Communications Assistant

The Pacific Community (SPC) invites applications for the position of Communications Assistant. This position will be located in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

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 unique organisation works across more than 25 sectors. We are known for our knowledge and innovation in such areas as fisheries science, public health surveillance, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.

The Melanesia Regional Office has the strategic objective to strengthen engagement and collaboration with members and partners in the region. The intention is to contribute to building SPC’s understanding of members’ priorities, values, cultures and context, to ensure meaningful engagement and impact of our members with SPC.

The role – the Communications Assistant will be responsible for highlighting SPC’s development work at Member level through high quality communications products and support.

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

Content production

• Working closely with the Regional Director, identify opportunities to produce newsworthy content and collect a range of audio/visual and written materials to bring visibility to these actions

• Gather resources through field visits or by working with field staff to provide high-quality resources for the benefit of the regional office and the SPC wide content libraries

• Participate in the global content and communications strategy planning and identify opportunities to leverage multi-media, video, and online content for the sub-region in support of SPC wide communication campaigns

Media and public relations

• Identify opportunities for media coverage of SPC and SPC member regional activities by maintaining a calendar and monitoring regional media coverage

• Establish good relations with regional media outlets, writers and bloggers

• Collect and send relevant information to SPC’s Corporate Communications Office for the preparation of press alerts, releases, editorials

• Convey media requests to the Regional Director / the Corporate Communications Office, and prepare, if needed, briefing materials ahead of the interviews

Support increased awareness of SPC regional office

• Provide communications support and advice to the Regional Director and to Member representatives upon request

• Assist Regional Office team in developing materials and methods for improving internal communication within the region and across the wide SPC staff network

• Provide general communications support

For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description.

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Diploma in Communications, Public Relations or related field

Technical expertise

• 3 years professional experience in communications or closely related sector

• Strong photography and videography skills with a portfolio of published work

• Strong writing skills

• Experience writing for different Social media platforms

Language skills

• Strong working knowledge of English (spoken and written), working knowledge of French would be an advantage

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• A proactive and positive team player able to work effectively in a multicultural environment

• Knowledge of Pacific Island countries and territories is an advantage

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – This position is budgeted for 1 year.

Remuneration – the Communications Assistant is a Band 6 position in SPC’s 2022 salary scale, with a starting salary range of SBD 63,374–79,218 per year, plus local staff benefits. An offer of appointment for an initial contract will 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. Salary and housing allowance are subject to income tax.

Benefits – SPC provides a housing allowance of 25% of the base salary, medical and life insurance for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Employees are entitled to 25 days of annual 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 bilinguism, 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 private policy.

Please note that applicants must be Solomon Islands Nationals currently residing in the country, or hold the proper work permit for salaried employment there.