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, education, public health, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.

The Human Rights and Social Development Division has a vision for just, equitable and resilient Pacific societies and it aims to achieve this by advancing human rights, equality and social inclusion for all Pacific people, grounded in cultural values and principles. The work of this Division includes work previously undertaken by the Regional Rights Resource Team (RRRT) in the area of human rights and the Social Development Programme (SDP) in the areas of gender equality and social inclusion, culture and youth development.

In line with its vision, the work of the Division will encompass the following focal areas:

• Objective 1: Pacific institutions are strong, transparent, and responsive for upholding and promoting human rights and implementing inclusive, gender sensitive and culturally respectful development.
• Objective 2: Pacific Civil Society understand and can advocate for their rights and uphold cultural values.
• Objective 3: Pacific culture is protected, preserved, and promoted and culturally relevant and appropriate knowledge and systems are integrated across all work.
• Objective 4: All PSC programs and operations are grounded in people centered approaches and consider the rights and cultural values of diverse groups including women, children, youth and persons with disabilities.
• Objective 5: HRSD Division teams work collectively, coherently, and efficiently and to a high standard to achieve shared success for Pacific societies.

As the key implementing partner for the Pacific Women Lead portfolio, SPC leads the Pacific Women Lead (PWL) at SPC programme (PWL at SPC), located within SPC’s HRSD Division. A core principle is that Pacific women will lead the programme, define the problems, create solutions, and drive strategy through a Governance Board, with strong and diverse membership from across the region. The programme also recognises that success will depend on ensuring that all activities and actions are grounded in Pacific values and principles, and people centred approaches that reinforce values of gender equality with consideration of the diversity of women and girls.

The role – Research and Knowledge Management Adviser will oversee the research strategy of Pacific Women Lead at SPC, by managing, commissioning and dissemination of research and knowledge products from Pacific Women Lead and across the Gender Equality Flagship to contribute to communication, information sharing and learning approaches.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Finalise and lead the implementation of the PWL at SPC research and knowledge management strategy

• Finalise the draft research and knowledge management strategy that meets the needs of the PWL at SPC programme to ensure the objectives are met.
• Manage the implementation of the research strategy as part of an annual work plan, including seeking opportunities and areas of interest to develop research and knowledge management products, and supporting emerging Pacific gender equality researchers.

Coordinate and deliver PWL at SPC research and knowledge products

• Manage the development, commissioning and delivery of relevant research and knowledge management initiatives in providing support for publications, coordination of events and capacity building opportunities for emerging Pacific women researchers

Coordination of research and knowledge management for gender equality across the organisation

• Participate in organizational working groups and key stakeholders to ensure coordination of gender equality research and knowledge products, and to identify needs across the organization for additional gender equality research and information
• Provide, as needed, advice and capability building of key SPC stakeholders in research and knowledge management for development impact.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• A postgraduate qualification in a relevant field such as gender, social research, social policy, or development studies or equivalent body of knowledge and experience.

Technical expertise

• At least 7 years of experience in research or knowledge management development, for dissemination and use
• Proven examples (and can cite at least 2 examples) of previous work on development research or a knowledge management strategy that brings about positive behaviour change
• Examples of providing capability building, coaching or mentoring opportunities to emerging researchers
• Experience conducting and/or managing social research and disseminating knowledge products.
• Proven ability to develop strong working relationships with a diverse range of individuals and organisations, including researchers and research institutes.
• Proven ability to anticipate clients’ needs, demonstrates understanding of clients’ perspectives, and solicits feedback on service provision and quality.
• Demonstrated skills in presenting information in a clear and simple manner.
• Strong communication and analytical skills, with ability to convey (both verbally and in writing) complex information to stakeholders of varying levels of experience or ability.
• Detail conscious and experience working in a deadline-driven environment.

Language skills

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written) with a working knowledge of French being an advantage.

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment.

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – Until 30 June 2027 – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – The Research and Knowledge Management Adviser is a band 10 position in SPC’s 2025 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 2,575‒3,218 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 7,750–9,687 (USD 3,424–4,280; EUR 3,154–3,942). 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 1,500–5,200 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 10% 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: 4 May 2025 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)

Job Reference: TT000073

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):

1. Can you share two examples of gender equality research or knowledge management strategies you have developed or implemented, including how they contributed to organisational learning, policy influence, or behaviour change?
2. How have you supported or mentored emerging gender equality researchers—particularly women or early-career Pacific researchers—and what approaches have you used to build their capacity and confidence?
3. Describe how you have coordinated the development and dissemination of gender research and knowledge products across an organisation or program. How did you ensure they were relevant, practical, and informed broader development outcomes or decision-making?