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 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 Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems (FAME) Division includes the Oceanic Fisheries Programme (OFP) and Coastal Fisheries and Aquaculture Programme (CFAP). CFAP’s goal is to ensure that inshore fisheries, nearshore fisheries and aquaculture in Pacific Island countries and territories are managed and developed sustainably. The programme assists governments and administrations to develop scientifically informed and socially achievable coastal fisheries management policies and procedures (national and community-based). It provides support for sustainable aquaculture, including planning, research and development, aquatic biosecurity and trade, for Pacific Island governments, the private sector and other stakeholders. It assists in developing sustainable nearshore fisheries in Pacific Island countries and territories to provide for food security, sustainable livelihoods, economic growth and assist climate change adaptation.
The role – Aquaculture Technical Officer will be responsible for assisting Pacific Island aquaculture and mariculture producers, enterprises, and farmer networks, with technical support to strengthen production efficiency through improved technical capabilities on small and medium scale enterprises through capacity development and training.
The key responsibilities of the role includes the following:
- Supports aquaculture and mariculture producers, enterprises, and farmer networks through technical capacity development and training
- Assists in promoting economically viable and gender inclusive aquaculture, including specific assistance in feed, seed and broodstock production and management
- Collaborates with other work areas within and across SPC sections, programmes and divisions
- Section administration and communication
For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the job description provided.
Key selection criteriaÂ
QualificationsÂ
- Diploma in tropical aquacultureÂ
Knowledge and experience
- At least 3 years of practical experience working in or working with small to medium-scale enterprises involved in freshwater aquaculture and mariculture, preferably in the Pacific region
- Detailed knowledge and understanding of either freshwater or marine hatchery techniques, and grow-out techniques, for at least two of the aquaculture species commercially produced in Pacific Island countries and territories
- Previous interaction with and knowledge of aquaculture agencies in the Pacific region
- Excellent PC-based computer skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint
- Willingness to travel and work in the Pacific region for extended periods, sometimes under difficult conditions
Essential skillsÂ
- Aquaculture techniques appropriate to the Pacific region
- Ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships
- Ability to provide technical knowledge and training to project partners and farmers
Language skillsÂ
- Excellent English communication skills (oral and written)
- Ability to communicate in one of the local languages of the Pacific is an advantage
Interpersonal skills and cultural awarenessÂ
- Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environmentÂ
Salary, terms and conditionsÂ
Contract Duration – 3 years
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 Aquaculture Technical Officer position is a Band 8 position in SPC’s 2022 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 1,994‒2493 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 are 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 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 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 procedureÂ
Closing Date – 17 February 2022 at 11:59pm Fiji time
Applicants must apply online here.
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. SPC may assist on a case-by-case basis with submissions to Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their consideration and final approval. SPC cannot and does not make any guarantee whatsoever of approval for such applications to the Fijian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and where an application is approved, the spouse or partner will subject to such terms and conditions as may be set from time to time by the Ministry.
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:
- Explain how you would find out what are the top-priority technical constraints or training needs being faced by a particular group of small-scale aquaculture farmers?
- Describe how you would design and conduct a hands-on technical training event with fish farmers in the Pacific Islands?
- Provide an example of an occasion where you recognize shortcomings in the aquaculture practice of a fish farmer or group of farmers, and explain what steps you took to address that situation?
