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GIS and Remote Sensing Officer SPC Suva, Fiji

SPC invites applications for the position of GIS and Remote Sensing Officer in its Applied Geoscience and Technology (SOPAC) Division, located at its regional office in Suva, Fiji.

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, geo science, agriculture, forestry, water resources, disaster management, fisheries, education (community, TVET, quality and standards for all school levels), statistics, transport, energy, ICT, media, human rights, gender, youth and culture. SPC was established in 1947 and its working languages are English and French. Additional information is available at: 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 will 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-centeredness, gender equality and cultural sensitivity.

Applied Geoscience and Technology (SOPAC) Division - The division, which was established when the former SOPAC was integrated with SPC in January 2011, has three technical work programmes: Ocean and Islands, Water and Sanitation and Disaster Reduction. Its services to SPC's members include assessments of the potential of ocean and onshore mineral resources, maritime boundary data collection, coastal protection and management, geo-hazard assessment, water, wastewater, sanitation, disaster risk management, mapping and surveying (including GIS and remote sensing) and natural resources economics. The division's work provides guidance on scientific and technical aspects of the region's seabed mineral resources; supports development of national policy and regulatory frame works; and contributes to geoscientific and geotechnical understanding of the underlying causes of environmental vulnerability in the region. Its work also focuses on developing knowledge-based adaptation strategies for coastal and near shore environments, water and sanitation, and disaster risk reduction and awareness raising, technical capacity building and capacity supplementation. The division seeks to maintain a reputation for excellence as the region's principal provider of geoscientific services. It has a team of around 100, including 38 internationally recruited staff and 32 technical staff.

GIS and Remote Sensing Unit - Is one of the division's five technical service areas supporting the work of its technical work programmes: (i) natural resource economics; (ii) GIS and remote sensing; (iii) technical equipment and services; (iv) data management; and (v) publications and library. Demand has increased for GIS and remote sensing services in the Pacific to assist in improving data analysis and to strategically respond to resource use challenges, resulting from improved technology and data access in the region. GIS and remote sensing services are delivered using modern technology, such as satellite imagery and global positioning systems which underpin mapping and modelling of natural resource systems. The unit provides technical support, training and capacity building to enable Pacific Island countries and territories develop and maintain their applications and data services. Methods and procedures will be developed to adapt applications that run well in Europe to meet regional Pacific needs and conditions.

The role - The position is accountable to the GIS and Remote Sensing Specialist. The role is responsible for provision of general support to the GIS and Remote Sensing Unit; the establishment, maintenance and development of GIS systems for utilities, i.e. power, water, telecommunications, public works; the establishment and management of a regional archive of utilities databases and GIS systems; investigation of method development for Pacific utilities; and the delivery of regional training and capacity building activities. The appointment is for three years, renewable subject to performance and funding availability.

The profile - SPC seeks a team player with solid experience in GIS and remote sensing applications, with field experience in resource monitoring or assessment within the Pacific region. He/She will have experience in working with utilities sector data, and the development, maintenance and operation of utilities databases. Attributes will include experience in training or capacity building; excellent interpersonal and communication skills; and the ability to work
collaboratively across SPC and with diverse regional stakeholders.

Key result areas - The successful applicant must be able to demonstrate strong ability and/or potential to progress in the following four key result areas:

1. Provide technical advice and support - Provide GIS and remote sensing technical advice and support to PICTs; establish, maintain and develop GIS systems for utilities; establish and maintain a regional archive of utilities databases and GIS systems; investigate method development in database management systems for Pacific utilities and provide advice on
the most suitable database architecture; investigate new technology and options for implementation in collaboration with other regional experts; coordinate the development of utilities systems linked to stakeholder systems; and install up-to-date image backdrops.

2. Regional database archive - Develop and manage a regional database archive for utilities databases and GIS systems, including developing procedures and protocols for data management, quality assurance and archiving; develop a digital register with metadata for utilities data; and coordinate and manage data, including data transfer from regional utilities.

3. Capacity building - Coordinate and deliver training and capacity building activities regarding the use of utilities databases and GIS systems, and data entry and uploading; tabular databases, GIS systems and GPS applications, including employment of remote sensing for GIS image backdrop production; and support knowledge transfer and capacity development outside the utilities sector.

4. Develop and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders - Maintain collaborative working relationships across SPC and strong links with member countries and territories, relevant stakeholders, and technical and donor partners.


Key selection criteria - Candidates will be assessed against the following seven criteria:

1. Innovation and analytical skills - Able to generate new approaches; develop and support original solutions based on sound analysis.
2. Results oriented problem solver - Able to develop solutions to deliver tangible results for SPC, its members and other stakeholders.
3. Influencing and relationship building skills - Able to influence and guide others to achieve common goals; demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills; contribute to building productive team relationships and partnerships across the organisation and with its stakeholders.
4. Qualifications - Degree in GIS or computer science and information systems or equivalent, with a postgraduate qualification being an advantage.
5. Technical expertise - Demonstrated experience in GIS and remote sensing applications with field expertise in resource monitoring or assessment within the Pacific region; track record of working with utilities sector data and the development, maintenance and operation of utilities databases; understanding of code writing and the development of SQL queries for databases; an appreciation of utilities data management, data quality and quality control issues; expert knowledge of MS Office and GIS applications, in particular Map Infoce; and experience in training or capacity building.
6. Language skills - Proficiency in English, with a working knowledge of French being an advantage.
7. Cultural awareness - Cultural sensitivity and demonstrated understanding of developing countries, with experience in Pacific Island countries and territories.

Remuneration - The GIS and Remote Sensing Officer is a Band 10 position in SPC's 2012 salary scale, with a salary range of 2,133-3,200 SDR (Special Drawing Rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 5,800-8,700 (USD 3,200-4,900; EUR 2,500-3,700. An offer of appointment for an initial contract will normally be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration being given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale will be based on annual performance reviews. Remuneration of expatriate SPC staff members is not subject to income tax in Fiji. From 1 January 2013 Fiji nationals employed by SPC in Fiji will no longer be exempted from income tax.

Benefits - SPC provides a housing allowance of FJD 1,170-2,625 per month. 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 Tuesday 20 November 2012. Candidates MUST provide: a detailed curriculum vitae; a written response stating their claims against the 7 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.