Organic Extension Systems officer

SPC invites applications for the position of Organic Extension Systems Officer for the Pacific Organic and Ethical Trade Community (POETCom), in its Land Resources Division located in 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 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 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.

Land Resources Division – The Division provides advice, technical assistance, research and training support to Pacific Island countries and territories on all aspects of agriculture and forestry. This includes: plant protection; conservation; plant genetic resources; animal health and production; agro forestry; biosecurity and trade facilitation and sustainable systems for agriculture, forestry and land management. This work has three objectives: improved food and nutritional security; integrated and sustainable agricultural and forestry resource management and development; and improved and increased trade in agriculture and forestry products. The division’s services are provided through seven technical / thematic teams: Animal Health and Production; Plant Health; Biosecurity and Trade Facilitation; Forest and Agriculture Diversification; Crop Production; Genetic Resources; and Forest and Trees. It currently has around 90 staff.

Pacific Organic and Ethical Trade Community (POETCom) - Is a not-for-profit, membership organisation comprising farmers ‘groups, support organisations, research institutions and private sector, government and non-government organisations in 14 Pacific countries. It serves as the peak body for the organic and ethical trade movement in the Pacific region and coordinates information sharing, networking and capacity building programmes. It is also establishing a regional certification scheme to support market access and trade development. It works regionally through national focal points and members to provide training and advice to farmers regarding organic production, certification and support and improved market access. It also advocates and promotes organic production and its role in combating climate change, providing food security and enhancing biodiversity. It has five aims: (i) to improve local and regional food security; (ii) to improve farmer livelihoods by enabling them to access trade in domestic and export markets and reduce their dependence on imported production inputs; (iii) to improve human health by providing better access to high-quality, clean, nutritious food; (iv) to protect and enhance the environment by encouraging the use of environmentally friendly management practices; and (v) to improve the well-being of people and communities, by promoting the adoption of ethical labour and social justice principles. The POETCom Secretariat is hosted by SPC.

The role – This newly created position is accountable to the POETCom Coordinating Officer and is based in SPC’s Increasing Agricultural Commodities Trade team. The role isresponsible for implementing the 'Development and pilot implementation of integrated Pacific Island organic and ethical trade initiatives project' funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development. This will involve liaising with stakeholders, coordinating technical advice and providing capacity building and extension support, particularly in developing the extension component of the Pacific Organic Guarantee System. The appointment is for a fixed term to 31 December 2014, renewable subject to performance and funding availability.

The profile – SPC seeks a project manager with extensive experience in organic certification, production or exporting, and in organic certification processes at farmer and international level. Attributes will include strong capacity building and technical advisory skills, excellent interpersonal and communication 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. Project coordination – Manage the implementation of the project to build capacity in Participatory Guarantee Systems, including developing and implementing annual work plans. Provide support to the POETCom Coordinator in mobilising resources and developing farmer support/training tools to implement Pacific Organic Strategic Plan objectives.

2. Capacity building – Develop and coordinate capacity building programmes for POETCom members, supporting their work to fulfill the requirements for organic certification and participatory guarantee systems and in national level implementation to achieve value chain development. Identify opportunities for provision of technical support to POETCom members on organic production issues and provide them with extension support and training.

3. Provision of technical advice – Provide expert advice on the appropriate type of certification for individual value chains and markets and the development and management of Participatory Guarantee Systems to effectively implement the Pacific Organic Standard. Develop strategies to operationalise extension services and training components of the Pacific Organic Guarantee System.

4.    Develop and maintain relationships with clients and diverse stakeholders – Maintain strong collaborative working relationships with staff across SPC, member countries and territories, POETCom members, development partners and key stakeholder agencies. RepresentPOETCom and advocate and participate in collaborative activities to promote and facilitate greater cooperation and improved communication and information sharing. Work effectively with groups seeking assistance in developing Participatory Guarantee Systems and Internal Control Systems.

Key selection criteria – candidates will be assessed against the following eight key selection criteria.

1. Project Management – Demonstrated ability to coordinate and motivate others, and mobilise and manage resources in a complex environment.
2. Innovation and analytical skills – Able to generate new approaches; develop and support original solutions, based on sound analysis.
3. Results oriented problem solver – Able to develop solutions to deliver tangible results for POETCom, SPC, its members and other stakeholders.
4. Influencing and relationship building skills – Able to influence and guide others to achieve common goals; demonstrate strong communication, advocacy and interpersonal skills; contribute to building productive team relationships and partnerships across the organisation and with its stakeholders.
5. Qualifications – Degree in agriculture, forestry, social science or a related field.
6. Technical expertise – Experience in: organic certification, production or exporting; organic certification processes at farmer and international level; project design and management; capacity building to assist in policy development; and provision of technical advice and support through non government or farmer support organisations. A track record of working in tropical developing countries and an understanding of the key challenges and constraints impeding Pacific Island access to organic value chains. Expertise in identifying opportunities to develop strategic partnerships and preparing funding proposals.
7. Language skills – Proficiency in English, with a working knowledge of French being an advantage.
8. Cultural awareness – Cultural sensitivity and demonstrated understanding of developing countries, in particular Pacific Island countries and territories being an advantage.

Remuneration – The Organic Extension Systems Officer (POETCom) is a Band 9 position within SPC’s 2013 salary scale, with a salary range of 1,970 – 2,956 SDR (Special Drawing Rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD5,400–8,100 (USD 3,000–4,600; € 2,300–3,400). 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; Fiji nationals employed by SPC in Fiji will, however, be subject to 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 dependents. 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 Sunday 10 February 2013. 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, Human Resources Adviser (Recruitment and Training), Secretariat of the Pacific Community, P.O. Box D5, 98848 NOUMEA CEDEX, New Caledonia.

Need assistance? Contact SPC at recruit@spc.int or telephone + 687 26 20 00.

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.