Programme Coordinator - Strategic Engagement and Policy Coordination

• Suva-based position (Fiji)
• Competitive 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, education, 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 – Programme Coordinator – Strategic Engagement and Policy Coordination will play a crucial role in overseeing the Strategic Engagement and Policy Coordination portfolio within the Disaster and Community Resilience Programme (DCRP). The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring alignment between the Pacific Humanitarian Warehousing Program (PHWP) with DCRP and GEM strategies, workplans, and established project and programme management methodologies and frameworks. This role serves as a key adviser to the Deputy Director DCRP, providing strategic advice and supporting decision-making processes to enhance the overall effectiveness of the Programme. In addition, the incumbent will lead a team that engages in regional policy development, supports regional meetings that DCRP convenes in the disaster risk management and water security portfolios, and manages the work program of the Pacific Ministerial Champion for Disaster Risk Management (DRM).

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Strategic Policy Alignment and Planning

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of DCRP and GEM Division strategies, as well as relevant regional and international policy frameworks, ensuring all programme activities align with overarching goals and objectives. This includes regularly reviewing and updating programme plans to reflect changing priorities and emerging needs in disaster risk management and water sectors across the Pacific region.
• Coordinate DCRP engagement and input to regional and international policy development, ensuring relevant data and lessons learned from DCRP activities shape the development of regional and international policy frameworks.
• Coordinate the development of regional policy briefs, technical papers, knowledge products or other information sharing opportunities, drawing on DCRP and GEM Division’s activities and robust research and analytical work.

Programme Coordination

• Coordinate the planning, implementation, and monitoring of multiple projects within the DCRP portfolio, ensuring they are aligned with overall programme objectives and delivered effectively. This includes facilitating project planning sessions and identifying synergies between different initiatives.
• Establish and maintain effective coordination systems and tools to enhance communication, track progress, and facilitate reporting across all DCRP initiatives. This involves implementing collaborative platforms, developing coordination protocols, and ensuring all team members and partners are engaged in the coordination process.
• Facilitate collaboration among cross-functional teams and external partners involved in DCRP projects, promoting effective communication, resolving conflicts, and ensuring all parties are working cohesively towards common goals. This includes organizing regular coordination meetings and fostering a culture of shared responsibility and mutual support.

Operational Efficiency and Quality Assurance

• Establish and maintain a robust quality assurance framework for DCRP initiatives, including developing quality standards, implementing review processes, and ensuring compliance with relevant policies and regulations. This includes soliciting feedback from stakeholders, and implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and innovation within the DCRP, leading initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness. This involves analysing current practices, researching industry trends, and piloting new approaches to programme management and delivery.
• Explore opportunities to get regular feedback from Members, including the Missions/Embassies based in Suva, other CROP agencies, UN agencies and other donor partners, and other programmes and divisions within SPC, with the view to improve DCRP service delivery.

Partnership and Stakeholder Relations

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, CROP agencies, donors, and community representatives across the Pacific region. This involves regular communication, organising stakeholder meetings, and representing the DCRP at relevant forums and events, where required.
• Lead the development and implementation of a stakeholder engagement strategy for the DCRP, ensuring effective communication and collaboration with all partners. This includes identifying key stakeholders, developing tailored engagement approaches, and regularly assessing the effectiveness of engagement activities.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and capacity building among DCRP partners and beneficiaries, organising workshops, training sessions, and other learning events.

Support high-level Engagements and Meetings

• Coordinate and manage the annual work program for the Pacific Ministerial Champion for Disaster Risk Management.
• Coordinate efforts to strengthen the engagement between National Disaster Management Offices (NDMOs) and other government ministries, including Planning and Finance.
• Engage with donors to mobilise resources towards the annual workplan for the DRM Champion and the Pacific DRM Ministers Meeting.

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

Key selection criteria 

Qualifications 

• Master's degree in a relevant field such as disaster risk management, environmental science, climate change, development studies, project management, or equivalent body of knowledge and experience. 

Technical expertise

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in programme or project management, preferably in the field of disaster resilience or related areas.
• Strong understanding of disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, and community resilience concepts and practices in the Pacific context.
• Proven experience in programme coordination and management in a multi-cultural environment.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain strategic partnerships with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated experience in mobilising resources and funding in Pacific Island Countries and Territories.
• Proficiency in project management tools and methodologies, including budget management and resource allocation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think strategically and innovatively.    

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 – 3 years – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – The Programme Coordinator – Strategic Engagement and Policy Coordination is a band 12 position in SPC’s 2024 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 3,565‒4,456 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 10,623-13,279 (USD 4,741–5,927; EUR 4,419–5,524). 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 employees based in Fiji – SPC provides a housing allowance of FJD 1,350–3,000 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: 5 January 2025 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)

Job Reference: JM000801 

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. What are two challenges and two recommendations to ensure that multiple donor-funded project activities within the Disaster and Community Resilience Programme are strategically aligned to divisional goals and objectives, and achieve an integrated programmatic approach?
2. What key regional policy frameworks support SPC’s work in disaster risk management and water security, and how would you approach effective policy coordination and partnerships?