New Caledonia (France): Principal Strategy Advisor (m/f)

Description

The Pacific Community 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 unique organisation works across more than 25 sectors. We are renowned 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 Strategy, Performance and Learning (SPL) Division is a specialised unit within SPC’s Office of the Director-General. SPL has staff based at our headquarters in Noumea, as well as our regional office in Suva. The team has the following core functions: (i) guiding strategic direction through development of the Pacific Community Strategic Plan and facilitation of the Subcommittee of the Council of Representatives of Governments and Administration (CRGA) that oversights the implementation of the plan (ii) increasing development effectiveness through leading and coordinating corporate monitoring, evaluation, reflection, reporting and learning; (iii) supporting the Director-General and the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) in undertaking strategic corporate initiatives, including organisational planning, organisational improvement or research and co-design of innovative projects and iv) serving as a strategic coordination point for key relationships with external stakeholders, including member countries and territories, donors and development partners.

The role–thePrincipal Strategy Advisor will lead the strategic and corporate planning processes with members and the Secretariat to support whole of SPC performance and will bring new and innovative thinking, awareness of the political economy to collaborate cross-functionally and ensure SPC Strategic Plan and processes remain dynamic and respond to member needs.

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

1. Development and adaptation of the Pacific Community Strategic Plan.

2. Strengthening engagement with members and other key stakeholders on SPC strategy, results and performance.

3. Ensuring links between the SPC Strategic Plan and the divisional business Plans and consideration of national development plans.

4. Developing SPC’s internal capacity for strategic thinking, planning and critical problem solving.

5. Day-to-day management of the Noumea SPL office and staff.

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

Key selection criteria

1. Qualifications

• Advanced degree in strategic or corporate planning; leadership, public policy; economics; management or project management; international development; business or public administration.

2. Technical expertise

• More than 10 years of relevant experience, in leadership, strategic planning project management, policy development and advice, particularly in an international development context,

• 5 years’ experience working in or providing high-level advice and facilitating consultative processes with stakeholders in a development context ,

• Experience in leading change, thinking and working politically,

• Experience in applying monitoring, evaluation and learning evidence to strategic thinking and decision making,

• Experience in the design, co design or management of programmes and projects, and thorough knowledge of the project management cycle,

• Demonstrated systems thinking.

3. Language skills

• Excellent communication skills in English (oral and written) with the capacity to engage scientific, government, public and community audiences,

• A good level of French will be considered as an advantage.

4. Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Good interpersonal skills and good at working to deadlines,

• High emotional intelligence,

• A team player, with the ability to network and work effectively in a multicultural setting,

• Cultural sensitivity and a demonstrated understanding of developing country environments,

• Knowledge of Pacific Island countries and territories is an advantage.

Salary, terms and conditions

Required start date– as soon as possible

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

Remuneration– the Principal Strategy Advisor is a Band 12 position in SPC’s 2018 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 4,580–5,629 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately XPF 675,802–830,549 (USD 6,320–7,767; EUR 5,663–6,960). 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. SPC salaries are not presently subject to income tax in New Caledonia.

Benefits for international staff employees based in New Caledonia– SPC provides subsidised housing in Noumea. 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 matching contribution).

Equal opportunity– SPC is an equal opportunity employer. Recruitment is based entirely on merit; in cases where two short-listed candidates are judged to be of equal rank by the selection committee, preference will be given to Pacific Island nationals.

Child protection– SPC is committed to child protection, irrespective of whether any specific area of work involves direct contact with children. SPC’s Child Protection Policy is written in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Police clearance– Successful candidates will be required to provide a police clearance certificate.

Application procedure

Closing date: 26^th of August 2018

Job Reference: AL00075

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

Please ensure your documents are in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.

All positions at SPC have specific screening questions. If you do not respond to all of the screening questions, your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed at shortlisting stage.

Screening questions

1. Provide an overview of the approach and process you have used to develop a strategic plan.

2. Provide an example of when you were able to look at a challenge with a new perspective, resulting in an innovative solution, strategy, or approach.

3. From your experience, what are the key attributes to working adaptively?

4. What ways have you encouraged strategic thinking in others? Have you been involved in any child-related legal convictions/offences?