Communications Officer, Pacific Regional Rights Resource Team

SPC is the Pacific Island region’s principal technical and scientific organisation. It delivers technical, scientific, research, policy and training support to Pacific Island countries and territories in public health, geoscience, agriculture, forestry, water resources, disaster management, fisheries, education (community, TVET, standards and assessment), statistics, transport, energy, ICT, media, human rights, gender, youth and culture. Additional information can be obtained on SPC’s website: www.spc.int.

In applying, candidates should be guided by SPC’s vision, mission and corporate values, the role and profile of the position and the key result areas and selection criteria.

SPC’s vision for the region is a secure and prosperous Pacific Community, whose people are educated and healthy and manage their resources in an economically, environmentally and socially sustainable way.

Our mission is to help Pacific Island people position themselves to respond effectively to the challenges they face and make informed decisions about their future and the future they leave for the generations that follow.

Our corporate values are underpinned by the principle of ‘making a positive difference in the lives of Pacific Island people - putting people first’. They include accountability, integrity, respect, transparency, sustainability, people-centredness, gender equality and cultural sensitivity.

Pacific Regional Rights Resource Team (RRRT) – RRRT focuses on human rights, providing technical advice, training and education throughout the Pacific in five key areas: (i) legislation addressing violence against women; (ii) HIV and human rights; (iii) support for national-level human rights initiatives; (iv) support for ratification and reporting on human rights conventions including the Universal Periodic Review process; and (v) access to justice and legislative lobbying. It has an External Advisory Board composed of eminent persons who provide policy and planning advice for this work. RRRT became part of SPC in July 2008 and is based in its Education, Training and Human Development Division. The team operates from two offices - in Suva, Fiji, and Port Vila, Vanuatu - with country focal officers posted in Kiribati, Nauru, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu, and a potential further position in Federated States of Micronesia. RRRT currently has 28 staff and an annual operating budget of FJD 4 million.

The role – Reporting to the Programme Manager this newly created position is responsible for leading and managing RRRT’s communications, media and event functions. The role will work closely with team members and SPC communications and publications staff to develop and maintain internal and external communications policies, plans and strategies; produce high-quality publications and web materials; build and maintain relationships with media stakeholders; assist SPC partners to develop media plans and strategies; and provide internal and external media and communications training to assist stakeholders in advocating on human rights issues in the Pacific region. The appointment is for three years renewable subject to performance and funding availability.

The profile – SPC seeks a dynamic, innovative communications specialist with strong relationship building skills and a keen interest in building media and communications skills and capacity across the Pacific to support the work of the RRRT team and its key regional stakeholders.

Key result areas – The successful applicant must be able to demonstrate strong ability and/or potential to progress in the three key result areas of the position:

1. Leading and managing communications, media and events management functions – Develop, implement, monitor and maintain the internal communications strategy, plans and work programme; develop communications materials and coordinate their production for public release, managing subcontracted media and production specialists as appropriate; enhance and maintain the rrrt.org website as the programme’s primary communications platform and related social media accounts; build and maintain relationships with the media and publishers in SPC member countries to effectively deliver key messages and programme information to target audiences and stakeholders; coordinate the production, dissemination and launch of external publications including books, manuals, policy papers and information kits to ensure continued brand recognition of RRRT programmes, activities and service provision; and plan, coordinate and manage media and publications launches and the biennial RRRT human rights awards ceremonies as a strategic communications platform to raise regional awareness on human rights and the work of RRRT and other advocates and key stakeholders.

2. Training and capacity building – Develop media and communications materials and training programmes; deliver media and communications training to staff, country partners, civil society organisations and regionally based RRRT country focal officers; mentor staff, country focal officers and stakeholders to develop targeted media and communications materials and strategies to support legislative advocacy and other human rights initiatives and build effective media relations skills and techniques across the region.

3. Develop and maintain effective relationships with clients and diverse stakeholders – Maintain strong collaborative working relationships in SPC, with subcontractors and media and communications specialists in SPC member countries, and with publishers and the external media to promote RRRT’s work and human rights activities across the Pacific.

