International Partnerships and Grants 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 Partnerships, Integration and Resource Mobilisation Office (PIRMO) leads SPC’s strategic partnerships, drives business development in support of SPC’s Strategic Plan 2022-2031, and contributes to SPC’s development effectiveness by championing an integrated approach to the way we work.

The role – The International Partnerships and Grants Adviser will strengthen SPC’s systems, analysis and approach to the development, management and reporting of international partnerships and grant arrangements; and provide oversight of and manage the delivery of contractual commitments outlined in the funding agreements of SPC’s metropolitan country members as well as other strategic partners including the European Union, International Financial Institutions and international NGOs.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Partnerships strategy development and implementation

• Support the PIRMO Director on the development and implementation of an SPC partnerships strategy through research, analysis and stakeholder engagement and coordination.

Partnership liaison and management

• Provide oversight of and managing the delivery of contractual commitments outlined in the funding agreements of SPC’s metropolitan country members including Australia, France, New Zealand and the United States as well as other strategic partners International Financial Institutions and international NGOs.
• Develop an in-depth understanding of SPC’s European Union funding and identify opportunities to develop this relationship further.
• Support negotiations with new development partners including development of partnership agreements and grant funding arrangements.

Service and improvements in partnerships and grants management

• With participation of SPC’s Legal team and key divisions, drive improvements and harmonise SPC’s systems and approaches for the development, management and reporting of international partnerships, grants and contracts.
• Develop tools and resources, coordinate an internal Partnerships and Resource Mobilisation Network and develop a Partnerships Intranet site to support SPC partnership and grant management.
• Manage, monitor and report on partnership performance in close collaboration with key allied stakeholder, the Strategy, Performance and Learning office.

Internal advice on partnerships, resource mobilisation and strategic projects

• Support the International Partnerships Manager to advise the PIRMO Director on partnership and funding opportunities, design and development of strategic projects, partner requirements, and procedures and funding mechanisms.
• Collate and analyse data on SPC’s partnership and grants context, trends and opportunities to advise senior leadership and members.

Communications and reporting

• Prepare corporate presentations for senior leadership for existing and potential donors on various thematic, country and integrated programmes.
• Prepare funding agreements and reports and papers for SPC’s governance mechanisms.
• In collaboration with the Legal Unit, draft standard funding agreements with donors.
• Prepare communications materials including briefing notes, proposals, submissions and case studies.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Post graduate qualification in a relevant field such as political or social sciences, business management, law, international relations, or equivalent body of knowledge and experience.

Technical expertise

• At least 7 years of progressively responsible professional work experience in a partnerships or related role, including at the international level.
• Strong understanding of international partnerships and donor context in the Pacific region.
• Experience managing formal partner and donor relationships to deliver on organisational priorities including with USAID, DFAT, MFAT, ADB and World Bank.
• Experience in the development and implementation of organisational policies and systems for partnership and grant management.
• Good research, analytical and evaluative skills and the ability to identify and contribute to the resolution of problems/issues.
• Excellent stakeholder management, interpersonal and communications skills. Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Word and Excel).

Language skills

• Fluent in English.

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Ability to work in a multi-cultural and gender-sensitive environment.

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – This vacant position is budgeted until 31 January 2028 and is subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – The International Partnerships and Grants Adviser is a band 10 position in SPC’s 2025 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 2,575‒3,218 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 7,750 – 9,687 (USD 3,424 – 4,280; EUR 3,153–3,942).  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 1,500–5,200 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: 23 February 2025 - 11:00 pm (Noumea time)

Job Reference: CR000369

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 your thoughts on the role of partnerships in achieving one of SPC's strategic goals or key focus areas?
2. Relationship-building, problem-solving, data analysis, project management and communication are core skills required for this role – of these skills, which is your strength and how have you used these skills to achieve a targeted result?
3. Describe an example of when you have developed or strengthened an organisation’s partnerships/grant management in a previous role. What did you do and what was the outcome?