Coordinator - Just Energy Transition

• Suva-based position (Fiji)
• Attractive expatriate package
• Join the principal development organization 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 three (3) areas of scientific programming and two areas of focus 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.

The role – Coordinator – Just Energy Transition will lead the work on the Just Energy Transition and coordinate the implementation of GEP Energy projects, including the CLEARPICS, PEGSAP, Tuvalu biogas and PAWES projects. They will spearhead and coordinate the implementation of the Framework for Energy Security and Resilience in the Pacific (FESRIP) and monitoring the region’s progress on SDG 7, participating in GEP’s resource mobilisation efforts.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Leading and coordinating the implementation of Just Transition Energy projects and activities

• Coordinate and support the activities of the PAWES project (Pacific Waste-to-Energy Solution), in coordination with the PAWES Project Manager and PAWES team.
• Coordinate and support the activities of the CLEARPICS project (Clean Energy Access for Remote Pacific Island Countries), in coordination with the Energy Access Specialist.
• Coordinate and support the activities of the PEGSAP project (Pacific Energy and Gender Strategic Action Plan), in coordination with the PEGSAP Project Manager.
• Coordinate and support the activities under the Tuvalu biogas project, in coordination with the Energy Officer.

Coordinating and monitoring the implementation of the Framework for Energy Security and Resilience in the Pacific (FESRIP) 2021-2030

• Support and coordinate the development the FESRIP Implementation Plan and Indicators in consultation with PICTs and partners.
• Enhance engagement with existing partners and seek their support through Technical Assistance and/or funding for the implementation of the FESRIP.
• Explore and establish new partnerships that will strengthen the implementation of the FESRIP.

Spearheading the resource mobilisation/fundraising efforts for energy

• Work with members of GEP team in discussing, developing, reviewing and submitting project concept notes and proposals (including Theory of Change, Logical Framework, and concept notes) to donors.
• Lead GEP’s effort in developing joint energy concept notes and proposals with relevant partners and submitting them to donors.
• Explore new partnerships / funding opportunities to support the implementation of the FESRIP priority initiatives with partners/donors /philanthropies, private sector, etc.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• A post-graduate degree in Energy, Renewable Energy, Climate Change Mitigation and/or related fields.

Technical expertise

• At least 7 years of relevant experience in the development sector, with 3 years of leadership experience at project/programme management level.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and deliver timely and high-quality project outputs and outcomes.
• Experience in research and analysis.
• Previous experience working with donors and developing country partners.
• Awareness of the FESRIP 2021-2030 and PICTs energy priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to engage with donors, partners and other stakeholders.    

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 – 6 months.

Remuneration – The Coordinator – Just Energy Transition is a band 10 position in SPC’s 2024 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 2,575‒3,218 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 7,672–9,591 (USD 3,424–4,280; EUR 3,191–3,989). 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 international staff employees on temporary contracts – SPC provides a housing allowance of FJD 1,350–3,000 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: 24 November 2024 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)

Job Reference: JM000798

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. From your perspective, what does a “just energy transition” mean in the Pacific context?
2. What are 3 key challenges related to implementing the Framework for Energy Security and Resilience in the Pacific (FESRIP) 2021-2030?
3. What are some potential strategies/solutions to overcoming the 3 challenges described in your previous answer?