Human Resources Advisor - Operations and Advisory

• Noumea-based position
• Attractive expatriate package
• 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 27 country and territory members. In pursuit of sustainable development to benefit Pacific people, our unique 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.

The Operations and Management Directorate (OMD) provides corporate services to all SPC Divisions and Programmes. It consists of three key departments: Finance, Human Resources and Information Services. OMD is focused on improving the effectiveness of systems, policies and management to provide high-quality customer-oriented services.

The role – the Human Resources Advisor – Operations and Advisory will be responsible for overseeing the management of the Operations and Advisory section of the HR Noumea office. Reporting to the Senior HR Manager – Employee Relations, Operations and Advisory, the position will ensure that the HR operations are executed efficiently and effectively while ensuring that proper advisory and guidance is provided to managers and staff on all HR related matters in a timely manner. The position will provide employment relations support including support with case investigations, grievance handling and disciplinary while ensuring the organisation policies and procedures are adhered to accordingly.

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

Management and accountability for the Noumea and other Regional Locations HR Operations and Advisory section

• Provide leadership and management of the Noumea Operations and Advisory team and ensure effective service delivery of human resources services, human resources advice, and operations in alignment with the strategic direction of the Division.
• Streamline HR processes and deliver high quality, strategic and cost-effective HR solutions.
• Promote diversity, inclusivity, gender equality and women’s leadership across the organisation.
• Work closely with key stakeholders and managers to proactively support and facilitate timely HR support and advice.
• Analyse HR trends and contribute to the development of remuneration and other HR policies.
• Develop relationships with key external stakeholders such as CROP agencies, and liaison with French Ministry of Foreign Affairs; French High Commission in New Caledonia and other immigration authorities from Regional Locations.
• Provide accurate and high-quality information and advice to staff on all matters relating to relocation and repatriation.
• Identify and escalate HRIS (ESS) system issues or minor enhancements as necessary.
• Contribute strongly to the SPC job evaluation (SP10) system by completing evaluations, mentoring, developing and training other assessors in consultation with senior members of the team.

Employee Relations Support

• Provide support to the Senior HR Manager ER, Operations and Advisory with the management of employee relations cases and investigations including complex and sensitive cases such as grievances, disciplinary, appeals, health issues, long term absenteeism, fraud and corruption and harassment cases.
• Provide advice and guidance to Managers and staff on employee relations matters including interpretation of the Manual of Staff policies and associated SOPs.
• Provide guidance on the Grievance Handling process and staff complaint process where needed and ensure proper support to staff is provided including EAP counselling support.
• Support managers with the implementation of staff Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) and ensure timely review and escalation where needed in line with PIP process and SPC policies and procedures.
• Support managers and staff with conflict resolution to ensure conflicts are resolved at the very entry level and in supporting a harmonious workplace.
• Support the management, tracking and documentation of ER cases, providing timely advice and guidance to the business to ensure cases conclude without delay.

Service Delivery

• Participate to the collation, formatting and regular delivery of HR scorecards, analytics, and metrics.
• Ensure a high-quality customer service is being delivered to managers and staff in all locations.
• Identify areas for process improvement and implementing changes to enhance HR operations and service delivery.
• Ensure staff who utilise the HRIS are technical proficient in SPC HR systems (Cornerstone and Pay Global).
• Conducts Job Evaluations and reviews Job evaluations.
• Lead on Operations and Advisory audit requirements ensuring compliance and accountability.

People Management

• Manage and coordinate resources effectively and efficiently.
• Manage staff performance, conduct fair, consistent, timely performance planning, review meetings and encourage open communication to discuss performance.
• Actively schedule time to help staff development and be the best they can (training, learning, shadow mentoring, etc.).

HR Projects and deliverables

• Actively support the HR Director and HR Managers to contribute to the HR department’s strategic planning process such as workplan, budget, and reporting.
• Support the Senior HR Management team in coordinating key HRM, deliverables and inputs such as workforce & succession planning, Ops and Advisory statistics and reporting and other input needed into SRC meetings or similar high-level meetings as required.
• Support the implementation of HR projects that enhance the people function and provide the business with enhanced systems, processes, and technology solutions.
• Provide support and guidance to the business on organisational change including with restructures and reorganisation of the functional areas ensuring timely and effective implementation and support for staff during the process.
• Champion and foster organisational change.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant field such as human resource management, public or international business administration, or equivalent body of knowledge and experience.

Technical expertise

• At least 7-9 years of experience with strong emphasis on HR Operations and Advisory and Employee Relations including more than 5 years at an international level.
• At least 5 years of experience managing staff including mentoring, developing, training, appraisal, and performance management.
• Deep knowledge of HR policies, procedures and compliance requirements and with the ability to apply this knowledge to practical situations.
• Demonstrated experience in managing organisational change processes.
• Demonstrated ability to implement HR Operations strategies and to contribute to the streamlining and automation of HR Operations processes in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to guide, support and coach managers on HR policies and effective HR processes.
• Ability to liaise with staff at all levels of the organisation.

Language skills

• Excellent command of English with excellent verbal and written communication and people skills for effective communication.

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Ability to work in a multi-cultural and inclusive environment.

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – This vacant position is budgeted for 3 years and is subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – the Human Resources Advisor – Operations and Advisory is a band 11 position in SPC’s 2025 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 4,397–5,400 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately XPF 642,655–789,288 (USD 5,848–7,182; EUR 5,385–6,614). An offer of appointment for an initial contract will normally be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration being given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale is based on annual performance reviews. SPC salaries are not presently subject to income tax in New Caledonia.

Benefits for Staff in a position advertised internationally (EPAI) whose duty station is Noumea – SPC provides housing support in Noumea.  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 10% 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 bilinguism, 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 begiven to the Pacific Islander. Applicants will be assured of complete confidentiality in line with SPC’s private policy.

Application procedure

Closing date: 26 October 2025 – 11:00 pm (Noumea time)

Job Reference: CR000493

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.

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. Using one example, please describe how you have recently deployed a client-focused approach to human resource advisory and operational work.
2. Outline your experience in leading and managing a HR project to support the improvement of HR operational processes and service delivery.
3. Describe your level of experience and contributions with managing employee relations effectively at the workplace.
4. What were some of your biggest challenges in developing and managing a generalist HR team, and how did you deal with those challenges.