Export Production Officer (IACT)
SECRETARIAT OF THE PACIFIC COMMUNITY
JOB DESCRIPTION
EXPORT PRODUCTION OFFICER (IACT)
BACKGROUND
The Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) is an international organisation that provides technical and policy advice and assistance, training and research services to its Pacific Island members. SPC works in a wide range of sectors with the aim of achieving three development outcomes – sustainable economic development, sustainable natural resource management and development, and sustainable human and social development.
SPC’s headquarters are in Noumea, New Caledonia. It has regional offices in Suva, Fiji Islands, and Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), and country offices in Honiara, Solomon Islands and Port Vila, Vanuatu. Additional information on SPC, particularly regarding its work in specific sectors, can be found on its website: www.spc.int.
LAND RESOURCES DIVISION
LRD’s core business is to improve food and nutritional security in the Pacific through the sustainable management and development of land, agriculture and forestry resources. This is accomplished through the delivery of technical support, training and advice to SPC member country governments in the areas of plant protection, conservation and use of plant genetic resources, animal health and production, agroforestry, sustainable systems for agriculture, forestry and land management, and biosecurity and trade facilitation.
The IACT project is a 9 million Euro project funded by the European Union, to be implemented over four years by SPC through its Land Resources and Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems Divisions. This project will work with the private sector and government agencies in the Pacific members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP) on a number of challenges like the lack of competitiveness of primary sector exports, the lack of guaranteed supply and the lack of sustained quality that limit their ability to benefit from opportunities available in the global economic market.
Under the leadership of the Team Leader (IACT) through the Forestry and Agriculture Diversification Team Coordinator, the Export Production Officer will be responsible for assisting the Pacific Island enterprises and sectors to coordinate the production of export commodities, assisting enterprises with post-harvest handling, establishing and strengthening farmer networks and producer supply chains and increasing production volume and product range.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Identifying new production areas and producer groups
• Identify and assess production and export potential of new and existing production areas, producer groups, private entrepreneurs and companies; research methodologies should include market studies and geographic information systems (GIS).
• Research and development
• In collaboration with national research and enterprise partners, establish and coordinate trials of new crops and varieties, and of new farming systems to enhance and diversify Pacific Island agricultural exports; participate in supply chain studies, taking lead in production.
• Technical advice and extension
• Provide technical advice to export enterprises and their producer networks to address supply constraints (quantity, quality and consistency).
• Liaise with government extension services to ensure export-oriented farmers are well informed.
• Training and farm planning
• Coordinate and provide training to partner enterprises and their grower networks on farm economics, sustainable production systems and developing contracts with exporters.
• Development of organic product systems and certification
• Collaborate with IACT POETCom (Pacific Organic and Ethical Community) Coordination Officer and existing POETCom bodies, national agencies and organic associations to develop locally appropriate organic participatory guarantee systems.
• Assist producers/exporters to obtain the Pacific Organic standard; assist with organic farming trials; assist enterprise growers in obtaining fair trade certification.
SELECION CRITERIA
Essential
➢ Bachelor’s degree in science or Diploma in agricultural science or related field.
➢ Train-the-Trainers Certificate Extensive (> 5 years) experience in export value chain for agricultural commodities in the Pacific Islands; detailed knowledge and understanding of Pacific Island farming systems; relevant experience in post-harvest handling, value-added processing, food analysis and safety, and product development.
➢ Excellent interpersonal skills.
➢ Willingness to travel and work in the Pacific region for extended periods, sometimes under difficult conditions.
➢ Excellent English language skills (oral and written).
➢ Excellent computer skills across necessary applications.
Desirable
➢ Appreciation and knowledge of opportunities for development of farmer networks and grower coordination.
➢ Knowledge and understanding of Pacific Island forestry, agroforestry and/or organic farming systems.
➢ Knowledge of fair trade principles and practices.
➢ Ability to deliver organic pre-certification training and facilitate auditing.
➢ Passion for researching and developing new products.
➢ Demonstrated commitment to implementing and complying to standards.
➢ Good public speaking skills.
SALARY, TERMS AND CONDITIONS
SALARY AND ALLOWANCES
The position is in Band 9 of SPC’s salary scale.
Professional salaries at SPC are set in SDR (Special Drawing Rights) and paid in the local currency (i.e. the Fiji dollar, FJD, in Fiji). As per SPC’s 2011 salary scale, the salary range for this band is SDR 1,896–2,844 per month. At prevailing exchange rates these amounts convert to approximately FJD 5,569–8,353 per month (USD 3,100–4,700; € 2,200–3,300).
An offer of appointment for an initial contract will made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration being given to experience and qualifications.
While SPC emoluments are not subject to income tax in Fiji at the present time, this status is currently under review by the Government of Fiji. Any change in this status will apply to Fiji nationals.
