The role – Food Systems Programme Lead is responsible for the leadership and coordination of the Food Systems for Health, Resilience and Prosperity Integrated Programme at SPC. The role oversees the development and implementation an integrated, cross-organisational work programme with staff in multiple divisions. It brings together research and implementation capabilities across the organisation, building partnerships and mobilising resources to achieve impact for member countries in the Food Systems space.
The key responsibilities of the role include:
· Integrated programme development and implementation
· Coordination, facilitation and outreach
· Resource mobilisation, visibility and strategic engagement
· Monitoring, evaluation, learning and knowledge management
For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the job description provided.
Key selection criteria
Qualifications
· Postgraduate degree in a relevant field such as food systems, agricultural, fisheries science, geography, development studies, sustainability science, nutrition, social and public policy, public sector management, public health, statistics, or economics.
Knowledge and experience
· 10 years of technical experience in a relevant field such as agriculture, fisheries, food industries, public policy, community development value chain development, with a Pacific or island states focus
· Knowledge of food systems and other systems approaches in a development context
· Experience working on multi-disciplinary or multi-sector integrated programmes in a government, international organisation or research setting
· Knowledge and understanding of gender and social inclusion in relation to food systems
Essential skills
· Project and programme design and management skills
· Leadership and management skills
· Ability to negotiate with influence and manage conflict
· Monitoring, evaluation and learning skills
· Ability to think and work strategically
· Excellent presentation and facilitation skills
Language skills
• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written) with a working knowledge of French and / or another Pacific language being an advantage
Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness
· Strong cross-cultural competence with Pacific experience preferred
· Ability to work with humility in a culturally sensitive manner, upholding SPC’s values
Salary, terms and conditions
Contract Duration – 3 years
Due to the current travel restrictions caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic, and the priority SPC places on its staff safety, health and well-being, please note that there may be delays in taking up the appointment. These matters will be discussed thoroughly with successful candidates. In most cases, any appointment and on-boarding would only commence when relocation to the duty station is permitted.
Remuneration – The Food Systems Programme Lead is a Band 12 position in SPC’s 2021 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 3,478‒4,348 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 10,504–13,130 (USD 4,835–6,043; EUR 4,266–5,333). 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 1,350–3,000 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 matching 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 – 12 January 2022 at 11:59pm Fiji time
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
· contact details for three professional referees
· a cover letter detailing your skills, experience and interest in this position
· responses to all screening questions
Please ensure your documents are in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.
Applicants should not attach copies of qualifications or letters of reference. These documents may be requested at a later stage.
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 the Fijian 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.
Please ensure that you respond to all the screening questions. If you do not respond to the screening questions, your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed at shortlisting stage.
Screening Questions:
1. How would you explain the critical issues for Blue Pacific Food Systems in the coming decade? Using an example, explain how an organisation like SPC could address the challenges and maximise on the opportunities.
2. What considerations need to be taken into account when managing an integrated, multi-disciplinary programme of work? Use relevant examples from your own experience.
3. Please describe your definition of Food Systems in a Pacific context from a post UN Food Systems Summit perspective, and contrast that with a definition of food systems pre-COVID19.
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 26 country and territory members. In pursuit of sustainable development to benefit Pacific people, our organisation works across more than 20 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.
