Statistical Capacity Development Adviser

• Suva-based position (Fiji)
• 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 organisation works across more than 25 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 Statistics for Development Division (SDD)’s goal is to help the Pacific Island Countries and Territories achieve “highly competent and sustainable national statistics systems that meet national and international statistics needs for evidence-based policy, planning and monitoring.” SDD has a regional statistical system leadership and coordination role; and also supports the region directly in data infrastructure, collection, statistical methodology, analysis and dissemination.

The role – Statistical Capacity Development Adviser will coordinate a work program to strengthen capacity of Pacific Island countries and territories for production and use of statistics through coordination, guidance and monitoring of capacity development activities.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Strategic advice and leadership of program to strengthen capacity for production and use of statistics across the Pacific

• Design and implement a well-run program of work in partnership with Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs), development partners and relevant SPC divisions to strengthen the capacity of Pacific Island countries and territories for production and use of statistics.
• Provide strategic advice to SPC member countries and partners to enable effective and innovative capacity development.
• Establish the Statistical Capacity Development Technical Working Group and convene regularly to coordinate, guide and monitor activities.
• Develop and review implementation strategies for capacity development activities to support the Strategic Framework on Pacific Statistics.

Coordinate capacity development activities by SPC, partners and member countries to deliver a well-articulated and coordinated program of actions that addresses known capacity needs at the system, organisational, and individual levels

• Map, communicate and coordinate statistical capacity development activities by SPC, regional and international partners.
• Design activities to fill capacity needs of countries and address key gaps.
• Maintain good relationships with national, regional and international providers to coordinate the offering of statistical capacity development activities (including UNSIAP, ESCAP, Stats NZ, ABS, PFTAC, ILO, FAO and others).
• Identify and explore opportunities to certify relevant trainings, collaborate with universities, and develop online training materials in partnership with other providers.

Mentor and guide SPC staff to strengthen the effectiveness of their statistical capacity development activities including technical assistance, training and support for all areas of the statistical process

• Ensure SDD staff are trained in how to deliver effective training and capacity development.
• Document and regularly update existing and new trainings based on feedback.
• Ensure regional and in-country capacity mapping, trainings, and workshops are conducted successfully.
• Organise and implement Pacific Island professional attachments and internships to SPC and other peer organisations.

Monitor and evaluate effectiveness of capacity development activities and regularly assess capacity needs across Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs)

• Conduct periodic reviews and reports on statistical capacity development needs in the Pacific, identify enabling gaps and support programme planning.
• Undertake standardised evaluations for all SPC trainings and other capacity development activities.
• Ensure training and technical assistance reports are developed and shared by activity leads in a timely manner using a standard format.
• Capture and use lessons learned for continuous improvement.

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

 Key selection criteria

 Qualifications

• A master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field such as teaching, development studies, organisational psychology, social sciences, or statistics or equivalent body of knowledge and experience.

Technical expertise

• At least ten years of relevant work experience in the provision of capacity building or vocational training using principles of adult learning.
• Familiarity with theory and practice of capacity and capability development in developing countries.
• Practical experience in organising and conducting trainings and facilitating workshops for different audiences.
• Understanding of the importance of statistics and data for policy development and planning, including for sustainable development goals.
• Demonstrated ability to work with people from different national and cultural backgrounds.        

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 – 1 year – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – The Statistical Capacity Development Adviser is a band 11 position in SPC’s 2025 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 3,245‒4,057 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 9,768–12,211 (USD 4,316–5,395; EUR 3,975–4,969). 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. 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 Staff in a position advertised internationally (EPAI) whose duty station is Suva – SPC provides a housing allowance of FJD 1,500–5,200 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 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 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: 30 November 2025 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)

Job Reference: TT000146

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.

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 Fiji 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.

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. Could you share an overview of your experience in capacity development (if possible, for statistics)? Which types of institutions or development projects have you supported in this role?
2. Capacity development often requires identifying gaps and designing targeted interventions. Can you describe a project where you successfully assessed capacity needs and implemented effective solutions?
3. Sustainability is key in capacity development. How do you ensure that improvements and skills persist beyond the life of a project? Could you provide examples where your work had a lasting impact?