Key selection criteria – Candidates will be assessed against the following criteria:

1. Results oriented problem solver – Able to manage competing priorities and deadlines, and develop solutions to deliver tangible results for SPC, its members and other stakeholders.
2. Innovation and analytical skills – Able to generate new ideas / opportunities; assist in the development of policy advice, based on sound analysis; and support original solutions.
3. Influencing skills – Able to influence and guide others to achieve common goals and demonstrate strong communication and advocacy skills.
4. Relationship skills – Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills and contribute to building productive team relationships and partnerships across the organisation and with its stakeholders.
5. Qualifications – Degree in journalism, communications or social marketing OR significant relevant experience.
6. Technical expertise – Solid experience and expertise in communications, media or advocacy in a media, government, inter-government, NGO or civil society context; exceptional writing and editing skills in English; track record in producing media communications materials for print and social media; skilled in utilising web-based communications platforms and content management systems; some experience in mentoring, training or capacity building in media/communications; and a sound appreciation and understanding of Pacific cultural values and development challenges. An understanding of human rights or gender issues in the Pacific, use of social media forums to inform and engage audiences, and experience with photographic or video technology and post-production workflows will be advantages.
7. Language skills – Proficiency in English, with a working knowledge of French or another Pacific language being an advantage.
8. Cultural awareness – Cultural sensitivity and demonstrated understanding of developing countries, in particular Pacific Island countries and territories.

Remuneration – The Communications Officer is a Band 9 position within SPC’s 2012 salary scale, with a salary range of 1,896–2,844 SDR (Special Drawing Rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 5,200–7,800 (USD 2,900–4,300; € 2,300–3,500). An offer of appointment for an initial contract will normally be made in the lower half of this range, with consideration being given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale will be based on annual performance reviews. While SPC remuneration is 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.

Benefits – SPC provides a housing allowance of FJD 1,170–2,625 per month. An establishment and relocation grant, removal expenses, airfares, home leave, medical insurance and education allowances are available for eligible employees and their recognised dependants. Employees are entitled to: 25 days annual leave and 30 days sick leave per annum; life insurance; and access to SPC’s Provident Fund (contributing 8% of salary to which SPC adds a matching contribution).

Application procedure – The closing date for applications is Thursday 27 September 2012. Candidates MUST provide: a detailed curriculum vitae; a written response stating their claims against the eight key selection criteria; and contact details, including email addresses, for three referees.

Appointment - SPC is an equal opportunity employer. Staff appointments are based on merit, without restriction as to nationality. Preference is given to Pacific Islanders, given equal merit, qualifications and experience.

Apply online – Please use SPC’s online recruitment system at http://www.spc.int/job.html. Important note: prepare and save your curriculum vitae, response to key selection criteria and referee information as Microsoft Word documents BEFORE attempting to submit your application online. It is not possible to partially complete your application via the online system, save it and return to complete later. Can’t access the online recruitment system? Apply via email: recruit@spc.int; fax: +687 26 38 18 or post: Sally Clark Herrmann, Recruitment and Staff Development Officer, Secretariat of the Pacific Community, P.O. Box D5, 98848 NOUMEA CEDEX, New Caledonia. Need assistance? Contact Sally in confidence, at sallyh@spc.int or telephone +687 26 01 40.

BACKGROUND – Established in 1947, SPC employs over 570 staff and is headquartered in Noumea, New Caledonia, with offices in Fiji, Federated States of Micronesia and Solomon Islands. SPC has 26 member countries and territories including 22 Pacific Island countries and territories and its founding members Australia, France, New Zealand and United States of America, which contribute a large proportion of its funding. Other major development partners include the European Union, Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, United Nations agencies, Asian Development Bank, World Bank and Global Environment Facility, to name a few.

SPC’s working languages are English and French. SPC is led by the Director-General supported by two deputy directors-general and the directors of its technical divisions – Applied Geoscience and Technology; Economic Development; Education, Training and Human Development; Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems; Land Resources; and Public Health. SPC also has a statistical programme, a strategic engagement, policy and planning facility and an operations and management division.