Research and Policy Officer

• 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 vision of the Educational Quality and Assessment Programme (EQAP) is to be ‘The agency for educational quality in the Pacific region’. Its mission is to enhance the quality of education and training for Pacific learners, so they realize the benefits of lifelong learning. EQAP seeks to promote the following core values within the context of SPC’s corporate values:

• a culture of quality;
• a culture of continuous improvement;
• cultural and political sensitivity;
• respect for the autonomy and priorities of the education system in each Pacific Island country and territory (PICTs); and
• assimilation of the expressed needs of countries in its delivery of technical services.

The role – Research and Policy Officer will provide professional, technical, and advisory support in psychometrics analysis, policy development, and education research. This role contributes to informing classroom interventions, drive policy changes, and enhance education quality in Pacific countries. It also focuses on building capacity that is grounded on promoting gender inclusion and cultural responsiveness in research and policy development.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Research Support

• Co-design and co-implement qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research in support of EQAP initiatives.
• Provide support to member countries on the school readiness tool.
• Maintain regular and systematic updates for the Research Bank.

Policy Support  

• Co-facilitate training on the Pacific Policy Toolkit for member countries.
• Provide technical support in reviewing and in the development of educational policies.
• Establish and maintain an active and interactive network of education researchers through the Policy Bank.

Psychometrics Support

• Conduct data analysis for research projects using national and regional large-scale assessments and early-grade assessments.
• Provide technical support on the use of various analysis software that member countries can use.
• Provide timely support in conducting data profiling and data integrity quality assurance for different datasets be it within and outside EQAP.

Training and Field Work

• Co-facilitate and co-conduct training on the Policy Bank and Research Bank and other tools implemented by the Policy and Research Team.
• Carry out qualitative and quantitative data collection fieldwork in the countries.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications 

• A degree in a major teaching area of formal education or equivalent body of knowledge and experience.

Technical expertise

• At least 5 years of experience working in education with at least 3 years in educational policies or educational research or psychometrics work (data analysis)
• Demonstrated sound knowledge and experience using psychometrics tools, Microsoft Office products and familiarity using digital education tools and
• Proven verbal and written presentation and communication skills in English, both at a technical level and in the preparation of information for the public.          

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

Remuneration – The Research and Policy Officer is a band 8 position in SPC’s 2025 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 2,146‒2,683 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 6,460–8,075 (USD 2,854–3,568; EUR 2,629–3,286). 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: 31 August 2025 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)

Job Reference: TT000107

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. Describe a project that you either led or supported where mixed methods research (quantitative and qualitative) was applied in collaboration with external institutions? How did you ensure timely reporting and data management throughout the process?
2. How have you contributed to the assessment or evaluation of education policies in the past? Have you used tools like SABER or developed custom frameworks to suit specific country contexts?
3. Tell us about a time you conducted psychometric analysis. What steps did you take to ensure data integrity before analysis, and which tools or methods did you use?