The Pacific Community (SPC) invites applications for the position of Geotechnical Adviserlocated at its regional office in Suva, Fiji.

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 26 country and territory members. In pursuit of sustainable development to benefit Pacific people, our organisation works across more than 20 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 Division (GEM)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 other two focus areas within this division are Programming and Operations, which is responsible for driving integrated programming excellence and operational support across the division, and Geoinformatics,which is responsible for providing diverse, integrated, and unique and demand-driven services across SPC work programmes, projects and countries.

The role Geotechnical Adviseris responsible for implementing programmes of work having relevance and significance to the people and governments of SPC member countries. This role will lead the planning and preparation of geo-surveys, collection of scientific and engineering data and information, report writing, capacity building initiatives, formulation of project proposals, and provide technical advice to PICTs.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Lead scientific and geo-engineering fieldwork and surveys

Analysis of geo-scientific data and produce user-friendly outputs

Lead technical capacity building and assistance initiatives

Provide technical assistance and advice to PICTs, donors, and divisions within SPC, based on sound scientific and engineering data and information

People management and leadership

Participate and support the Georesources and Energy Programme resource mobilisation initiatives, including the preparation of project proposals, tender documents, and budgets

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

Undergraduate and post-graduate degrees in geology, engineering geology, geophysics or closely related fields from a recognised institution

Knowledge and experience

At least 8 years of experience in geological, geophysical, geo-engineering surveys or geo-resources investigations

Knowledge in geological, geophysical, and geo-engineering surveys, including data processing and map generation

Essential skills

Management and leadership experience

Excellent team player and participatory process skills

Excellent report writing skills

Ability to plan, prioritise, and coordinate activities

Ability to handle high pressure situations and meet deadlines

Computer literacy particularly with Microsoft Office and GIS applications

Language skills

Excellent English communication skills (oral and written) with a working knowledge of French being an advantage

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment

Good interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with member country governments, regional and international organisations

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration Two years until 31 December 2022

RemunerationThe Geotechnical Adviseris a Band 11 position in SPC s 2019 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 2,942 3,677 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 8,679 10,848 (USD 4,177 5,222; EUR 3,522 4,402). 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 1,230 2,750 per month. Establishment and relocation grant, removal expenses, airfares, home leave, medical and life insurance and education allowances are available for eligible employees and their recognised dependents. Employees are entitled to 25 days of annual leave and 30 days of sick leave per annum, and access to SPC s Provident Fund (contributing 8% of salary, to which SPC adds a matching contribution).

LanguagesSPC s working languages are English and French.

Equal opportunitySPC is an equal opportunity employer. Recruitment is based entirely on merit; in cases where two short-listed candidates are judged to be of equal rank by the selection committee, preference will be given to Pacific Island nationals.

Child protectionSPC is committed to child protection, irrespective of whether any specific area of work involves direct contact with children. SPC s Child Protection Policy is written in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Police clearanceSuccessful candidates will be required to provide a police clearance certificate.

How to apply:

Application procedure

Closing Date20 January 2020

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

contact details for three professional referees

a cover letter detailing your skills, experience and interest in this position

responses to all screening questions

Please ensure your documents are in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.

Applicants should not attach copies of qualifications or letters of reference. These documents may be requested at a later stage.

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. The Pacific Community does not support dual spouse employment.

Please ensure that you respond to all the screening questions.If you do not respond to the screening questions, your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed at shortlisting stage.

Screening Questions:

Please share your best example of conducting a geological or geo-engineering survey.

Highlight your experience in conducting a survey in remote locations. What were some of the challenges you encountered, and how did you address them?

Please describe your experience in writing technical reports, and what has been your level of involvement with the stakeholders to support data collection for decision-making?