ENERGY DATABASE OFFICER

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 was established in 1947. It has 26 member countries and territories and its working languages are English and French. SPC’s headquarters are in Noumea, New Caledonia. It has regional offices in Suva, Fiji, 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. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIVISION The Economic Development Division (EDD) of SPC is based in Suva, Fiji and also has staff located in Noumea, Pohnpei, Majuro (Marshall Islands) and Palau. The Division became operational on 1 January 2010 and is led by the Director EDD and supported by a Deputy Director (Energy), a Deputy Director (Transport) and a growing team of dedicated staff in Suva and the North Pacific. The Director’s Office comprises multidisciplinary expertise to provide cross-cutting support to three programme areas as follows. Energy Programme, which was formed from the Pacific Islands Applied Geoscience Commission’s (SOPAC’s) energy programme and includes a petroleum advisory function. Pacific Information and Communication Technology Outreach (PICTO) Programme, which previously operated within SOPAC, and which links into SPC’s regional digital strategy component. Transport Programme, which includes SPC’s former Regional Maritime Programme and an aviation component that complements the work of regional aviation organisations. ENERGY PROGRAMME SPC is the lead regional agency on energy and the Energy Programme is responsible for coordinating and implementing the Framework for Action on Energy Security in the Pacific (FAESP) to improve energy security for the Pacific. The Framework acknowledges that national energy policies and plans are the principal means for achieving energy security and promotes a ‘whole of sector’ approach, based on the concept of ‘many partners – one team’. This approach recognises that numerous stakeholders contribute to energy security in the region and accepts them as equal partners. The Energy Programme’s staff structure, work programme and budget are based on the seven themes of the FAESP: (i) leadership, governance, coordination and partnerships; (ii) capacity development, planning, policy and regulatory frameworks; (iii) energy production and supply (petroleum and alternative liquid fuels, and renewable energy; (iv) energy conversion (electric power); (v) end-use energy consumption (transport energy use and, energy efficiency and conservation; (vi) energy data and information; and (vii) financing, monitoring and evaluation. This work includes energy policy, planning and law; petroleum; renewable energy; efficiency and conservation, as well as liaising with the Pacific Power Association and other relevant bodies in relation to power generation/electric utilities (urban and rural). The Pacific Plan highlights the importance of the energy and transport sectors. The heavy reliance of both sectors on fossil fuel is an impediment to the sustainable development of Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs). The recently developed and endorsed frameworks for action on energy security and transport services and their corresponding implementation plans include guiding principles and identify national and regional priorities and action themes to improve the efficiency, safety, reliability and affordability of both energy and transport services. ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES The Energy Database Officer is accountable to the Energy Policy Adviser, within the Energy Programme of the Economic Development Division. The role is responsible for supporting the coordination and implementation of the Framework for Action on Energy Security in the Pacific, in particular the regional effort to collect, analyse and interpret data for energy planning and policy formulation and reviews. KEY RESULT AREAS The position encompasses the following major functions or key result areas: Database Project Management Under the direction of the Energy Policy Adviser, set up and develop a regional energy data repository within the Energy Programme. 2. Planning, policy and regulatory frameworks Assist PICTs with the analysis of their energy balances and statistics to establish trends and indicators for measuring the performance of the energy sector. Provide PICTs with Country Energy Profile data and statistics to support the formulation and review of national energy plans, policies and regulatory frameworks. Collect and analyse end user energy consumption data to support the formulation of plans and policies for improving the efficient and productive uses of energy, particularly in the transport sector. 3. Capacity building Advise and assist in the collation and management of energy data and information and the provision of support to PICTs to establish their respective National Energy Balance and related publications. Contribute to the energy and engineering research activities and lectures for energy courses delivered by tertiary institutions in the region, as well as mentoring tertiary students in energy-related studies. 4. Access to affordable energy & efficient and productive uses of energy Assist with advocacy activities including contributing to the Pacific Energiser, the publication of materials, in-house activities, seminars, etc. 5. Monitoring and evaluation Assist in developing funding proposals to support Energy Programme activities. Ensure timely production of progress reports and financial acquittals for funded projects and activities related to the Energy database. SELECTION CRITERIA Essential A relevant tertiary qualification i.e. economics, engineering statistics, science. Five years’ work experience, including three years’ experience either in statistics or the efficient and productive use of energy, with technical knowledge in one or more areas of the energy sector. Sound knowledge of databases with the ability to collect, synthesize and manage energy data and provide high quality reports. Highly developed research, analytical and problem solving skills. Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills in English. Capacity to work collaboratively in a diverse, multicultural team environment and a willingness to undertake frequent travel both within and outside the region. Experience in representation at regional or international meetings, including networks with sector peers. Desirable Demonstrated ability to proactively develop funding proposals to raise external funding and generate new areas of work. A good understanding of the working environment in Pacific Island countries and territories and experience working in a developing country setting. A working knowledge of French. SALARY, TERMS AND CONDITIONS SALARY AND ALLOWANCES The position is in Band 8 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 SDR 1,697–2,545 per month. At prevailing exchange rates these amounts convert to approximately FJD 4,700–7,000 per month (USD 2,600–4,000; EUR 2,000–3,000). 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, subject to a six-month probationary period, 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 OPPORTUNITY 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 08/05/2012
Applicants are requested to use SPC’s online recruitment system : http://www.spc.int/job.html. Only those 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). All other applicants must use the on-line recruiting system. Applicants should provide their curriculum vitae and specifically address in their cover letter how their qualifications, knowledge and experience demonstrate their ability to successfully undertake the duties and responsibilities of the position. They should also provide names and contact details of three referees.