Open position: Ocean Monitoring and Technical Assistant – Ocean Acidification – Deadline 20 October 2024

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 surveillance, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.

In commemorating the SPC’s 70th anniversary, the 10th Pacific Community Conference agreed to establish the Pacific Community Centre for Ocean Science (PCCOS) to be hosted at SPC and become a true flagship for scientific excellence and a dedicated regional science information and knowledge hub. PCCOS leads the design of the SPC Ocean Flagship through consultation with SPC divisions and regional partners, as well as coordinating cross-divisional projects, implemented across SPC divisions (FAME, GEM, CCES). PCCOS is also implementing seed-projects/programmes such as the Pacific Islands Ocean Acidification Centre (PIOAC), the Pacific Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOP) Network and Placement Programme, the Pacific Islands Decade Coordination Centre (PI-DCC), and the Regional Alliance of the Global Ocean Observing System for the Pacific Islands (PIGOOS), that all have regional coordination mandates.

The role – Ocean Monitoring and Technical Assistant – Ocean Acidification will assist with the coordination of ocean acidification monitoring and capacity building activities within PCCOS and GEM division in close collaboration with existing activities in other divisions.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Ocean Acidification Monitoring Coordination

• Assist with coordinating, planning, and implementing of ocean acidification monitoring plans for PIOAC in coordination with partner organizations.
• Conduct fieldwork for ocean acidification monitoring and data collection in Fiji for PIOAC, including the deployment of ocean acidification equipment, wave buoys, coastal temperature sensors, and other relevant instruments where appropriate.
• Work closely with PIOAC partner organizations and country-based scientists to develop monitoring plans and support the implementation of their monitoring plans in coordination with PIOAC partner organizations.

Building Monitoring Capacity

• Contribute to capacity-building activities to enhance partners’ skills and knowledge related to ocean monitoring.
• Contribute to the development of training materials on ocean acidification monitoring equipment.
• Contribute technical support to partners and stakeholders on ocean acidification monitoring, including on ocean acidification -related fields and laboratory methodologies.

Partnerships and PICTs Regional Support

• Assist with the coordination of monthly meetings that connect scientists and stakeholders in the region and promote information sharing on ocean acidification monitoring.
• Identify and promote best practices in ocean acidification monitoring and management by sharing success stories and lessons learned with partners and stakeholders.
• Conduct assessments of existing monitoring programs in PICTs and identify gaps in capacity and resources.

Communications of Ocean Acidification

• Assist with the development of communication materials and to effectively distributed and disseminate information about ocean acidification to a range of stakeholders.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of a web-based platform that provides up-to-date information on ocean acidification, including monitoring data and research findings from around the Pacific region.
• Support the development of policy briefs and recommendations based on ocean acidification monitoring data and research findings and disseminate these to policymakers and decision-makers at national and regional levels.

Support to PCCOS and Divisions

• Provide support to PCCOS and other divisions, including project partners, when and where needed and within the remit of the role. For example, GEM, ECOP, workshops, Conferences, webinars and other engagements with project partners.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in marine science, oceanography, chemistry, environmental science, data management or related fields.

Technical expertise

• At least 3-4 years of experience with scientific instrumentation and data analysis.
• Experience with conducting OA monitoring and conducting field deployment of OA equipment for example iSAMI.
• Professional practical experience in Pacific Island environments.
• Good level of computer literacy, experience with computer programming.
• Knowledge on physical processes relating to tropical reef-fringed environments in the tropical Pacific.
• Capable and organized report preparation and communication skills.
• Strong Analytical skills and ability to master new technology quickly.
• Ability to mentor and provide necessary training and transfer of skills as demanded by the project or the team.          

Language skills

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written).

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

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

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – 6 months (temporary contract).

Remuneration – The Ocean Monitoring and Technical Assistant – Ocean Acidification is a band 7 position in SPC’s 2024 salary scale, with a commencing taxable salary range of FJD 2,287-2,859 per month, plus local staff benefits. 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.

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 – 20 October 2024 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)

Job Reference: JM000777

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.

Only Fijian citizens are eligible to apply for this role.

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):

• Can you please describe your experience and expertise in ocean acidification monitoring techniques, particularly in the context of the Pacific islands?
• The field of ocean research constantly evolves with new technologies and methodologies. How do you stay updated with the latest advancements in ocean monitoring technologies, and how have you demonstrated your ability to adapt to new tools and data analysis methods in your previous roles?
• How would you approach communicating a challenging scientific concept to someone who lacks a science background? Can you provide some strategies you believe would be effective in making such concepts understandable to a general audience?