Human Resources Officer – Advisory and Operations

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 Operations and Management Directorate (OMD) provides corporate services to all SPC Divisions and Programmes. It consists of three key departments: Finance, Human Resources and Information Services. OMD is focused on improving the effectiveness of systems, policies and management to provide high-quality customer-oriented services.

The role – Human Resources Officer – Advisory and Operations will be responsible for providing timely, high quality and customer-focused advice, support and services to managers across a broad spectrum of HR needs and under the direction of the HR Advisor support employee relations, performance management, HR operations, change management and policy advice.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

HR Advisory

• Under the direction of the HR Advisor (HRA) advise, coach and support managers to manage their staff and take responsibility for people issues, performance management, employment relations, and interpretation of employment agreements and policies.
• In collaboration with the HRA, support for the planning, implementing and monitoring of change management processes.
• Develop, promote and embed HR policies and practices.
• Conduct Job Evaluations – in collaboration with the HR certified job evaluators, size and evaluate roles after ensuring the descriptions are coherent and duties are well encapsulated. Report outcome to and have discussion with managers as needed.

HR Services

• Work with assigned portfolios to proactively manage; staff contracts, HR system data management, employee mobility/off-boarding, employee induction, employee benefits, payroll coordination (bimonthly/monthly), recruitment (temporary roles), role approvals and visas.
• Collate and organize key audit documents for audit verification exercises.
• Support HRM with medical and life insurance processes.
• Ensure staff members are aware of their host country requirements and laws and comply with them at all times.

HR Projects, Policy and Process Development

• Contribute to the updating and publishing of HR forms, templates, best practice process (SOPs) and guidelines to be accessible for managers.
• Assist with the development, review and implementation of HR policy, tools, and best practice guidelines.
• Identify and implement system and process improvements (including SOPs) to support the ongoing delivery of HR advice and support to managers.

Team Effectiveness

• Contribute to a positive team culture that enables high performance of the HR team.
• Practice a continuous improvement approach by reviewing own work methods and maintaining a positive approach to solving problems/issues.
• Contribute to the efficient delivery of HR support, being flexible, adaptable and operating as a team, undertaking work in other areas where necessary to assist.

Customer Service

• Foster an environment where professional, quality service is provided to customers (both internal and external) ensuring customer needs are clearly identified, requests for information are met in an accurate and timely manner and all commitments are met.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as human resources, industrial relations or equivalent body of knowledge and experience.

Technical expertise

• At least 5 years of HR experience, with 3 years in a similar role ideally in an international setting and medium to large organisation structure in the Pacific region.
• Sound knowledge and experience across a range of HR practices and policies.
• Ability to coach, communicate and be credible with a wide range of people.
• Good level of computer literacy, confident using the Microsoft Office suite and able to learn new applications when required.
• Possess a high level of organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise work.
• Strong relationship skills and to relate well and build trust and confidence with people at all levels.
• Excellent judgement and problem-solving skills.

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 – 3 years – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – The Human Resources Officer – Advisory and Operations is a band 8 position in SPC’s 2025 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 2,044‒2,555 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 6,152–7,691 (USD 2,719–3,398; EUR 2,504–3,130). 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 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.