Water Security and Governance Coordinator

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 Geoscience Energy and Maritime Division provides advice, technical assistance, research and training support to Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs). There are three (3) areas of scientific programming and two areas of focus within this division:

1. Oceans and Maritime Programme (OMP) – assists member countries with services that provide applied ocean science and knowledge for evidence-based policy-making and technical solutions for improved ocean and maritime governance, management and capacity development.
2. Georesources and Energy Programme (GEP) – assists member countries by applying technical knowledge in the areas of geoscience and sustainable energy use.
3. Disaster and Community Resilience Programme (DCRP) – assists member countries to demonstrate strengthened resilience through integrated action on disaster risk management, climate change adaptation, natural resource management and increased access to water and sanitation.

The Water Security and Governance Coordinator will be responsible for the overall implementation of the Water Security and Governance component of the DCRP including several projects that fall under this portfolio. This involves team coordination, performance and reporting and the provision of high-level advice to the Pacific Community (SPC), Geoscience, Energy and Maritime (GEM), DCRP, the Governments of the Pacific and partners.

Overall management of the WSG and GPRT Component of the DCRP

• Responsibility for the establishment and recruitment of the Programme and Project Teams and implementation arrangements
• Responsibility for the day-to-day management, implementation and coordination of the WSG and GPRT Component in DCRP and interim responsibility for the GPR in DCRP
• Supporting regional and national consultation processes where required to assist with priority setting for the sector and for specific projects
• Coordination and management of all procurement requirements for funded services and supplies
• Leading and promoting networking between key stakeholders
• Overall responsibility for monitoring and evaluation of WSG and GPR Component implementation including best practices and experiences

Provision of high-level expert advice to Governments of the Pacific, SPC and Partners

• Undertaking high-level strategic analyses of existing and proposed governance and water security frameworks for the management of water resources in Pacific Island Countries
• Providing expert advice on the development and implementation of appropriate water resource management instruments
• Providing support to the implementation of water-related demonstration projects and other regional water-related activities
• Providing expert advice and support on the development of indicators for use in national and regional monitoring frameworks
• Design, organization and facilitation of high-level regional meetings, workshops and training programmes
• Facilitation of national level multi-stakeholder consultative forums for the development and negotiation of water security initiatives and national policy and plans for water and sanitation.
• Drafting of national legislation, policy and plans for water resources management

Development and coordination of a suite of regional and country activities

• Development of practical and feasible programmes of assistance through effective consultation, collaboration and negotiation with Pacific Island Countries and partners
• The effective coordination, monitoring and delivery of activities at a regional, national and local level
• The preparation of project proposals, terms of reference and contracts to enable the effective implementation of support activities
• The management of consultants and both small and large contracts for work undertaken regionally and in Pacific Island Countries

Improving the management of water resources

• Support to SPC’s regional and in-country communication and advocacy strategies
• The promotion of water resource management principles and programme components in all relevant media
• Effective liaison on water-related activities between and within relevant Government and SPC programmes and projects

Supporting the capacity and efficacy of SPC’s Water and sanitation and resilient development

• Provision of expert advice and support to the development of strategies and plans for the delivery of SPC programmes for the management of water and sanitation.
• Provision of expert advice, guidance and training
• Promotion and negotiation of agreements with partners and Pacific Island Countries
• Fundraising through technical and financial proposal development and sourcing assistance from donors and other development partners in the region

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• A postgraduate qualification (and/or equivalent knowledge and work experience) in one or more of the following: water resources management; law and public policy; development studies; hydrology/hydrogeology, natural resource management, business, economics, management or related field.

Technical expertise

• At least ten years’ experience in the management of complex water resources management work, including governance and security of water resources usage and protection, drinking water supply and sanitation.
• Strong technical skills in engineering, water security, water resources management, hydrology, water governance, environmental assessment, disaster reduction, project management and public policy development.
• Deep understanding of water security and governance issues facing Pacific Island Countries and Territories, including the barriers to maintaining safe drinking water and sanitation and strategies to overcome these.
• Capacity to design, manage and implement complex programmes of development assistance at regional, sub-regional and local levels, including in remote island locations.
• Capacity to effectively advocate on Pacific water and sanitation issues at multiple levels, and to consolidate the support of development partners and stakeholders.
• Effective networking capacity and ability to develop and maintain robust working relationships with SPC country counterparts and regional partners.
• High-level project management experience including an understanding of project-cycle principles, log-frames, monitoring and evaluation, and proficiency in meeting the reporting requirements of development partners.
• Skills in leadership, coordination, and the mentoring of staff.

Language skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including an ability to effectively communicate complex water resource and WASH information to technical and non-technical audiences.

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a diverse cultural and multi-disciplinary background.

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – till 31st December 2024 – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – The Water Security and Governance Coordinator is a Band 13 position in SPC’s 2022 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 3,987‒4,984 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 11,763–14,704 (USD 5,702–7,127; EUR 4,785–5,981). 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 is 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.