Programme Assistant - PCREEE

• Tonga-based position
• 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 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:

• Oceans and Maritime – Driving growth in blue economies through well-informed and inclusive action from integrated solutions for ocean and coastal management and maritime and transport.
• Geo-resources and Energy – Strengthening the management of the Earth’s non-living resources through responsible harnessing of mineral resources, including metalliferous and development minerals, and clean and renewable energy resources such as solar, wind, and geothermal for sustainable development.
• Disaster and Community Resilience – Improving resilience and sustainability through the management of disaster risk and adapting to climate change. This includes building resilience through wider support for climate change, disaster risk management (DRM) initiatives, and water and sanitation initiatives. The RENI project falls within this programming area.
• The other two focus areas within this division are Programming and Operations, which is responsible for driving integrated programming excellence and operational support across the division, and Geo-informatics, which is responsible for providing diverse, integrated, and unique and demand driven services across SPC work programmes, projects and countries. This includes developing, managing, building on and retaining or preserving spatial data and information for the benefit of all scientific areas.

The role – the Programme Assistant PCREEE will provide support to the PCREEE to strengthen its administration, finance reporting and communication and awareness capacity to cope with the increasing number of staff and activities of the PCREEE.

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

Office Management

• Put in place a safe and accurate record keeping system for the PCREEE
• Organize meetings, trainings and including the PCREEE Steering Committee meetings and ensure logistics are in place for these events
• Prepare travels of the PCREEE team and those of others sponsored and covered by the SPC and PCREEE
• Prepare purchase orders, invoices, payment vouchers and perform the bank reconciliation and financial reporting of the PCREEE

Data Entry

• Conduct the entry of PCREEE-specific data and info into the Pacific Regional Data Repository, PCREEE’s knowledge hub and other specific PCREEE thematic databases
• Compile relevant documents and pictures and update the PCREEE strategic documents and image gallery

Monitoring and evaluation

• Provide technical assistance to recipients of PCREEE assistance on how to effectively and efficiently meet their reporting requirements
• Assist in the organisation and facilitation of M&E activities of the PCREEE

Communication

• Act as the receptionist and first point of contact for visitors and callers to the PCREEE
• Note taking in PCREEE meetings
• Participate in the general implementation of the annual work programme of the PCREEE, particularly on awareness and promotional activities
  • Work alongside PCREEE staff to improve their knowledge and skills in the areas of communication and media
  • Work alongside staff to develop training workshops in the areas of communications and media
  • Participate in the delivery of national workshops, awareness and promotional events   
  • Responsible for the regular update and management of the PCREEE website  and drafting of press releases
  • Coordinate national events to raise awareness and the profile of renewable energy and energy efficiency in the region

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

Key selection criteria

 Qualifications

• A relevant certificate or diploma qualifications in business or office management, or a related discipline

 Technical expertise

• At least three years of experience in an office performing functions in the capacity of responsibilities outlined above
• Experience with working in the Pacific Islands region
• Demonstrated organisational skills with ability to prioritise workload and complete work under strict deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively without constant supervision
• Demonstrated ability to successfully organise and assist with administrative functions and logistics of training courses, workshops, seminars and meetings
• Experience with computing environment used in SPC including Windows XP/Vista/7 workstation platforms and Microsoft Office 2007 applications

 Language skills

• Excellent oral and written communications skills

 Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• A proactive and positive team player able to work effectively in a multicultural environment
• Knowledge of Pacific Island countries and territories is an advantage

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – This position is budgeted for 3 years and is subject to renewal depending on performance and funding.

Remuneration – the Programme Assistant PCREEE is a Band 6 position in SPC’s 2022 salary scale, with a starting salary range of TOP 17,224 –21,530 per year, plus local staff benefits. 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.

Benefits – SPC provides medical and life insurance for eligible employees and their eligible 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 matching contribution). Tonga nationals employed by SPC in Tonga will be subject to income tax.

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 be given to the Pacific Islander. Applicants will be assured of complete confidentiality in line with SPC’s private policy.

Please note that applicants must be Tonga Nationals currently residing in the country, or hold the proper work permit for salaried employment there.

Application procedure

Closing date: 19 June 2022– 11:00 pm Noumea time

Job Reference: SH000138

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.

Screening questions (maximum of 2,000 characters per question):

1. Please describe your experience working in a national or regional office.
2. Tell us about a procurement policy you are familiar with.
3. Have you arranged travels for a meeting or workshop? What would a PA normally do?

Original link: https://careers.spc.int/job/programme-assistant-pcreee-geoscience-energy-and-maritime-nukualofa-tonga-sh000138/1618e481-e200-11ec-99fa-42010a8a0019