Maritime Boundaries Technical Officer Location: Suva, Fiji

Secretariat of the pacific community JOB DESCRIPTION MARITIME BOUNDARIES TECHNICAL OFFICER 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. It 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, and Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, and country offices in Honiara, Solomon Islands and Port Vila, Vanuatu. More information on SPC, particularly regarding its work in specific sectors, can be found on its website: www.spc.int. APPLIED GEOSCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DIVISION (SOPAC) Throughout the past nearly 40 years, the SOPAC work programme has attained and demonstrated a reputation for excellence in placing an emphasis on applying scientific and technical knowledge and tools to improving the livelihoods of Pacific people. The contemporary contribution of the SOPAC Division to the scientific and technical, particularly geoscientific and geotechnical understanding and development of resource use solutions and the underlying root causes of environmental vulnerability are key critical activities. As vulnerability increases due to urbanization, population increase, climate change and exposure to natural hazards, sound knowledge-based adaptation strategies are needed in the contexts of coastal and nearshore environments, water and sanitation, and disaster risk reduction. This position will operate within the Ocean and Islands Programme’s Maritime Boundaries Sector which is tasked with providing a range of coastal and applied geoscience, cartographic, geodetic and field survey services to support members to develop their maritime boundary solutions in accordance with the provisions of UNCLOS (UN Convention on Law of the Sea). The Applied Geoscience and Technology (SOPAC) Division is based at SPC’s Suva Regional Office, Fiji, and has approximately 100 staff. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Implementation of the maritime boundaries sector activities Provision of technical advice and support to member countries and the development of their maritime boundary technical solutions in accordance with the legal/technical provisions of UNCLOS (UN Convention on the Law of the Sea). 2. Implementation of the extended continental shelf activities Provision of technical advice and support to member countries and the development of their respective extended continental shelf (Article 76 UNCLOS) claims. 3. Maintenance of the Pacific Islands Regional Maritime Boundaries Information System (PIRMBIS) Responsibility for the continued maintenance of the Pacific Islands Regional Maritime Boundaries Information System (PIRMBIS) database, which contains confidential data and information on maritime boundaries development in the Pacific Islands region. 4. Provision of capacity building support and training, as and when requested by PICTs Provision of ongoing capacity building and training of member country boundary technical teams through the planning and coordination of regional training workshops, attachment training and regional liaison with country technical teams and international partners. 5. Provision of technical support and training on other databases within the Ocean and Islands Programme Provision of technical support, advice and assistance on the SOPAC Petroleum Databank and the MMAJ/JICA databases. SELECTION CRITERIA Essential Ø Degree (preferably post-graduate) in GIS, cartography or related field. Ø Expert knowledge of the use of geospatial tools and techniques in relation to the delineation and delimitation of maritime boundaries. Ø Expert knowledge and understanding of the provisions of UNCLOS as they apply to the development of maritime boundaries in PICT environments. Ø A working knowledge of the legal and geophysical potential and constraints in developing Art 76 (UNCLOS) or extended continental shelf claims. Ø Understanding of database principles. Ø Demonstrated oral and written communication skills. Ø Strong analytical and problem solving skills. Ø Strong PC based computer skills, preferably with Microsoft Programmes [Word, Excel, Access], Adobe Programmes [Photoshop], GIS-based Programmes [MapInfo, ArcGIS, ERDAS, Geocap and Geo Calculator] and the ability to use E-mail and the Internet. Ø A working knowledge of the broader technical/legal provisions of UNCLOS, particularly in respect to delineation and delimitation of the maritime boundaries in island States. Ø Ability to lead and coordinate and manage projects and multi-disciplinary, in-country team inputs. Ø Relevant technical experience in remote sensing and computer based graphics and mapping applications. Ø Good understanding of the working environment in PICTs. Ø Ability to communicate at an official level. Ø Ability to work as part of a team, with a high level of interpersonal skills and minimal supervision. Desirable Ø 5 years working experience in the field of GIS, Cartographic science,, Remote sensing applications and data management Ø Tertiary qualifications or 5 years formal experience in the field of delineation and delimitation of Maritime Boundaries in accordance with the provisions of UNCLOS Ø A minimum of five years of relevant work experience in the field of cartography, GIS and remote sensing and database management skills particularly in the area of maritime boundary development Ø A sound working knowledge of the legal aspects of UNCLOS particularly as it relates to the development of maritime boundaries and zones, extended continental shelf claims and shared boundary treaty development. SALARY, TERMS AND CONDITIONS SALARY AND ALLOWANCES The position is in Band 9 of SPC’s salary scale. Salaries for staff recruited internationally 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 approximately FJD 5,569–8,353 per month. At prevailing exchange rates, these amounts convert to approximately 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. 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. 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. 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 30 september 2011

Applicants are asked to use SPC’s online recruitment system. Only those applicants residing in a Pacific country or territory who cannot access the online recruitment system are allowed to 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). All other applicants must use the on-line recruiting system or their applications will not be considered. 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.