• Suva-based position (Fiji)
  • Attractive expatriate package
  • Join the principal development organisation in the Pacific 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 Geoscience Energy and Maritime (GEM) Division provides advice, technical assistance, research and training support to Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs). There are four (4) areas of scientific programming within this division:

  1. Oceans and Maritime Programme (OMP) – assists member countries with services that provide applied ocean science and knowledge for evidence-based policy-making and technical solutions for improved ocean and maritime governance, management and capacity development.
  2. Georesources and Energy Programme (GEP) – assists member countries by applying technical knowledge in the areas of geoscience and sustainable energy use.
  3. Disaster and Community Resilience Programme (DCRP) – assists member countries to demonstrate strengthened resilience through integrated action on disaster risk management, climate change adaptation, natural resource management and increased access to water and sanitation.
  4. Earth and Ocean Observation Services – Promoting spatial data and systems analysis and capacity to improve decision-making to improve resilience and sustainable resource management.

The role – Maritime Port and Shipping Adviser will provide senior specialist technical advice and regional coordination to strengthen port and shipping services across Pacific Island countries and territories. The role will support members to progress resilient, safe, secure and environmentally responsible ports and shipping, including through implementation of the Pacific Ports Vision 2030–2050 Recognition Framework and the Pacific One-Maritime Framework (2026–2050). The position will also provide technical secretariat support to relevant regional mechanisms, strengthen capability and evidence-based decision-making, and mobilise and manage resources to deliver agreed regional priorities in the maritime transport sector.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Sustainable Ports and Shipping Development and Coordination

  • Provide senior technical advice to PICTs to advance resilient, safe, secure, efficient and environmentally responsible port and shipping services.
  • Lead the implementation approach for the Pacific Ports Vision 2030–2050 Recognition Framework.
  • Serve as SPC’s lead technical focal point for regional port and shipping coordination, including technical secretariat support to regional and subregional bodies.
  • Provide independent technical assurance, including maritime/port-related audits, and advising on fit-for-purpose port management systems.

Capacity Development

  • Develop, quality-assure and deliver priority capacity development for PICT port and shipping stakeholders, aligned with international, regional and national needs and priorities.
  • Facilitate practical learning pathways for PICT personnel, including internships/secondments in coordination with relevant technical advisers and partners.
  • Strengthen national capability in audit readiness and assurance and building capacity for port, shipping and trade data collection, management and reporting.

Data and Information Management

  • Lead a coordinated approach to port and shipping data and information management for PICTs.
  • Lead the collection, quality assurance, analysis and reporting of shipping and trade data for CPSC Member States.
  • Translate port, shipping and trade data into actionable technical advice and policy inputs to strengthen evidence-based decision-making.

Project Management and Resource Mobilisation

  • Lead the planning and delivery of an integrated portfolio of port and shipping technical assistance and projects, including annual work planning, budgeting, monitoring, reporting and learning.
  • Manage project resources and performance, ensuring compliance with SPC systems and donor requirements.
  • Mobilise resources and partnerships to deliver agreed outcomes, including proposal development, donor engagement and coordinated stakeholder communications.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

  • Postgraduate qualification in maritime ports, shipping, engineering or a related discipline or an equivalent recognised professional maritime qualification (e.g. Master Mariner / Chief Engineer) or equivalent body of knowledge and experience.

Technical expertise

  • At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in ports and/or shipping, including significant time at senior technical/advisory level, preferably in PICTs contexts.
  • Demonstrated experience advising on implementing and/or assuring compliance with relevant international maritime and labour instruments, including audit/assurance functions.
  • Strong understanding of Pacific regional operating constraints and port infrastructure realities, and ability to translate this into practical, regionally appropriate solutions.
  • Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality technical reports and policy-relevant advice for senior decision-makers and regional processes.
  • Proven ability to plan and deliver complex work programmes under deadlines and within budget, including coordination of missions and capacity development activities.       

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 – This position is funded until 31 December 2027 – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – The Maritime Port and Shipping Adviser is a band 11 position in SPC’s 2026 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 3,245‒4,057 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 10,028–12,535 (USD 4,349–5,436; EUR 3,924–4,905). 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. Relocation airfares, excess luggage, health and life and disability insurances are available for employees. Employees are entitled to 25 working days of annual leave per annum and other types of leave, prorated on contract length 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: 19 April 2026 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)

Job Reference: CB000358

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. The Pacific maritime operating context is unique, characterised by long, thin shipping routes, small, dispersed markets, limited economies of scale, ageing or constrained port infrastructure, and a high dependence on maritime transport for essential goods and services. How would you approach improving port and shipping performance in this context? Please give one practical example of measures you would prioritise for Pacific Island countries and territories, and explain why.
  2. Ongoing conflict and instability in the Middle East, including disruptions and broader concerns about the Strait of Hormuz, have affected global shipping patterns, freight costs, fuel markets, and supply chains. These effects are especially significant for vulnerable, import-dependent island economies. In your view, how can conflict in the Middle East affect the Pacific maritime sector and Pacific island economies? Briefly, please outline the main risks and suggest practical actions that Pacific ports, shipping administrations, or regional organisations should take to address them.
  3. Describe your experience in either: (a) port or maritime audits, compliance, or assurance systems, or (b) shipping, trade, or port performance data collection and analysis.

Position Description

At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.