Research Assistant (FIT project Macrobrachium)

• Attractive local package
• Friendly and supportive team environment
• Join the principal development organisation in the region

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

The Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems (FAME) Division is composed of two programmes: Coastal Fisheries and Aquaculture Programme (CFAP) and the Oceanic Fisheries Programme (OFP). The Director’s Office provides divisional support and strategic direction across the programmes and cross-cutting projects. Working with all 22 Pacific Islands Countries and Territories (PICTs), FAME has strong partnerships with regional, subregional and national entities working in the marine sector.

The role – Research Assistant (FIT – Macrobrachium Project) will assist in research field work, hatchery breeding, broodstock management and quarantine, data collection, literature review, and other aquaculture activities required for the implementation of the Kiwa FIT Macrobrachium Aquaculture project.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Assist in research field work, quarantine, hatchery breeding, and broodstock management for implementation of the Kiwa FIT Macrobrachium Aquaculture project

• Contribute to the daily husbandry, broodstock management and quarantine activities on freshwater aquaculture species (freshwater prawn).
• Maintenance of any aquaculture facilities being operated by SPC or by external partners of SPC.
• Participate in collaborative project work with SPC’s counterparts within Government of Fiji.
• Participate in extension work at commercial and community-based aquaculture farms.
• Adopt SPC policies and practices in the aquaculture workplace.

Assist in data collection, literature review and draft report for the Kiwa FIT Macrobrahium Aquaculture project

• Contribute to literature reviews on assigned aquaculture project topics.
• Participation in any lectures, tutorials, or practical training exercises arranged for the post holder by SPC aquaculture supervisors.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• A school leaving certificate/ form 6 pass or equivalent body of knowledge and experience.

Technical expertise

• At least 1 year of relevant experience and knowledge on freshwater species culture.
• Understanding of quarantine protocols for aquaculture species.
• Familiar with feed preparation, monitoring and daily activities required for husbandry of freshwater prawns.

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 – until 31 December 2025 – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – The Research Assistant (FIT – Macrobrachium Project) is a band 4 position in SPC’s 2025 salary scale, with a commencing taxable salary range of FJD 1,260-1,575 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.

Benefits – SPC provides medical and life insurance for eligible employees. Employees are entitled to 25 days of annual leave and access to SPC’s Provident Fund (contributing 8% of salary to which SPC adds a 10% contribution).

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 – 18 Sunday 2025 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)

Job Reference: TT000078

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):

1. Briefly explain what aquaculture species you have worked with in a husbandry and broodstock management setting.
2. What are two critical environmental parameters you would monitor in a Macrobrachium rosenbergiiculture system, and why are they important for the health and survival of the prawns?
3. Suggest three methods for boosting Macrobrachium rosenbergiiproduction in Fiji