Application deadline: 5 November 2023 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)
Important note: Only Fijian citizens are eligible to apply for this role.
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, public health surveillance, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. […]
The role – Ocean Monitoring and Technical Officer – Ocean Acidification will assist with the coordination of ocean acidification monitoring and capacity-building activities within Pacific Community Center for Ocean Sciences (PCCOS) and GEM division in close collaboration with existing activities in other divisions.
The key responsibilities of the role include:
Ocean Acidification (OA) Monitoring Coordination
- Assist with coordinating, planning, and implementing of OA monitoring plans for PIOAC in coordination with partner organizations.
- Conduct fieldwork for OA monitoring and data collection in Fiji for PIOAC, including the deployment of ocean acidification equipment, wave buoys, coastal temperature sensors, and other relevant instruments where appropriate.
- Work closely with PIOAC partner organizations and country-based scientists to develop monitoring plans and support the implementation of their monitoring plans in coordination with PIOAC partner organizations.
Building Monitoring Capacity
- Contribute to capacity-building activities to enhance partners’ skills and knowledge related to ocean monitoring.
- Contribute to the development of training materials on OA monitoring equipment.
- Contribute technical support to partners and stakeholders on OA monitoring, including on OA-related fields and laboratory methodologies.
Partnerships and PICTs Regional Support
- Assist with the coordination of monthly meetings that connect scientists and stakeholders in the region and promote information sharing on OA monitoring.
- Identify and promote best practices in OA monitoring and management by sharing success stories and lessons learned with partners and stakeholders.
- Conduct assessments of existing monitoring programs in PICTs and identify gaps in capacity and resources.
Communications of OA
- Assist with the development of communication materials and to effectively distributed and disseminate information about OA to a range of stakeholders.
- Contribute to the development and maintenance of a web-based platform that provides up-to-date information on OA, including monitoring data and research findings from around the Pacific region.
- Support the development of policy briefs and recommendations based on OA monitoring data and research findings and disseminate these to policymakers and decision-makers at national and regional levels.
Support to PCCOS and divisions
- Provide support to PCCOS and other divisions, including project partners, when and where needed and within the remit of the role. For example, GEM, ECOP, workshops, Conferences, webinars and other engagements with project partners.
For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description.
Key selection criteria
Qualifications
- Bachelors in marine science or Oceanography, Chemistry, Environmental Science, data management or related fields.
Technical expertise
- At least 3-4 years’ experience with scientific instrumentation and data analysis.
- Experience with conducting OA monitoring and conducting field deployment of OA equipment for example iSAMI.
Language skills
- Excellent English communication skills (oral and written).
Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness
- Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment.
Salary, terms and conditions
Contract Duration – 30 November 2024 – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.
Remuneration – The Ocean Monitoring and Technical Officer – Ocean Acidification is a band 7 position in SPC’s 2023 salary scale, with a commencing taxable salary range of FJD 2,287-2,859 per month, plus local staff benefits. 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.
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.
Application procedure
Closing Date – 5 November 2023 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)
Job Reference: MC000062
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.
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Screening Questions (maximum of 2,000 characters per question):
- Can you please describe your experience and expertise in ocean acidification monitoring techniques, particularly in the context of the Pacific islands?
- The field of ocean research constantly evolves with new technologies and methodologies. How do you stay updated with the latest advancements in ocean monitoring technologies, and how have you demonstrated your ability to adapt to new tools and data analysis methods in your previous roles?
- How would you approach communicating a challenging scientific concept to someone who lacks a science background? Can you provide some strategies you believe would be effective in making such concepts understandable to a general audience?
Pacific Community. More information.
