Systems Development Manager

• Noumea-based position
• Attractive expatriate package
• Join the principal development organisation in the region

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 Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems (FAME) Division is one of SPC’s oldest Divisions and it has been providing scientific and technical expertise to support fisheries management and sustainable development in the Pacific for over 60 years. FAME’s goal is that fisheries resources of the Pacific region are sustainably managed for economic growth, food security and environmental conservation. FAME includes the Oceanic Fisheries Programme (OFP) and Coastal Fisheries Programme (CFP). OFP is the region’s centre for oceanic fisheries science and information, providing essential data collection, data management and modelling and analysis services to the Pacific. CFP provides science and technical support to PICTs to enhance the management of coastal fisheries, and the sustainable development of aquaculture and nearshore livelihoods across the region. The work of OFP and CFP are supported by the FAME Director’s Office, which includes the Information Section, communications, and monitoring, evaluation and learning.

The role – the Systems Development Manager will be responsible for the oversight of database system design and development provided to OFP clients through the work of small but highly competent development team.

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

Management, administration and communication

• Oversees/Manages the OFP application development process, including task planning and allocation.
• Manage staff and monitor staff performance for subordinate positions.
• Lead role in region (extending to WCFPC member countries) on database design and development.

OFP internal database management systems

• Design, develop, document and maintain the regional fisheries database systems for the registration, entry, importing and querying of data.
• Dissemination of OFP data and data summaries in accordance with the OFP policy on the dissemination of data, as requested.

SPC (and WCPFC) members have the application systems (tools) to acquire, manage and report on a variety of fishery data

• Oversees the design, development and maintenance of web and mobile device applications to enhance the management and reporting of fisheries data, in particular, the web-based TUFMAN 2 tuna fisheries database management system and its suite of E-Reporting mobile applications.

Capacity building of SPC members

• Organisation, design and delivery of data management training.
• Train national staff in the use of in-country fisheries database management systems.
• Provide advice and technical assistance on IT infrastructure and network setup. Arrange solutions for those that need hardware / software upgrades.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in information technology with focus on programming/development

Technical expertise

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in systems development, including at least two years demonstrated experience developing web applications using Angular, C#, JavaScript and similar products
• At least five years’ experience developing and maintaining large-scale relational database management systems, ideally using MS SQL Server
• Experience in a senior/managerial role in a team of developers
• Experience as an analyst, working with the client to get their information system requirements
• Knowledge of fisheries and experience with fisheries database systems

Language skills

• Good communication skills

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Ability to work and travel in a multicultural and multilingual environment

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – This vacant position is budgeted for 3 years and is subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – the Systems Development Manager is a band 12 position in SPC’s 2024 salary scale, with a starting salary range of SDR (special drawing rights) 4,792-5,894 per month, which converts to approximately XPF 708,852-871,830 (USD 6,374-7,839; EUR 5,940-7,306). 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. SPC salaries are not presently subject to income tax in New Caledonia.

Benefits for international staff employees based in New Caledonia – SPC provides subsidised housing in Noumea. 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 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 begiven to the Pacific Islander. Applicants will be assured of complete confidentiality in line with SPC’s private policy.

Application procedure

Closing date: 27 October 2024 – 11:00 pm (Noumea time)

Job Reference: CR000300

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.

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. What methodology would you implement to ensure the efficient management of a small development team, and how would you adapt this approach to meet tight deadlines while maintaining high-quality standards?
2. How would you manage a project where the initial specifications are limited, and requirements frequently change due to different stakeholder agendas at both national and regional levels?
3. Given the resource and connectivity limitations faced by users in the Pacific, how would you design and develop applications that function effectively under such conditions?

Position Description