Energy Coordinator, FSM Outer Island Electrification Project

Job Description

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 Geoscience Energy and Maritime Division provides advice, technical assistance, research and training support to Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs). There are three (3) areas of scientific programming and two areas of focus within this division:

1. Oceans and Maritime Programme (OMP) – assists member countries with services that provide applied ocean science and knowledge for evidence-based policy-making and technical solutions for improved ocean and maritime governance, management and capacity development.
2. Georesources and Energy Programme (GEP) – assists member countries by applying technical knowledge in the areas of geoscience and sustainable energy use.
3. Disaster and Community Resilience Programme (DCRP) – assists member countries to demonstrate strengthened resilience through integrated action on disaster risk management, climate change adaptation, natural resource management and increased access to water and sanitation.

The role – the Energy Coordinator, FSM Outer Island Electrification Project will operationalise and ensure the effective inception and implementation of the DFAT-FSM Outer Island Electrification Project, including stakeholder engagement, governance and technical support.  Under the oversight of the Deputy Director of GEP and the Senior Renewable Energy Lead, the Energy Coordinator will be responsible for the project’s operations and work programme, including budgetary expenditure and financial performance.  The Energy Coordinator will also coordinate and lead staff management and development. The role will also support delivery of project outputs at the national level for the DFAT funded regional project: Institutional Strengthening to Support Pacific Islands Countries to Adapt to Climate Change (ISACC).

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

Overall management and delivery of DFAT-FSM Project

• Develop close, strong working relationships with key stakeholders (donors, FSM national government, FSM state governments, local partners and municipalities, and partner organizations particularly EU and other CROP agencies)
• Collaborate with the Senior Renewable Energy Lead to prepare work plans, procurement plan, gender, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) plan, communications plan, risk strategies, and exit and closure strategies.
• Lead monitoring and evaluation of project’s implementation, including design of M&E plan, implementation of evaluation recommendations, best practices and lessons learned.
• Coordinate and manage all funded services, supplies and equipment in accordance with SPC procurement policies, donor and project beneficiaries.
• Lead the day-to-day management, implementation and coordination of all project activities; ensuring project objectives are realised in accordance with donor and SPC requirements, and project beneficiaries
• Prepare progress and annual reports and work plans for the donor and government in a timely manner
• Develop and present reports and briefings to senior government officials, SPC management, and donor representatives.
• Lead coordination with project contractors and utility counterparts during construction
• Act as the key contractor and stakeholder focal point during construction by being responsible for responding to contact requests and overseeing construction on behalf of SPC

High-level technical advice and efficient project implementation

• Increase awareness, knowledge and skills of participating governments, partners and donors to enable the FSM population to utilize affordable, reliable and environmentally sound energy services
• Collaborate with development partners throughout the project and develop specific partnerships to jointly implement aspects of the project where mutually beneficial
• Facilitate consultations with countries to use national strategies to identify prioritized activities to be delivered through the project
• Identify human capacity and policy gaps and implement prioritized capacity building activities depending on national and state level requirements and priorities
• Implement selected on-the-ground measures to improve access to sustainable energy
• Facilitate access to expertise and knowledge sharing and capacity building across the region and other relevant contexts
• Support FSM’s Energy Master Plan through resource mobilization efforts, technical assistance and advice.

Strengthen FSM National and State cooperation and coordination on energy efficiency and renewable energy 

• Facilitate effective communication among and between national, state and community partners and development partners
• Oversee the monitoring of an effective communications plan with project
• counterparts concerning the implementation of project activities including (i) high-level liaison with FSM national level ministers/secretaries,
• other senior government staff, state governors and directors, and municipal leaders where required and (ii) consultation with community, civil society, women’s and other groups as required
• Coordinate Steering Committee meetings and regular reporting
• Support project beneficiaries on communication needs in relation to project delivery
• Support development of visibility and promotion of project activities and delivery through various media channels and other relevant in-country and regional mechanisms
• Provide oversight of branding and marketing for the project ensuring all donor visibility requirements are fully incorporated
• Ensure project activities are prominent on regional, national and state websites
• Manage the effective liaison and promotion of networking between key stakeholders and other individuals involved in project implementation and between projects where relevant

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• A postgraduate qualification in a discipline relevant to project management, international development, and/or energy or equivalent body of knowledge and experience.

Technical expertise

• At least 7 years’ experience in a similar position with complex multi-location, multi-beneficiaries, ideally in the Pacific Islands.
• At least 3 years of leadership experience at project/management level.
• 3 years’ experience working within a regional or international institutional environment
• Understanding of emerging new technologies such as renewable energy, energy efficiency and climate change challenges facing the Pacific region.
• Thorough understanding of project management including project cycles, log-frames, monitoring and evaluation, and risk management
• Excellent computer skills across necessary applications

Language skills

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written)

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Excellent interpersonal skills in a multicultural environment such as the Pacific Islands region

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – This vacant position is budgeted until 31 March 2027.

Remuneration – the Energy Coordinator, FSM Outer Island Electrification Project is a Band 10 position in SPC’s 2025 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 3,405–4,191 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately USD 4,529–5,573. 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. Remuneration of expatriate SPC staff members is not subject to income tax in Federated States of Micronesia; Federated States of Micronesia Nationals employed by SPC in Pohnpei will be subject to income tax.

Benefits for Staff in a position advertised internationally (EPAI) whose duty station is Pohnpei – SPC provides a housing allowance of USD 1,000–2,000. Establishment and relocation grant, removal expenses, airfares, home leave, medical and life insurance, and education allowance are available for eligible employees and their recognised dependents. Employees are entitled to 25 days of annual 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 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 begiven to the Pacific Islander. Applicants will be assured of complete confidentiality in line with SPC’s private policy.

Application procedure

Closing date: 5 October 2025 – 11:00 pm (Noumea time)

Job Reference: CR000485

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. Can you describe your experience working on energy projects within FSM or other Pacific Island communities, and how you’ve adapted solutions to local infrastructure and cultural contexts?
2. How have you collaborated with local government agencies, utilities, or community leaders to implement or monitor energy initiatives?
3. What tools or methods do you use to track energy system performance and ensure reliability, especially in remote or off-grid settings?

About the Organization

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.