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Maritime Database Officer Location: 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, 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. SPC was established in 1947 as an international organisation 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-centredness, gender equality and cultural sensitivity.

Economic Development Division – 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 and supported by a Deputy Director (Energy), a Deputy Director (Transport) and a growing team of dedicated staff. The Director’s Office comprises multidisciplinary expertise to provide cross-cutting support to three programme areas; (i) Energy Programme, which was formed from the Pacific Islands Applied Geoscience Commission’s (SOPAC’s) energy programme and includes a petroleum advisory function; (ii) Pacific Information and Communication Technology Outreach (PICTO) Programme, which previously operated within SOPAC, and which links into SPC’s regional digital strategy component; and (iii) Transport Programme, which includes SPC’s former Regional Maritime Programme and an aviation component that complements the work of regional aviation organisations.

Transport Programme – provides core services in maritime and aviation policy, planning, legislation and regulation; human resource capacity strengthening; coordination of professional networks; and advocacy of regional transport priorities at national, regional and international levels. The Pacific Plan identifies the importance of the transport sector and each development initiative mentions both aviation and maritime transport. Both modes of transport are vital to growth in economic areas such as tourism, fisheries and mining. The two industries face many of the same challenges in the Pacific, including large distances, low volumes, high fuel costs, large infrastructure development and maintenance costs, and an increasingly regulated operating environment.
The role – The position is accountable to the Deputy Director Transport. This new role is responsible for coordinating and managing the maritime database functions for the Transport Programme, including collecting, analysing and interpreting data for planning and reporting purposes. The appointment is for three years, renewable subject to performance and funding availability.

The profile – SPC seeks a team player with demonstrated experience in statistics and/or database management and expertise in data collection, analysis and interpretation. Attributes will include attention to detail, expertise in utilising computer software packages and sound skills in Microsoft Access and Excel. He/She will have some technical knowledge of the maritime sector and possess sound communications skills and the ability to work collaboratively across SPC and with diverse 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. Database management – Manage the regional maritime data repository for the Transport Programme; collaborate with programme staff to assess data needs and plan initiatives accordingly; coordinate the review, update and further development of existing databases; facilitate database related workshops and seminars; and develop funding proposals to advance development of new maritime databases.

  1. Data collection, analysis and interpretation – Explore and establish links with Pacific Island country and territory maritime counterparts to facilitate regular input of data to the regional data repository; update the Pacific ports database and ensure provision of accurate data to publish the Pacific Port Directory on a biennial basis; support the divisional Economist and the Research and Policy Adviser in their research, data analysis and interpretation work; organise data into report format and coordinate the preparation of graphic illustrations of research findings; and develop country maritime profiles containing data and statistics to support the formulation and review of national maritime plans, policies and regulatory frameworks.

  1. Monitoring and evaluation – Support the divisional Economist in the development of sector indicators to measure the performance of the maritime sector; provide data and statistics to assist with the monitoring and evaluation work related to the Framework for Action on Transport Services; and support the programme’s advocacy and reporting activities, including preparing contributions toPacific Maritime Watch and other publications; and assisting with key events and programme activities.

  1. Develop and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders – Maintain collaborative working relationships across SPC and strong links with member countries and territories and other relevant regional agencies and development 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 – A tertiary qualification, preferably in statistics, economics, engineering or science, with a maritime tertiary qualification being an advantage.
  5. Technical expertise – Demonstrated experience in statistics and/or database management; expertise in data collection, analysis and interpretation; expertise in utilising computer software packages and sound skills in Microsoft Access and Excel; some technical knowledge of the maritime sector; attention to detail; and experience working collaboratively on multidisciplinary team projects. Demonstrated ability to proactively develop new areas of work and secure new funding; and experience in representation at regional or international meetings and established networks with sector peers would be advantages.  
  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 being an advantage.
             
Remuneration – The Maritime Database Officer is a Band 8 position in SPC’s 2012 salary scale, with a salary range of 1,697-2,545 SDR (Special Drawing Rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 4,600-6,950 (USD 2,600-3,900; € 2,000-3,000). 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 1,1702,625 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 22 November 2012Candidates MUST provide: a detailed curriculum vitae; a written response stating their claims against the seven 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 – 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 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.