Description
The Pacific Community (SPC) is the principal scientific and technical organisation in the Pacific region, supporting development since 1947. We are an international development organisation owned and governed by our 27 country and territory members. In pursuit of sustainable development to benefit Pacific people, our organisation works across more than 25 sectors. We are known for our knowledge and innovation in such areas as fisheries science, public health, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.
The Land Resources Division (LRD) which provides effective expert scientific advice, capacity building and services on conservation, development and utilization of plant genetic resources, forest and landscape management, resilient agricultural systems, diversification of livelihood strategies and access to markets to maintain ecosystem services and improve land productivity and the food, nutrition security and resilience of Pacific communities. This mission is realized through four main thematic work areas, or pillars, and a progressively integrated approach to programming that works towards achieving SPC’s development goals. This position is under the Pacific Organics and ethical trade community (POETCom) within the Markets for Livelihood Pillar whose work is focused on building resilient farm families to ensure food and nutritional security through improving availability, access, utilization and quality of food supplies in both rural and urban areas.
The Organic Production Systems Officer will advise and assist organic growers and farmers groups to improve production and comply with requirements for organic certification, coordinate production for markets, and develop value chains.
The key responsibilities of the role include the following:
Capacity Building for third party Organic and Participatory Guarantee System [PGS] using the Pacific Organic Standard [POS]
- Develop and conduct training and advice to businesses and farmers in POETCom Project Countries and as requested by Farmers Groups.
- Maintain training materials and ensure that it is up to date.
- Ensure ongoing PGS strengthening for established PGS groups.
Ongoing support of POETCom PGS groups and organic stakeholders
- Represent POETCom, LRD and SPC to promote the organic movement in the Pacific.
- Facilitate knowledge sharing events and communication among PGS groups.
- Initiate and advance National Organic Policy development.
Membership Services and Engagement
- Lead membership participation on POETCom Activities.
- Promote new membership and assist with current members as needed.
- Link POETCom members to funding opportunities.
Technical Assistance for POETCom Stakeholders
- Research, curate, and train Organic best Practices.
- Integrate organic concepts throughout LRD projects and activities.
For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description.
Key selection criteria
Qualifications
- A tertiary degree in tropical agriculture or similar field.
- Training in organic certification and tropical agriculture.
Technical expertise
- Extensive 5-6 years relevant experience working with organic production.
- Demonstrated experience with traditional Pacific agriculture systems.
- Relevant work experience with certification systems/processes.
- Understands key challenges and constraints impeding Pacific Islands access to organic value chains.
- Experience in supporting the development of policy and provision of technical advice and support through an NGO or farmer support association.
- Demonstrated experience in developing funding and resource proposals, raising funds, and identifying opportunities to develop strategic partnerships including experience in project design and management.
Language skills
- Excellent English communication skills (oral and written), with a focus on clarity.
Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness
- Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment.
Salary, terms and conditions
Contract Duration – Until 30 June 2024 – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.
Remuneration – The Organic Production Systems Officeris a Band 9 position in SPC’s 2023 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 2,284‒2,856 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 6,739–8,424 (USD 3,061–3,826; EUR 2,900–3,625). An offer of appointment for an initial contract will normally be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale will be based on annual performance reviews. Remuneration of expatriate SPC staff members are not subject to income tax in Fiji; Fiji nationals employed by SPC in Fiji will be subject to income tax.
Benefits for international employees based in Fiji – SPC provides a housing allowance of FJD 1,350–3,000 per month. Establishment and repatriation grant, removal expenses, airfares, home leave travel, health and life and disability insurances and education allowances are available for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Employees are entitled to 25 working days of annual leave per annum and other types of leave, and access to SPC’s Provident Fund (contributing 8% of salary, to which SPC adds a matching contribution).
Languages – SPC’s working languages are English and French.
Recruitment principles – SPC’s recruitment is based on merit and fairness, and candidates are competing in a selection process that is fair, transparent and non-discriminatory. SPC is an equal-opportunity employer, and is committed to cultural and gender diversity, including bilingualism, and will seek to attract and appoint candidates who respect these values. Due attention is given to gender equity and the maintenance of strong representation from Pacific Island professionals. If two interviewed candidates are ranked equal by the selection panel, preference will be given to the Pacific Islander. Applicants will be assured of complete confidentiality in line with SPC’s Privacy Policy.
How to apply
Application procedure
Closing Date: 20 August 2023 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)
Job Reference: JM000454
Applicants must apply online at http://careers.spc.int/
Hard copies of applications will not be accepted.
For your application to be considered, you must provide us with:
- an updated resume with contact details for three professional referees
- a cover letter detailing your skills, experience, and interest in this position
- responses to all screening questions
Your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed at shortlisting stage if all the above documents are not provided. Applicants should not attach copies of qualifications or letters of reference. Please ensure your documents are in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.
For international staff in Fiji, only one foreign national per family can be employed with an entity operating in Fiji at any one given time. SPC may assist on a case-by-case basis with submissions to Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their consideration and final approval. SPC cannot and does not make any guarantee whatsoever of approval for such applications to Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs and where an application is approved, the spouse or partner will subject to such terms and conditions as may be set from time to time by the Ministry.
SPC does not charge a fee to consider your application and will never ask for your banking or financial information during the recruitment process.
Screening Questions (maximum of 2,000 characters per question):
- Please describe your experience and understanding of, and potential for, the sustainable and organic agriculture movements in the Pacific.
- Please describe your experience in building a network or community of practice. What are the challenges, and please describe a situation where you worked through challenges to build a common vision.
- What do you foresee as the main challenges to succeed in this position, and how will you manage these challenges?
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