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 Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Programme (CCES) was established to enable SPC to strengthen and streamline its actions on climate change by bringing together work already undertaken by the organisation under a coherent strategic and technical leadership. In addition, it leads the actions of SPC on climate change and environmental sustainability, works with the Organisation’s regional and international partners and promotes the integration of these issues into all development activities conducted by the Organisation’s divisions.
The role – the Project Development Coordinator – Kiwa Initiative will provide technical assistance to eligible PICTs in accessing regional Kiwa funding and increase capacity around nature-based solutions.
The key responsibilities of the role include the following:
Supporting the development and delivery of capacity building activities for eligible PICTs to develop and monitor NbS projects and mainstream NbS as an efficient tool for climate change adaptation and access Kiwa funding.
- Identification/consolidation of capacity building needs assessment around nature-based solutions for the 19 eligible PICTs.
- Development and definition of the Kiwa Initiative capacity building programme.
- Development and implementation of capacity building activities.
- Ensure efficient coordination with Kiwa’ implementing partners, namely IUCN and SPREP.
- Identify and develop linkages with similar regional activities and partners.
- Develop and disseminate relevant training documentation and materials.
- Assist in building national governments’ capacity to mainstream climate change adaptation and biodiversity into their various sector-based policies.
Supporting the identification, development, and implementation of regional large-scale NbS projects.
- Serve as SPC focal point for the Initiative.
- Carry out consultations and dialogues with eligible PICTs and SPC divisions to identify relevant regional projects.
- Support SPC Divisions and member countries and territories in identifying, developing, and, where needed, implementing large-scale projects to be submitted to the Initiative.
- In conjunction with SPC’s Climate Finance Unit, support the design of projects that may be submitted to other donors and/or climate change funds.
Ensuring efficient coordination and promotion of the Kiwa Initiative
- Increase knowledge of eligible PICTs and SPC divisions of the Kiwa Initiative and its funding opportunities through webinars and communication activities.
- Promote activities and lessons learned of the Kiwa Initiative.
- Implement SPC/Kiwa communication strategy.
- Participation to key local, regional, and international events.
- Development of relevant communications materials and activities.
- Establish and increase linkages with relevant partners, projects, and initiatives.
- Provide regular updates to the NbS mainstreaming advisor and other SPC NbS activities.
Efficient management of the financing agreement
- Maintain regular dialogues with the Kiwa Secretariat and AFD.
- Develop and submit semi-annual and annual progress reports.
- Answer to Kiwa’ Secretariat and AFD requests.
- Monitoring of SPC Kiwa’ budget.
- Monitoring of the Logical Framework.
For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description.
Key selection criteria
Qualifications
• Postgraduate, Environmental Management, Economics, Geography, etc.
Technical expertise
- 5 years of experience in the environmental and/or public development aid fields
- Expertise in climate change, biodiversity and resilience
- Experience in project development and management
- Experience in the Pacific Islands
- Experience working in a multicultural setting
Language skills
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English
Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness
- Knowledge of Pacific Island countries and territories is an advantage.
Salary, terms and conditions
Contract Duration– This vacant position is budgeted until 30 March 2025 and is subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.
Remuneration– the Project Development Coordinator – Kiwa Initiative is a band 9 position in SPC’s 2023 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 3,209–3,915 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately XPF 486,099–593,079 (USD 4,300–5,246; EUR 4,074–4,970). An offer of appointment for an initial contract will normally be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration being given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale is 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 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 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 begiven to the Pacific Islander. Applicants will be assured of complete confidentiality in line with SPC’s private policy.
How to apply
Application procedure
Closing date: 17 September 2023 – 11:00 pm (Noumea time)
Job Reference: CR000080
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.
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):
- In the Pacific region, how do nature-based solutions address the dual challenges of climate change adaptation and sustainable development? Mention key issues to watch for when developing a Nature-based Solutions project.
- When considering the implementation of nature-based solutions in the Pacific region, what key capacity building needs do you believe are essential for local communities, governmental bodies, and other stakeholders?
- In the context of nature-based solutions projects in the Pacific, why is active involvement of local authorities considered a critical factor? Please briefly list the potential benefits that can arise from strong collaboration between nature-based solution initiatives and local government entities in the region.