undertaking strategic corporate initiatives, including organisational planning, organisational improvement or research and co-design of innovative and integrated projects and programmes, and iv) serving as a strategic coordination point for key relationships with external stakeholders, including member countries and territories, donors and development partners.
The role – the Strategic Engagement Adviser will strengthen member engagement with the Secretariat in relation to the SPC independent review, to ensure the credibility of the independent review process. This role will provide the necessary stewardship, member engagement and communication be to ensure that there is ethical, impartial and trustworthy assessment of the organization and provide technical support to the CRGA Subcommittee for the Strategic Plan (the Subcommittee) that has oversight of the review.
The key responsibilities of the role include the following:
Stewardship of the implementation of the Independent Review
- Provide advice and oversight to the consultants conducting the independent review.
- Provide leadership and support to maintain and strengthen member engagement with the IIR process.
- Work with the subcommittee and the review team to develop mitigation strategies for identified risks.
- Lead the monitoring of review implementation progress and coherence with the Review of the Regional Architecture (RRA).
- Report to the relevant stakeholders, highlighting achievements, challenges, and lessons learned.
Stakeholder engagement and communication
- Lead strategic engagement with members, especially the CRGA Subcommittee (Schedule and facilitate regular subcommittee meetings to discuss progress, challenges, and strategic decisions).
- Encourage members to engage meaningfully in the process to ensure its findings create a fit-for-purpose SPC that supports the region’s aspirations.
- Research options for localising SPC presence in member governments
- Develop an inclusive approach to co- creating knowledge products to share evidence and insights from activities.
Adherence to ethical standards and good practice
- Ensure that the independent review adheres to established standards and guidelines.
- Review interim and final deliverables to verify their accuracy, completeness and alignment with the IIR objectives.
- Facilitate feedback loops between the subcommittee, review team, and other stakeholders to address any quality concerns.
- Advocate responsive relationships between Secretariat ad member(s) on research activities.
Focal liaison point for the CRGA Subcommittee for the Strategic Plan
- Serve as the primary point of contact for disseminating information between the subcommittee and relevant stakeholders.
- Solicit feedback from subcommittee members and stakeholders regarding the IIR, RRA contributions and localizing SPC presence research.
- Address concerns and queries from stakeholders and keep them informed.
- Draft papers to present at CRGA Subcommittee June meeting, and at CRGA 54.
For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description.
Key selection criteria
Qualifications
- Masters degree in public policy, strategic or corporate planning; leadership,; economics; management or project management; international development; business or public administration
Technical expertise
- More than 10 years of relevant experience, in leadership, project management, policy development and advice, particularly in the Pacific foreign affairs and international development contexts
- Experience in leading change
- Experience in applying research analysis and learning evidence to strategic thinking and decision making.
- Demonstrated systems thinking
Language skills
- Excellent communication skills in English (both oral and writing skills)
Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness
- Ability to work in a multi-cultural and gender-sensitive environment.
- High emotional intelligence
- Deep understanding of the Pacific, the issues associated with its history and development.
Salary, terms and conditions
Contract Duration – This vacant position is budgeted until 6 December 2024.
Remuneration – The Strategic Engagement Adviser is a Band 12 position in SPC’s 2024 salary scale, with a starting salary range of SDR (special drawing rights) 4,792-5,894 per month, which converts to approximately XPF 708,852-871,830 (USD 6,374-7,839; EUR 5,940-7,306). 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 and will reimburse excess accompanied luggage of up to two additional bags. Airfares, medical and life insurance are available for eligible employees. Employees are entitled to 25 days of annual leave per year of contract 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.
How to apply
Application procedure
Closing date: 11 February 2024 – 11:00 pm (Noumea time)
Job Reference: CR000195
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):
- Describe your approach to maintaining positive relationships with stakeholders and ensuring their active involvement in project activities (especially when the activity is in addition to their normal duties).
- What strategies do you employ to communicate effectively with colleagues, peers and members and independent consultants to ensure a transparent and collaborative processes?
- How do you approach balancing the overall quality and accuracy of a review process with time and participation constraints and external political pressures?