Coordinator, Kiritimati Island Water Project

RECRUITMENT NOTICE 13/57 Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC)

 22 August 2013

 

Coordinator, Kiritimati Island Water Project

SPC invites applications for the position of Coordinator, Kiritimati Island Water Project, part of the Water and Sanitation Programme of SPC’s Applied Geoscience and Technology Division, and located at Kiritimati Island in Kiribati. 

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 fisheries, agriculture, forestry, water resources, geoscience, transport, energy, disaster risk management, public health, statistics, education, human rights, gender, youth and culture. For more information, visit 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.

 

The Applied Geoscience and Technology (SOPAC) Division was established when the former SOPAC was integrated with SPC in January 2011, the division 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 frameworks; 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 nearshore 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.

 

The Water and Sanitation Programme (WSP) operates in the knowledge that access to clean water and sanitation is a fundamental and UN-sanctioned human right, and that the achievement of water security is fundamentally linked to all the Millennium Development Goals as well as the development goals of Pacific Island countries and territories. The programme also operates under the internationally recognised

principles of integrated water resources management, involving the effective management of a complex network of natural resources and human systems in all its many interconnected elements: from ridge to reef and from community to cabinet. This approach enables the WSP works to assist SPC members on many different levels, including water governance; water resource assessment and management; provision of effective and efficient water services; data collection, management and analysis; community-level water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) initiatives; pollution reduction, education and behavioural change; as well as disaster preparedness, assessment and response.

 

The improved drinking water supply for Kiritimati Island Water Project

The Republic of Kiribati consists of 33 islands scattered across five million square kilometres of the Pacific Ocean, with an estimated population of 103,500 living in 20 low-lying coral atolls and islands in the Gilbert, Line and Phoenix groups. To address the imbalance of social and economic development between the Gilbert Group to the west and the Line Islands to the east, the Government of Kiribati (GoK) announced in 2004 a strategic emphasis on promoting outer island growth centres, with Kiritimati Island in the Line group (current population approximately 5,800) designated as the main potential growth island in Kiribati.

The fresh water resources of Kiritimati Island consist of groundwater and collected rainwater. There is minimal surface run off and no surface water storage due to the highly permeable sand and coral soil. The responsibility for drinking water supply currently falls under the Ministry of Line and Phoenix Island Development, with support provided by the Ministry of Public Works and Utilities. Partly as a result of population growth on Kiritimati Island over the last ten years, the water supply systems currently servicing the communities of London and Tennessee have insufficient capacity to provide a continuous water supply to all existing customer connections. 

To alleviate the situation and prepare for further forecast population increases, the GoK has partnered with the European Union and SPC to initiate the project. The focus of the project is on securing safe and sustainable drinking water supply to the identified priority areas of London and Tennessee, including the island’s hospital facilities and primary government and commercial services. The project, with a budget of €4.8 million, is to be implemented over a period of four years, with an additional two years for project closure.

 

The role – The Coordinator, Kiritimati Island Water Project is accountable to the Deputy Director of SPC’s Water and Sanitation Programme, based in Suva, Fiji. The position is responsible for managing and implementing the project and leading and managing six staff. The incumbent will be based on Kiritimati Island, but will be required to travel regularly to Suva and when required to Tarawa, Kiribati. With input from SPC and the Project Steering Committee (PSC), the Coordinator will lead the team of staff and consultants engaged to assist the GoK to prepare for and implement project tasks. With a focus on building capacity through on-the-job training, the incumbent will work closely with counterpart staff in the Ministry of Line and Phoenix Island Development and other relevant ministries. The Coordinator must ensure that: (i) responsibilities for ongoing activities are progressively transferred to national counterparts so that the capacity exists to maintain and operate water supply infrastructure and monitoring systems after the project is completed; (ii) effective consultation occurs through the PSC and other consultation mechanisms; and (iii) synergies are maximised between project work and other relevant water and sanitation related projects being undertaken regionally and by the GoK and other partners. The appointment is for a fixed term of two years, renewable for a further two years, subject to performance and funding availability. 

The profile – SPC seeks an experienced project manager with a track record in successful leadership and management of water supply infrastructure projects, ideally in remote developing country settings. Attributes will include strong technical advisory and project management skills and expertise in staff and budget management. He/she will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively across SPC and with diverse regional stakeholders and partners.

 

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

1. Project management –Coordinate project activities and resources, including managing staff and consultants to ensure project outcomes are delivered on time and to budget. Develop annual work plans and budgets. Recruit, train, lead and manage the project team to deliver high quality advice and support. Coordinate meetings with the Project Steering Committee, technical advisory groups and key stakeholders to develop integrated project strategies and responses. Proactively develop new opportunities and funding proposals to enhance project deliverables. Provide accurate and timely progress reports.