The organisation subsidises housing. A housing allowance of 75 per cent of the total rental, up to a limit of FJD 2,625 per month, will be provided. The minimum housing allowance payable is FJD 1,170 per month.
In addition, an establishment grant will be payable to non-residents of Fiji. Where appropriate, other allowances, such as an education allowance, may be payable.
PROVIDENT FUND
The appointee will be eligible for membership in SPC’s Staff Provident Fund. Staff members contribute eight per cent of their base salary, to which SPC adds a matching contribution.
TENURE
The appointment is for a period of three years, with the possibility of renewal for a further period depending on performance and continued funding availability.
DUTY STATION
Suva, Fiji.
LEAVE
Annual leave will accrue at the rate of 25 working days per annum. For expatriate staff members, home leave fares are payable after 18 months of service.
Sick leave is 30 working days per annum.
MEDICAL BENEFITS
SPC’s Staff Medical Insurance reimburses doctor fees, cost of prescribed medicines, surgical and hospital costs, etc. up to certain percentages and limits. Supplementary medical insurance is available to increase these percentage reimbursements and limits.
FARES AND REMOVAL EXPENSES
For an appointee recruited outside of Fiji, the cost of air fares by the most direct and/or economic route for the appointee and recognised dependants, and reasonable removal expenses by sea of personal and household effects, will be met by SPC on appointment and termination.
COMPUTING ENVIRONMENT
SPC has a standardised computing environment based on Microsoft Office running under Microsoft Windows.
SMOKE-FREE ENVIRONMENT
Smoking is not permitted in the work place.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
SPC is an equal-opportunity employer. Recruitment is based entirely on merit, but in cases where two short-listed candidates are ranked equal by the selection committee, preference will be given to Pacific Island nationals.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
The closing date for applications is 26 July 2011.
Applicants are asked to use SPC’s online recruitment system by following the link http://www.spc.int/job.html.
Applicants who cannot access the online recruitment system may send their documents to: Director-General, Secretariat of the Pacific Community, P.O. Box D5, 98848 NOUMEA CEDEX, New Caledonia, or submit them by fax (+687 26 38 18) or email (spc@spc.int, preferably as an electronic attachment in Microsoft Word format).
Applicants should provide their curriculum vitae and specifically address how their qualifications, knowledge and experience demonstrate their ability to successfully undertake the duties and responsibilities of the position in their cover letter. They should also provide names and contact details of three referees.
JOB DESCRIPTION
EXPORT PRODUCTION OFFICER (IACT)
BACKGROUND
The Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) is an international organisation that provides technical and policy advice and assistance, training and research services to its Pacific Island members. SPC works in a wide range of sectors with the aim of achieving three development outcomes – sustainable economic development, sustainable natural resource management and development, and sustainable human and social development.
SPC’s headquarters are in Noumea, New Caledonia. It has regional offices in Suva, Fiji Islands, and Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), and country offices in Honiara, Solomon Islands and Port Vila, Vanuatu. Additional information on SPC, particularly regarding its work in specific sectors, can be found on its website: www.spc.int.
LAND RESOURCES DIVISION
LRD’s core business is to improve food and nutritional security in the Pacific through the sustainable management and development of land, agriculture and forestry resources. This is accomplished through the delivery of technical support, training and advice to SPC member country governments in the areas of plant protection, conservation and use of plant genetic resources, animal health and production, agroforestry, sustainable systems for agriculture, forestry and land management, and biosecurity and trade facilitation.
The IACT project is a 9 million Euro project funded by the European Union, to be implemented over four years by SPC through its Land Resources and Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems Divisions. This project will work with the private sector and government agencies in the Pacific members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP) on a number of challenges like the lack of competitiveness of primary sector exports, the lack of guaranteed supply and the lack of sustained quality that limit their ability to benefit from opportunities available in the global economic market.
Under the leadership of the Team Leader (IACT) through the Forestry and Agriculture Diversification Team Coordinator, the Export Production Officer will be responsible for assisting the Pacific Island enterprises and sectors to coordinate the production of export commodities, assisting enterprises with post-harvest handling, establishing and strengthening farmer networks and producer supply chains and increasing production volume and product range.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Identifying new production areas and producer groups
• Identify and assess production and export potential of new and existing production areas, producer groups, private entrepreneurs and companies; research methodologies should include market studies and geographic information systems (GIS).
• Research and development
• In collaboration with national research and enterprise partners, establish and coordinate trials of new crops and varieties, and of new farming systems to enhance and diversify Pacific Island agricultural exports; participate in supply chain studies, taking lead in production.
• Technical advice and extension
• Provide technical advice to export enterprises and their producer networks to address supply constraints (quantity, quality and consistency).
• Liaise with government extension services to ensure export-oriented farmers are well informed.
