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KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT OFFICER

SEcretariat of the pacific community
POSITION DESCRIPTION
KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT OFFICER
BACKGROUND
The Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) is an international organisation that provides technical and policy advice and assistance, training and research services to its Pacific Island members. SPC works in a wide range of sectors with the aim of achieving three development outcomes – sustainable economic development, sustainable natural resource management and development, and sustainable human and social development.
SPC’s headquarters are in Noumea, New Caledonia. It has regional offices in Suva, Fiji, and Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, and country offices in Honiara, Solomon Islands and Port Vila, Vanuatu. Additional information on SPC, particularly regarding its work in specific sectors, can be found on its website: www.spc.int.
APPLIED GEOSCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DIVISION (SOPAC)
Throughout the past nearly 40 years, the SOPAC work programme has attained and demonstrated a reputation for excellence in placing an emphasis on applying scientific and technical knowledge to improving the livelihoods of Pacific people. Initially, the focus was on mineral and hydrocarbon resources assessment in offshore areas. With over 90% of the region being ocean, the economic potential of these resources was, and remains, very large. Today, despite the global economic crisis, there is a well-established, renewed interest in the assessment of seabed mineral resources of many Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs). Guidance to PICTS, not only on the scientific and technical aspects of these potential resources but also on establishing sound national policy and regulatory frameworks, is crucial. Furthermore, in this context the surveying and subsequent legal work to complete the establishment and declaration of sovereign maritime boundaries for all PICTS is urgent.
The contribution of SOPAC to the scientific and technical, particularly geoscientific and geotechnical, understanding of the underlying root causes of environmental vulnerability remains critical. As vulnerability increases, in particular to climate change and other natural hazards, sound knowledge-based adaptation strategies are needed in the context of coastal and nearshore environments, water and sanitation, and disaster risk reduction. In the generally small communities of PICTs, awareness raising, capacity building, especially at the technical level, and capacity supplementation will remain important across all the SOPAC work programmes.
The Applied Geoscience and Technology Division is part of SPC’s Suva Regional Office, Fiji, and has approximately 100 staff.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Networks and partnerships
Cultivate and maintain networks and partnerships and negotiate support for stakeholder engagement in Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM), including the engagement of marginalised groups.
2. Knowledge exchange and integrated stakeholder engagement in IWRM
Build capacity for knowledge exchange and integrated stakeholder engagement in IWRM through formulating activities or implementing programmes to:
a. strengthen GEF Pacific IWRM National Demonstration Project Management Units’ (PMUs) capacity to engage in water and waste water management and share related experiences with the IWRM community;
b. strengthen understanding and skills of stakeholder and community engagement and participatory approaches with GEF Pacific IWRM National Demonstration Project Management Units (PMUs) and national stakeholders.
3. Participatory monitoring and evaluation system
Facilitate and advise on establishing and implementing a participatory monitoring and evaluation system for community engagement and participation activities.
4. Information products
Design information products that promote: the exchange of lessons learned through implementation, stakeholder engagement, gender mainstreaming, and community participation with particular emphasis on the participation of vulnerable groups in Pacific IWRM.
5. Gender
Apply a gender-mainstreamed perspective to all aspects of the Pacific IWRM Project.
6. Teamwork and team management
Contribute to teamwork and team management of the Regional Project Co-ordination Unit (RPCU), particularly by managing information through monitoring and analysis of National Demonstration Project reporting.
Further information on this position can be obtained from the SOPAC website: http://www.sopac.org / iwrm@sopac.org or http://www.spc.int
SELECTION CRITERIA
Essential
Ø Master’s or equivalent degree in rural/livelihoods community development, social development studies or in non-formal adult education, or in water resources management or related technical disciplines.
Ø At least five years’ work experience in the field of water management, development-related stakeholder engagement or related field.
Ø Experience with project management, management of consultants, community development and community-based natural resource management solutions.
Ø At least two years’ experience with the production of science-based information products for the general public.
Ø Strong computer skills, preferably with Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, Access).
Ø Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
Ø Multi-cultural sensitivity, respect and adaptability.
Ø Gender mainstreaming experience.
Ø Knowledge of and experience with conflict management.
Ø Excellent interpersonal skills.
Ø Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
Ø Ability to work effectively as part of a team, as well as independently with minimal supervision.
Desirable
Ø Familiarity with Pacific water and environmental issues.
Ø Work experience in the Pacific.
Ø Two or more years’ experience in project management.
SALARY, TERMS AND CONDITIONS
SALARY AND ALLOWANCES
The position is in Band 10 of SPC’s salary scale.
Salaries for staff recruited internationally are set in SDR (special drawing rights) and paid in the local currency (i.e. the Fiji dollar, FJD, in Fiji). As per SPC’s 2011 salary scale, the salary range for approximately SDR 2,133–3,200 per month. At prevailing exchange rates, these amounts convert to approximately FJD 5,984–FJD 8,978 per month (USD 3,362–USD 5,043).
An offer of appointment for an initial contract will made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration being given to experience and qualifications.
The organisation subsidises housing. A housing allowance of 75 per cent of the total rental, up to a limit of FJD 2,625 per month, will be provided. The minimum housing allowance payable is FJD 1,170 per month.
In addition, an establishment grant will be payable to non-residents of Fiji. Where appropriate, other allowances, such as an education allowance, may be payable.
While SPC emoluments are not subject to income tax in Fiji at the present time, this status is currently under review by the Government of Fiji. Any change in this status will apply to Fiji nationals.
PROVIDENT FUND
The appointee will be eligible for membership in SPC’s Staff Provident Fund. Staff members contribute eight per cent of their base salary, to which SPC adds a matching contribution.
TENURE
The appointment is for a period of 18 months, with the possibility of renewal for a further period depending on performance and continued funding availability.
DUTY STATION
Suva, Fiji.
LEAVE
Annual leave will accrue at the rate of 25 working days per annum.
Sick leave is 30 working days per annum.
MEDICAL BENEFITS
SPC’s Staff Medical Insurance reimburses doctor fees, cost of prescribed medicines, surgical and hospital costs, etc. up to certain percentages and limits. Supplementary medical insurance is available to increase these percentage reimbursements and limits.
FARES AND REMOVAL EXPENSES
For an appointee recruited outside of Fiji, the cost of air fares by the most direct and/or economic route for the appointee and recognised dependants, and reasonable removal expenses by sea of personal and household effects, will be met by SPC on appointment and termination.
COMPUTING ENVIRONMENT
SPC has a standardised computing environment based on Microsoft Office running under Microsoft Windows.
SMOKE-FREE ENVIRONMENT
Smoking is not permitted in the work place.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
SPC is an equal-opportunity employer. Recruitment is based entirely on merit, but in cases where two short-listed candidates are ranked equal by the selection committee, preference will be given to Pacific Island nationals.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES


The closing date for applications is 14 October 2011

Applicants are asked to use SPC’s online recruitment system.


Only those applicants residing in a Pacific country or territory who cannot access the online recruitment system are allowed to send their documents to: Director-General, Secretariat of the Pacific Community, P.O. Box D5, 98848 NOUMEA CEDEX, New Caledonia or submit them by fax (+ 687 26 38 18) or email (spc@spc.int, preferably as an electronic attachment in Microsoft Word format).

All other applicants must use the on-line recruiting system or their applications will not be considered.

Applicants should provide their curriculum vitae and specifically address how their qualifications, knowledge and experience demonstrate their ability to successfully undertake the duties and responsibilities of the position in their cover letter. They should also provide names and contact details of three referees.