Pacific Plant Protection Organisation Coordinator

• 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, education, public health, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.

The Land Resources Division (LRD) provides effective expert scientific advice, capacity building and services on conservation, development and utilisation of plant genetic resources, forest and landscape management, resilient agricultural systems, diversification of livelihood strategies and access to markets to maintain ecosystem services and improve land productivity and the food, nutrition security and resilience of Pacific communities. LRD has expertise in genetic resource conservation, resilient agriculture, biosecurity, pest and disease management, agricultural extension, plant pathology, entomology and animal health. It collaborates with governments, regional organisations, civil society and other SPC divisions to pinpoint the needs and priorities of Pacific countries and communities and provide technical expertise to address them. This mission is realised through four main thematic work areas, or pillars, and a progressively integrated approach to programming that works towards achieving SPC’s development goals.

The role - Pacific Plant Protection Organisation Coordinator will play a pivotal role in supporting plant protection efforts and the PPPO’s mission to protect and enhance plant health, biosecurity and phytosanitary standards compliance in the Pacific region. This leadership position involves managing administrative functions of the PPPO Secretariat, facilitating communications, and ensuring the smooth operation of the organisation’s initiatives, events, and programs. The position will serve as a key liaison between member countries, partners, and stakeholders, promoting collaboration and sharing best practices in plant protection and biosecurity, sanitary and phytosanitary standards (SPS).

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Administrative oversight

• Provide high-level administrative support to the Director LRD, Program Lead of Markets for Livelihoods, Chair/Vice Chair of PPPO, the ExCo and the Regional Technical (Full) Board.
• Draft, review, and edit correspondence, reports, and documentation as required.
• Ensure the maintenance of web pages, up-to-date filing systems, both electronic and hardcopy of PPPO reports, publications, etc. for easy retrieval of information.
• Lead the planning and compilation of concept notes, meeting announcements and organisation of meetings and workshops.

Communication and liaison

• Act as the primary PPPO point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, including Member Countries, international organizations, regional development partners and NGOs.
• Ensure dissemination of all IPPC communication to Members and correspond/liaise with other RPPOs in progressing plant health and biosecurity priorities or other matters of mutual interest
• Coordinate and facilitate communication among Member States, ensuring timely distribution of information, meeting minutes, reports, and relevant documentation.
• Organise and manage meetings, conferences, Talanoa sessions and workshops, including logistics such as venue selection, agenda preparation, and participant coordination.

Technical advice, strategic planning and support

• Provide leadership as well as scientific and technical support to PPPO.
• Lead the formulation and implementation of PPPO’s strategic objectives and work plans.
• Lead the development of policies, guidelines, and protocols related to plant protection and biosecurity in the Pacific region including regional standards and support the review of national legislations, regulations and policies to align with international standards.
• Coordinate the preparation of discussion documents and concept papers on regional and international phytosanitary issues critical to PPPO.

Project management, programming and coordination

• Monitor ongoing projects and initiatives, ensuring they align with PPPO’s strategic goals and objectives.
• Monitor grant funding arrangements.
• Assist project leaders by providing administrative support, tracking progress, and compiling reports.
• Facilitate collaboration and partnership development with other organizations and institutions focusing on plant protection.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Degree in agriculture or related field (e.g., agronomy, biology, plant protection, plant pathology, entomology, biosecurity) or equivalent body of knowledge and experience.

Technical expertise

• At least 5 years work experience in administrative, secretarial or project management role, preferably in an international or non-profit setting, including work experience in national plant protection setting.
• Practical experience with PPPO and IPPC standard setting and other activities.
• Demonstrated experience in scientific research and development as well as project. writing/resource mobilisation in Biosecurity SPS.
• Knowledge in addressing Biosecurity and SPS non- compliance issues, bilateral/multi-lateral negotiations and technical report writing.
• Strong communication skills, creative thinker and ability to work independently and within a multicultural team.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.

Language skills

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written) with strong writing ability at a project donor reporting level.

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment.

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – Until 31 March 2027 – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – The Pacific Plant Protection Organisation Coordinator is 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 3,154–3,942). 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: 4 May 2025 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)

Job Reference: JM000864

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. Can you identify two key challenges of this position in coordinating with various stakeholders or partners, and what would be the solutions?
2. Describe one tool or system you have successfully utilised to ensure that communication is effectively and efficiently disseminated to stakeholders.
3. What is a tool or system you use to identify resource gaps, and how do you prioritise and address these gaps?