Office Assistant Messenger

• Pohnpei-based position
• 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 Micronesia Regional Office (MRO) situated in Kolonia, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), is the main hub for SPC's projects and partnerships with the Micronesian members of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), the Republic of Palau, and the United States territories of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), and Guam. The MRO opened in January 2006.

The role – the Office Assistant/Messenger will provide receptionist, administrative, and messenger support services to the Micronesia Regional Office.

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

Office Administration and Reception

• Provide ongoing support to Office Administrator/Director.
• Provide some support to MRO team as needed.
• Greet and assist visitors, answer calls, and deliver messages.
• Manage office supplies, organize files/documents, and support office maintenance.
• Ensure cleanliness and enforce safety procedures.

Messenger and Logistics Support

• Office resources are used efficiently and effectively.
• Monitor inventory of office supplies and report to FO or Finance & Travel Assistant in maintaining replenishment of these supplies.
• Handle mail pickup/delivery, bank runs, and official document processing.
• Assist with customs clearance and collection of vendor quotations/invoices.
• Provide transport support as needed.

Meetings, Workshops, and Fleet Management

• Set up and provide logistics for meetings, conferences, and official functions.
• Ensure vehicles are properly maintained, registered and fueled.
• Provide logistics support for the delivery of meetings, conferences and official functions.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Certificate in Administration or Business Administration or equivalent body of knowledge and experience
• Valid driver’s license

Technical expertise

• At least 2 years’ experience in providing administrative assistance, office assistance or messenger service
• Sound knowledge of MS Work, Excel and Windows computing environment
• Familiar or have working experience dealing with vendors

Language skills

• Written and oral communication skills
• Proficiency in English

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Ability to work well as part of a team
• Knowledge of Pacific Island countries and territories is an advantage.

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – This position is budgeted for 5 months.

Remuneration – the Office Assistant/Messenger is a Band 4 position in SPC’s 2025 salary scale, with a starting taxable salary range of USD 21,164–26,454 per year, plus local staff benefits. An offer of appointment for an initial contract will be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration being given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale will be based on annual performance reviews.

Benefits – SPC provides medical and life insurance for eligible employees. Employees are entitled to 25 days of annual leave. Provident Fund and/or Social Security will be according to FSM’s local legislation.

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 be given to the Pacific Islander. Applicants will be assured of complete confidentiality in line with SPC’s private policy.

Please note that applicants must be FSM Nationals currently residing in the country, or hold the proper work permit for salaried employment there.

Application procedure

Closing date: 6 April 2025 – 11:00 pm Noumea time

Job Reference: CR000404

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 a challenging task you were assigned in the past and how you approached it?
2. Describe a situation where you had to support a large team. Were you successful?
3. Explain how you would handle a situation where you were assigned multiple tasks by different team members?