• Training and farm planning
• Coordinate and provide training to partner enterprises and their grower networks on farm economics, sustainable production systems and developing contracts with exporters.
• Development of organic product systems and certification
• Collaborate with IACT POETCom (Pacific Organic and Ethical Community) Coordination Officer and existing POETCom bodies, national agencies and organic associations to develop locally appropriate organic participatory guarantee systems.
• Assist producers/exporters to obtain the Pacific Organic standard; assist with organic farming trials; assist enterprise growers in obtaining fair trade certification.
SELECION CRITERIA
Essential
➢ Bachelor’s degree in science or Diploma in agricultural science or related field.
➢ Train-the-Trainers Certificate Extensive (> 5 years) experience in export value chain for agricultural commodities in the Pacific Islands; detailed knowledge and understanding of Pacific Island farming systems; relevant experience in post-harvest handling, value-added processing, food analysis and safety, and product development.
➢ Excellent interpersonal skills.
➢ Willingness to travel and work in the Pacific region for extended periods, sometimes under difficult conditions.
➢ Excellent English language skills (oral and written).
➢ Excellent computer skills across necessary applications.
Desirable
➢ Appreciation and knowledge of opportunities for development of farmer networks and grower coordination.
➢ Knowledge and understanding of Pacific Island forestry, agroforestry and/or organic farming systems.
➢ Knowledge of fair trade principles and practices.
➢ Ability to deliver organic pre-certification training and facilitate auditing.
➢ Passion for researching and developing new products.
➢ Demonstrated commitment to implementing and complying to standards.
➢ Good public speaking skills.
SALARY, TERMS AND CONDITIONS
SALARY AND ALLOWANCES
The position is in Band 9 of SPC’s salary scale.
Professional salaries at SPC are set in SDR (Special Drawing Rights) and paid in the local currency (i.e. the Fiji dollar, FJD, in Fiji). As per SPC’s 2011 salary scale, the salary range for this band is SDR 1,896–2,844 per month. At prevailing exchange rates these amounts convert to approximately FJD 5,569–8,353 per month (USD 3,100–4,700; € 2,200–3,300).
An offer of appointment for an initial contract will made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration being given to experience and qualifications.
While SPC emoluments are not subject to income tax in Fiji at the present time, this status is currently under review by the Government of Fiji. Any change in this status will apply to Fiji nationals.
The organisation subsidises housing. A housing allowance of 75 per cent of the total rental, up to a limit of FJD 2,625 per month, will be provided. The minimum housing allowance payable is FJD 1,170 per month.
In addition, an establishment grant will be payable to non-residents of Fiji. Where appropriate, other allowances, such as an education allowance, may be payable.
PROVIDENT FUND
The appointee will be eligible for membership in SPC’s Staff Provident Fund. Staff members contribute eight per cent of their base salary, to which SPC adds a matching contribution.
TENURE
The appointment is for a period of three years, with the possibility of renewal for a further period depending on performance and continued funding availability.
DUTY STATION
Suva, Fiji.
LEAVE
Annual leave will accrue at the rate of 25 working days per annum. For expatriate staff members, home leave fares are payable after 18 months of service.
Sick leave is 30 working days per annum.
MEDICAL BENEFITS
SPC’s Staff Medical Insurance reimburses doctor fees, cost of prescribed medicines, surgical and hospital costs, etc. up to certain percentages and limits. Supplementary medical insurance is available to increase these percentage reimbursements and limits.
FARES AND REMOVAL EXPENSES
For an appointee recruited outside of Fiji, the cost of air fares by the most direct and/or economic route for the appointee and recognised dependants, and reasonable removal expenses by sea of personal and household effects, will be met by SPC on appointment and termination.
COMPUTING ENVIRONMENT
SPC has a standardised computing environment based on Microsoft Office running under Microsoft Windows.
SMOKE-FREE ENVIRONMENT
Smoking is not permitted in the work place.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
SPC is an equal-opportunity employer. Recruitment is based entirely on merit, but in cases where two short-listed candidates are ranked equal by the selection committee, preference will be given to Pacific Island nationals.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
The closing date for applications is 26 July 2011.
Applicants are asked to use SPC’s online recruitment system by following the link http://www.spc.int/job.html.
Applicants who cannot access the online recruitment system may send their documents to: Director-General, Secretariat of the Pacific Community, P.O. Box D5, 98848 NOUMEA CEDEX, New Caledonia, or submit them by fax (+687 26 38 18) or email (spc@spc.int, preferably as an electronic attachment in Microsoft Word format).
Applicants should provide their curriculum vitae and specifically address how their qualifications, knowledge and experience demonstrate their ability to successfully undertake the duties and responsibilities of the position in their cover letter. They should also provide names and contact details of three referees.
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