Implementation Officer - PACS

• 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 Land Resources Division (LRD) provides effective expert scientific advice, capacity building and services on conservation, development and utilization 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 realized through four main thematic work areas, or pillars, and a progressively integrated approach to programming that works towards achieving SPC’s development goals.

The Pacific Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (PACS) seeks to build a resilient food system grounded in diverse, nutritious and climate-adapted crops grown in healthy soils and landscapes. Building this vision is essential as the Pacific stands at the forefront of the impacts of climate change. The 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent highlights the many impacts of climate change and disasters and their threats to the future of the region’s food security. This strategy also identifies the challenge of addressing high levels of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in the region and calls for the Pacific Community to build resilience and access to nutritious food. 

The role – Implementation Officer – Pacific Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (PACS) will oversee the administrative and financial management of the PACS program to support the project implementation, while actively contributing to the strategic planning and development of the Investment Plan for PACS scale up (Phase 2).

The key responsibilities of the role include:

PACS Administration management

• Support the PACS coordinator with the planning and implementation of activities including establishing annual and/or periodic workplans, budgets and activity schedules.
• Ensure that all activities are in line with the funding agreement and comply with donor and SPC requirements.
• Provide and analyse PACS progress information on a timely basis to inform reporting and management decision making.
• Assist the PACS coordinator with preparation and compilation of briefs, reports for donor submissions and key stakeholder meetings.
• Support the PACS coordinator to convene the program steering group, donor meetings, and other regional events for the project as relevant.

PACS Financial management

• Ensure robust financial management of PACS activities, including oversight of budgets, expenditures, and forecasting.
• Manage sub-grants and procurement processes in accordance with SPC’s policies and donor requirements.
• Collaborate with SPC’s legal and procurement teams to ensure full compliance with institutional and funding agency regulations.
• Identify and monitor financial risks and propose timely mitigation measures.
• Contribute to high-quality financial reporting, including inputs for donor reports and internal management updates and ensuring partners/sub-grantees financial reporting.

Project monitoring, evaluation and learning

• Work closely with the PMEL Advisers of LRD to implement the MEL Plan (MEL framework and calendar) for PACS.
• Assist the PACS coordinator with monitoring of the project workplans and MEL plan and ensure any changes required are put through the relevant processes for endorsement and approval.
• Support the development of the progress reports against PACS indicators.
• Collate and maintain all project data collected through trainings/workshops/meetings for analysis and reporting purposes.
• Sensitise PACS staff about MEL Plan and tools amongst others.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Degree in financial management, accounting or equivalent body of knowledge and experience.

Technical expertise

• At least 8 years of experience in financial management of donor-funded programs (e.g. DFAT, EU, GEF), including work in multicultural or regional contexts.
• Proven track record in managing procurement and grants/sub-awards in line with donors’ standards.
• Experience in investment planning and/or resource mobilization is a strong asset.       

Language skills

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written) with a working knowledge of French being an advantage.

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

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

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – Until 31 December 2026 – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – The Implementation Officer – Pacific Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (PACS) is a band 9 position in SPC’s 2025 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 2,399‒2,998 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 7,220–9,025 (USD 3,190–3,988; EUR 2,938–3,672). 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: 24 August 2025 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)

Job Reference: TT000102 

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. Based on your experience, what are the key elements for ensuring compliance with donor and SPC rules while supporting timely field implementation?
2. What are the main risks of managing sub-grants with partners of different capacities, and how would you address them?
3. What type of information or data should be collected in the first two years of PACS to inform a business plan for long-term scale-up?