• Suva-based position (Fiji)
• Attractive expatriate package
• Join the principal development organisation in the region

The Pacific Community (SPC) invites applications for the position of Energy Access Specialist within its Geoscience Energy and Maritime (GEM) Division. This position will be located at its regional office in Suva, Fiji.

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 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 threat of climate change demands SPC take a whole of organisation response to this critical regional challenge. SPC is in the process of developing and strengthening a more strategic and integrated approach of climate change, through a Climate Change Flagship Programme (CCFP). This flagship seeks to enhance climate change services and capability in a more wholistic, strategic, and cohesive way.   

The CCFP aims to bring greater visibility to the breath of SPC’s climate change action and related resilience work, progress this in a manner consistent with the demand for ambition and support from members and leverage the commensurate resources to support this. This aligns directly to the implementation of KFA 1: “Resilience and Climate Action” which is at the centre of the new SPC Strategic Plan and should also help to more clearly define SPC’s value add to the region in the climate change space and its complementarity with the capability and services of other regional architecture supporting our members. The Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Programme (CCES) is charged with facilitating its development and implementation, however all divisions, teams and programmes of SPC are also contributing. 

The Energy Access Specialist will coordinate the implementation of the project CLEARPICs (Clean Energy Access for Remote Pacific Island Countries) and the Transition to Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency and supporting e-mobility in land transport component of SPC’s Climate Change Flagship Programme. The incumbent will work with internal and external partners to ensure all CLEARPICs project activities are completed and reported within the schedule timeframe and the successful implementation of the project. Additionally, this position is responsible for effective coordination and reporting of the Climate Change Mitigation activities for transition to renewable energy with national counterparts and key stakeholders in Pacific Island Countries and Territories. The position will work with teams across the GEM Division in the Renewable Energy and Resilience domains as well as with key staff in other SPC division such as CCES.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Management of the project “CLEARPICs”

• Lead and manage the project including the project team, researcher, and consultants.
• Undertake regular project planning and prepare / revise project annual work plans and budgets.
• Lead and coordinate the day-to-day implementation of project activities.
• Coordinate the development and implementation of the project Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) framework.

Coordination and implementation of “CLEARPICs” activities

• Coordinate the project activities on Market Intelligence for Disseminating Off-Grid Solar and Mini Grids to Remote Areas.
• Coordinate and implement the pilot projects on productive use of energy, solar home system or mini grid through call for proposals.
• Support selected PICTs with the development of policy and regulation to create an enabling environment for the integration of off grids technologies.
• Enhance coordination of partners to achieve sustainable energy access targets in the region and to support Transforming Energy Access partners engagement in the Pacific region.

Coordination and implementation of climate change mitigation activities, including Policy and Technical support in the areas of energy access and renewable energy

• Provide technical advice and support to PICs for scaling up transition to renewable energy and decarbonization of their energy sector in line with PICTs NDC priorities.
• Provide technical support and advice to PICTs to enhance clean energy access, including access to electricity and to clean cooking technologies.
• Promote and support Climate-Resilient Power Generation and Distribution for Island Grids.
• Coordinate feasibility studies on new technologies such as ocean energy, green hydrogen, and collaborate with partners on piloting / demonstration and potential scaling-up.

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

Qualifications

• A post-graduate degree in energy, renewable energy, climate change mitigation and/or related fields.

Technical expertise

• At least 7 years of relevant experience in the energy sector, with 3 years of leadership experience at project/programme management level.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritise and deliver timely and high-quality project outputs and outcomes.
• Experience in research and analysis, including knowledge in an energy sub-sector.
• Previous experience working with donors and developing country partners.
• Awareness of the FESRIP 2021-2030 and PICTs energy priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to engage with donors, partners and other stakeholders.                                                                                                                                        

Language skills

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written).

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Interpersonal skills with the ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment.

Contract Duration – This vacant position is budgeted until 31 December 2025 and is subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – The Energy Access Specialist is a Band 10 position in SPC’s 2023 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 2,575‒3,218 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 7,595–9,494 (USD 3,450–4,313; EUR 3,268–4,085). 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.

Closing Date: 19 September 2023 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)

Job Reference: JM000473

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. Please describe your experiences and achievements in the energy sector
2. Have you been involved in jointly implementing energy projects or events with partners?  If yes, please describe your role and the impacts of the project.  
3. Please describe your experience in planning and managing energy or energy-related projects.