ENERGY POLICY 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 The Energy Programme leads and coordinates work on 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 Policy 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 put in place policies, plans, roadmaps and regulatory frameworks to support coordinated development of the energy sector. KEY RESULT AREAS The position encompasses the following major functions or key result areas: 1. Management of Energy Policy Projects i) Support Project Managers in the implementation of regional energy policy projects. ii) Develop funding proposals for activities on energy policy. iii) Ensure timely production of progress reports and financial acquittals for funded energy policy projects and activities. 2. Planning, policy and regulatory frameworks Maintain a record of the fiscal, financial and regulatory measures employed in the energy sector of Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs). Conduct reviews of the effectiveness of the energy sector policies of PICTs. 3. Capacity building Training and support to PICTs to draft and review their Energy Roadmaps, Policies and Strategic / Implementation Plans. Share and assist PICTs to replicate policy success stories. SELECTION CRITERIA Essential University degree in development studies, economics or energy planning and policy. Five years’ experience in policy research and review with expertise in the formulation of macro and sectoral policies and strategies. Highly developed research, analytical and problem solving skills. Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills in English. Good understanding of the working environment in Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs). 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 Qualification or training in policy development or energy planning. Demonstrated ability to proactively develop funding proposals to raise external funding and generate new areas of work. 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, 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 03/05/2012
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.