 

2. Technical advice, supportand reporting – Lead and manage the provision of high quality technical advice and support on the implementation of the project and related activities, including assisting the Ministry of Line and Phoenix and the London–Tennessee community to develop a Water Use Efficiency Plan for the Decca–London system. Coordinate the rehabilitation operations of monitoring bores for the Decca and Four Wells groundwater lenses, and the assessment of sustainable optimal extraction rates. Coordinate improvement works to existing water supply systems and the installation of hybrid solar/wind pumping systems. Develop and construct detailed analysis and design of proposed water supply upgrades and new groundwater abstraction galleries. Develop and implement a monitoring and evaluation project plan in consultation with partners. Submit timely periodic reports in accordance with project requirements and timelines. Facilitate effective communication and liaison with counterparts and other relevant partners including high level liaison with Ministers and senior government officials. Advocate for and promote project activities and deliverables.

 

3. Develop and maintain strategic relationships and partnerships – Maintain collaborative working relationships across SPC. Develop and maintain links with project partnersand stakeholders.

 

4. Capacity building – Coordinate project resources and stakeholder partners to actively develop an integrated approach to capacity building to strengthen the long-term capacity of project counterparts to maintain and operate water supply improvements.

 

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

1. Project management – Demonstrated ability to coordinate and motivate others, and mobilise and manage resources in a complex environment. Anticipate and manage change and risks; ensure that value for investment is achieved.

2. Strategic thinking and planning – Able to think and act with a long term perspective - develop and implement plans and projects that deliver strategic and long term outcomes.

3. Innovation and analytical skills – Able to generate new ideas/opportunities, develop policy advice based on sound analysis, and support original solutions.  

4. Results-oriented problem solver– Able to develop solutions to deliver tangible results for SPC, its members and other stakeholders.

5. Influencing and relationship building skills – Able to influence and guide others to achieve divisional and organisational goals. Demonstrate strong negotiation, communication and advocacy skills and excellent interpersonal skills. Contribute to building productive relationships and partnerships across the organisation and with stakeholders.

6. Qualifications – Post graduate qualification and/or equivalent relevant work experience in water supply/sanitation engineering (infrastructure improvements), hydrology/hydrogeology, water resource management, quantity surveying, surveying, natural resource management, business, economics, management; development or related subjects. Training in project management and qualifications encompassing a variety of water supply and sanitation disciplines would be advantages.

7. Technical expertise – Demonstrated experience in successfully managing complex water supply infrastructure projects, ideally in remote developing country settings. A track record in leadership and management of staff, consultants and budgets. Strong technical advisory and project management skills and knowledge of project cycle principles, log-frames, monitoring and evaluation. Sound communication, presentation and report writing skills in English. Experience in donor and stakeholder reporting and communications. Experience working in the Pacific region and knowledge of European Union donor processes would be an advantage.

8. Language skills – Proficient in English, with a working knowledge of French being an advantage.

9. Cultural awareness – Cultural sensitivity and demonstrated understanding of developing country environments, with knowledge of Pacific Island countries and territories being an advantage.

 

Remuneration– The Coordinator, Kiritimati Island Water Project is a Band 13 position in SPC’s 2013 salary scale, with a salary range (including a cost of living allowance) of 4,453–6,532SDR (Special Drawing Rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately AUD7,392–10,843 (USD6,700–9,870; EUR 5,000–6,700). 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. SPC remuneration is not subject to income tax in Kiribati for non-Kiribati nationals.

 

Benefits – SPC provides a housing allowance of AUD1,000 – 2,000 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).

 

Work environment – SPC has a standardised computing environment based on Microsoft Office. Smoking is not permitted in the work place.

 

Equal opportunity – SPC recruits on merit, but if two interviewed candidates are ranked equal by the selection committee, preference will be given to Pacific Islanders.

 

Application procedure – The closing date for applications is 20 September 2013. Candidates MUST provide: a detailed curriculum vitae; a written response stating their claims against the key selection criteria; and contact details, including email addresses and telephone numbers, for three referees.

 

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 it later. Can’t access the online recruitment system? Apply via email: recruit@spc.int; fax: + 687 26 38 18; or post to Sally Clark Herrmann, HR 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 was established in 1947 and employs over 570 staff. Its headquarters are in Noumea, New Caledonia, with other offices in Fiji, Federated States of Micronesia and Solomon Islands. SPC has 26 member countries and territories including its founding members, Australia, France, New Zealand and the United States of America, which contribute a large proportion of its funding. Other major development partners are 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.

 

Languages: SPC’s working languages are English and French.

 

Organisational structure: SPC is led by the Director-General supported by the senior management team, which includes three Deputy Directors-General and the Director of the Strategic Engagement, Policy and Planning Facility. Also contributing to SPC’s executive management are the directors of the seven technical divisions (Applied Geoscience and Technology; Economic Development; Education, Training and Human Development; Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems; Land Resources; Public Health; and Statistics for Development); the directors of Finance, Human Resources and the North Pacific Regional Office and the coordinator of the Honiara country office.