New Caledonia (France): Observer Data Management - Team Leader

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 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 surveillance, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.

The Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems (FAME) Division is located at SPC’s headquarters in Noumea, New Caledonia, and comprises the Oceanic Fisheries Programme (OFP) and Coastal Fisheries Programme (CFP). The Oceanic Fisheries Programme provides scientific support for the management of fisheries for tuna and associated species, with a strong focus on stock assessment and modelling, fisheries monitoring, data management and ecosystems management.

The role– This appointment will ensure the most complete and accurate observer data are available to our main clients (the OFP scientists, the WCPFC Secretariat, SPC and WCPFC member countries, FFA and PNA) in the timeliest manner possible.

Reporting to the Regional Fisheries Data Manager, the role will be responsible for the following major functions:

1.Management, administration and communication

• Manages the Observer Data Registry Officer and Observer Data Control Technicians;

• Implements the SPC staff performance planning and management system for subordinate positions.

2.Observer database management

• Contributes to the development and maintenance of the regional observer database systems, led by the Systems Development Manager and other OFP developers;

• Manages the regional and WCPFC ROP observer data, including importing and exporting of non-standard data, and supervises observer data registration and entry.

3.Regional oceanic fisheries data management services for WCPFC and FFA

• Implements and updates the observer database system in WCPFC and FFA offices including ongoing review and support;

• Advises and supports WCPFC Secretariat and their member countries in regards to scientific (and sometimes compliance) aspects of observer data;

• In liaison with the Observer Data Audit Officer, undertakes Quality Control of ROP observer data provided by member countries and FFA before import into the WCPFC database.

4.Data Management support for SPC members

• Assists members in the provision of observer data to SPC for processing;

• Provides processed observer data and data summaries to member countries;

• Develops sound observer data management procedures for member countries.

5.Capacity building of SPC members

• Trains member country staff in areas of observer data management, including database system use, during in-country visits.

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

Key selection criteria

1. Qualifications

• Post-graduate qualifications in Information Technology, or equivalent

2. Technical expertise

• At least 7 years’ demonstrated advanced experience managing large-scale relational databases using MS SQL SERVER or similar database platforms in the workplace, including experience using SQL and T-SQL, or equivalent.

• Demonstrated experience (at least two years) managing a team, or equivalent experience.

• Experience in developing and/or conducting extensive quality control of databases

3. Language skills

• Proficiency in English is essential, with a working knowledge of French being an advantage.

4. Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Excellent interpersonal skills that contribute to building productive relationships and partnerships across SPC and with stakeholders.

• A team player, with the ability to work effectively as a member of interdisciplinary teams and in a multicultural setting.

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

• Knowledge of Pacific Island countries and territories and direct experience of tuna fisheries in the Pacific region is an advantage.

Salary, terms and conditions

Required start date– As soon as possible from the 1^st of October 2018

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

Remuneration– The Observer Data Management - Team Leader is a Band 11 position in SPC’s 2018 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 4,022–4,931 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately XPF 593,469–727,634 (USD 5,550–6,805; EUR 4,973–6,098). 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).

Languages– SPC’s working languages are English and French.

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: 23^rd of September 2018

Job Reference: AL000086

Please use SPC’s online recruitment system to lodge your application: 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 CV with three professional referees

· a cover letter

· responses to all screening questions

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

All international 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. Can you describe an example of an efficient data management initiative that you have established ?

2. Can you please outline why you think observer data are important ? This position is not required to develop systems, but has the main role of managing the database, developing/maintaining scripts to load data and supervision of staff processing data. Can you describe example(s) of similar work you have been involved with in the past ?

3. SPC Child Policy question: have you been involved in any child-related legal convictions/offences?