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 Land Resources Division (LRD) provides advice, technical assistance, research and training support to Pacific Island countries and territories on all aspects of agriculture and forestry. This includes plant protection, conservation, plant genetic resources, animal health and production, agroforestry, biosecurity and trade facilitation, and sustainable systems for agriculture, forestry and land management. This work has two objectives: improved food and nutritional security, and resilient communities. The division’s services are provided through seven technical/thematic teams: Animal Health and Production; Plant Health; Biosecurity and Trade Facilitation; Forest and Agriculture Diversification; Crop Production and Extension; Genetic Resources; and Forests and Trees.
The Procurement and Compliance Officer is responsible for supporting the Finance and Administration Adviser in ensuring the effective coordination of the division’s operational outcomes for all procurement, grants, travel, asset and risk management requirements.
The key responsibilities of the role include:
Procurement and Grant planning and support
Compliance and risk monitoring
Capacity building and operational support
For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the job description provided.
Key selection criteria
Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant field such as finance or business administration, project management
Knowledge and experience
At least 5 years of experience in procurement and grant administration, audit
Experience in project/program administration work
Experience with building tools to streamline administrative processes
Demonstrated capacity building experience
Essential skills
Good understanding of programs/projects
Experience with use of financial management information systems (SPC uses Microsoft Navision)
Sound coordination, administrative, networking and negotiation skills
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
Salary, terms and conditions
Contract Duration – Until 30 April 2022
Due to the current travel restrictions caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic, and the priority SPC places on its staff safety, health and well-being, please note that there may be delays in taking up the appointment. These matters will be discussed thoroughly with successful candidates. In most cases, any appointment and on-boarding would only commence when relocation to the duty station is permitted.
Remuneration – The Procurement and Compliance Officer is a Band 8 position in SPC’s 2021 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 1,994‒2,493 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 6,022–7,528 (USD 2,772–3,465; EUR 2,446–3,058). 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 insurance are available for eligible employees only. 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.
How to apply
Application procedure
Closing Date – 1 April 2021 – 11:45pm Fiji time
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:
How do you ensure healthy supplier relationships?
What tools or actions have you implemented to ensure that your team (or organisation) maintains high levels of compliance to relevant policies and procedures?
Identify 2 procurement risks and possible mitigating factors.
