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 organisation works across more than 25 sectors. We are known for our knowledge and innovation in such areas as fisheries science, education, public health, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.
The Geoscience Energy and Maritime (GEM) Division provides advice, technical assistance, research and training support to Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs). There are four (4) areas of scientific programming within this division:
- 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.
- Georesources and Energy Programme (GEP) – assists member countries by applying technical knowledge in the areas of geoscience and sustainable energy use.
- 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.
- Earth and Ocean Observation Services – Promoting spatial data and systems analysis and capacity to improve decision-making to improve resilience and sustainable resource management.
The role – Data Management Adviser (Marine Spatial Planning) will lead the development of the frameworks for nationally centralised MSP data management for participating Pacific Island countries, supporting evidence-based marine spatial planning. The role ensures integration of governance principles, stakeholder engagement, and capacity-building to enhance sustainable data management in marine planning.
The key responsibilities of the role include:
Project Management and Implementation
- Lead the planning, implementation, and monitoring of the project across selected Pacific countries.
- Develop detailed workplans, schedules, and budgets to guide project activities.
- Facilitate the integration of SPC’s existing MSP initiatives with this project, leveraging synergies where possible.
- Prepare comprehensive reports summarising the project’s progress, challenges, and achievements.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Build and maintain strong relationships with national governments, regional organisations, NGOs, and other key stakeholders.
- Organise and lead workshops, meetings, and consultations to engage stakeholders in the development of Frameworks for centralised MSP data storage and management for MSP.
- Ensure the consideration of indigenous and local knowledge as a key part of the data landscape to support MSP processes, ensuring considerations respect data sovereignty and cultural sensitivities.
Data Management and Protocol Development
- Carry out assessments of data requirements and capacities within each country.
- Develop data sharing and management protocols, including provisions for indigenous data sovereignty.
- Coordinate the evaluation of datasets required for climate and biodiversity-smart MSP and work with stakeholders to identify data gaps.
- Document recommendations for a tailored centralised data management system to meet each counties requirement.
Knowledge Sharing
- Foster knowledge sharing across countries and ensure lessons learned are applied regionally.
For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description.
Key selection criteria
Qualifications
- A postgraduate qualification in a relevant field such as data governance, information science, computer science, marine science, environmental management, natural resource management, GIS, or equivalent body of knowledge and experience.
Technical expertise
- At least 7 years of experience in data governance/management and project management, preferably in MSP or related fields.
- Proven experience working with diverse stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and regional organisations.
- Experience in geospatial data management and capacity-building initiatives.
- Deep knowledge of data infrastructure, data governance, data management best-practice, and experience in documenting requirements and developing specifications.
- Familiarity with the Pacific region’s environmental and cultural context is essential.
Language skills
- Excellent English communication skills (oral and written) with a working knowledge of French being an advantage.
Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness
- Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment.
Salary, terms and conditions
Contract Duration – Until 30 June 2026 – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.
Remuneration – The Data Management Adviser (Marine Spatial Planning) is a band 10 position in SPC’s 2025 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 2,575‒3,218 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 7,750–9,687 (USD 3,424–4,280; EUR 3,154–3,942). 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 1,500–5,200 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 10% 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.
How to apply
Application procedure
Closing Date: 30 March 2025 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)
Job Reference: JM000849
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):
- Describe your experience in developing data-sharing protocols or data governance frameworks, particularly in the context of marine spatial planning or environmental data. What factors did you consider ensuring the protocols were practical, inclusive, and aligned with national or regional policies?
- Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) projects often involve working with incomplete, inconsistent, or inaccessible datasets. Can you describe a situation where you had to address significant data quality or availability issues in a project? How did you approach the problem, and what was the outcome?
- Describe your experience in coordinating multi-stakeholder projects involving government agencies, NGOs, and local communities? How would you ensure effective collaboration and knowledge sharing across diverse groups in the Pacific Island context?