Project Assistant (EU-FSM SEAM Project)

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 Micronesia Regional Office (MRO) situated in Kolonia, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), is the main hub for SPC’s projects and partnerships with the Micronesian members of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), the Republic of Palau, and the United States territories of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), and Guam. The MRO opened in January 2006.

The role – the Project Assistant (EU-FSM SEAM Project) within the Project Management Team (PMT) will assist with the overall administration of the project activities in the Federated States of Micronesia and coordinates duties associated with the project including travel by project staff and compiling all data for reporting and inputting to project databases.

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

Assist with the overall administration of the project, including the overall coordination and documentation of all the project activities, as well as technical support of project activities to achieve project objectives, outputs, and outcomes

• Assist with coordination and documentation of all the project official files, documents, and publications.
• Assist with the regular updating of work plans.
• Assist with arranging and participating in project meetings, including teleconferences, and preparation of meeting minutes.
• Provide materials for project reports including progress reports and annual reports.
• Assist with daily operational procedures.
• Updating and sorting all official files, documents, and publications.
• Assist the Project Manager and Project Management Team with other project activities as may be required.

Assist with arrangements for travel by project team and all coordination and logistical arrangements for project meetings

• Assist with aspects of travel arrangements for the project team, including obtaining itineraries, completing travel forms on TMS, ticketing, protocol letters, and ensuring all documentation is complete after travel missions are completed.
• Assist with organization of all project-related meetings including travel for participants and logistical arrangements.
• Assist with arrangement of project events taking into account SPC and EU visibility requirements.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Diploma in business administration, accounting, financial management or a related field or equivalent body of knowledge and experience

Technical expertise

• At least 3 years’ experience in administration in a large organization including experience with logistics, travel, information systems and financial management.
• Understanding of budgeting, financial reporting, donor reporting, audit requirements
• Sound coordination, administrative, networking, and collaborative skills
• Driver’s license.

Language skills

• Fluency (both written and spoken) in English is required.

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

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

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – This position is budgeted for 5 months.

Remuneration – the Project Assistant (EU-FSM SEAM Project) is a Band 6 position in SPC’s 2025 salary scale, with a starting taxable salary range of USD 26,712–33,389 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. Employees are entitled to 25 days of annual leave. Provident Fund and/or Social Security will be according to FSM’s local legislation.

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 FSM Nationals currently residing in the country, or hold the proper work permit for salaried employment there.