Information and Publications Officer

• 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 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 – the Information and Publications Officer will Coordinate and deliver SDDs graphic design and layout functions working closely with SPC’s Corporate Publications team, consultants and vendors; Maintain the SDD website and document library up to date and manage SDD’s “Live Chat” function; Provide training to National Statistics Offices regarding graphic design and publication best practice.

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

Coordinating graphic design, layout and illustration services

• Coordinate design and layout of SDD publications with Information and Publications Assistant and across all publishing products.
• Define, structure and conceptualize design briefs for projects.
• Ensure workflows are accurately recorded for all work conducted, in accordance with developed systems and procedures.
• Manage client expectations throughout project stages.
• Design high-quality, bilingual publications for a range of formats using appropriate software.
• Ensure SPC's procurement procedures are followed, and contracts are well managed and delivered on time.
• Manage project quality control stages according to accepted standards and SPC requirements.

Graphic design and layout

• Create high-quality design elements such as charts, infographics, and other visual content in a responsive and timely manner, while maintaining appropriate insights/meaning.
• Present publications accurately and appropriately to assist understanding of scientific and technical information.

Information and Knowledge Management

• Update consistently the SDD website, with content that is current, accurate, and easily accessible, reflecting effective collaboration with subject matter specialists, SDD Web Developer and Communications and Engagement Adviser.
• Ensure the SDD document library is well organised, regularly updated, and effectively meets the needs of staff and external users.
• Manage the “Live Chat” function actively, provide prompt and accurate responses, leading to high user satisfaction.
• Post announcements of meetings, workshops, and other events on time.

Adherence to SPC’s visual identity and its publishing and information knowledge management policies

• Ensure documents reflect SPC’s corporate visual identity and branding.
• Make sure document deficiencies are identified, and appropriate corrective actions are identified and applied.
• Undertake consultation, where appropriate, with corporate communications and divisional design and communication teams throughout the design and publishing process.
• Organise and archive working files with appropriate metadata.

Training and support

• Ensure ongoing support and guidance to National Statistics Offices leads to measurable improvements in their publication outputs, with successful coordination observed with the SDD Communications and Engagement Adviser and SDD Web Developer.
• Ensure workshops are well-received, with participants demonstrating improved skills and knowledge in graphic design and publication best practices.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Degree in graphic design or similar field

Technical expertise

• 7 years’ experience working as a Graphic Designer in a similar context
• Adobe-certified in InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop
• Demonstrable experience translating complex data into engaging visualisations with tools such as Illustrator, Datylon, Microsoft Power BI, DataWrapper etc
• Demonstrable experience working with editorial, design and translation teams
• Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of technical graphic design principles and elements, including typography, font selection and RGB and CMYK know-how
• Strong knowledge of pre-press and printing design requirements
• Ability to think creatively and deliver clever, contemporary concepts
• Strong working knowledge of the Microsoft Office 365 suite, especially PowerPoint, Excel and Word

Language skills

• Fluent communication skills in English

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, multi-cultural and gender-sensitive environment

Salary, terms and conditions

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

Remuneration – The Information and Publications Officer is a Band 9 position in SPC’s 2024 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 3,209–3,915 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately XPF 474,675–579,141 (USD 4,268–5,207; EUR 3,978–4,853). 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 international staff employees based in New Caledonia – SPC provides subsidised housing 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: 24 November 2024 – 11:00 pm (Noumea time)

Job Reference: CR000328

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. Describe your experience in graphic design and publishing. What types of projects have you worked on, and what skills and knowledge have you gained from those experiences?
2. Describe your experience in information and knowledge management, particularly any work you have undertaken maintaining document libraries and website content.
3. Collaboration with internal and external stakeholders is essential for this role. How would you approach working with SDD colleagues, the Corporate Publications team, and external partners like freelance designers and National Statistics Offices?