Communications Assistant x2

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 surveillance, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.

The vision of the Educational Quality and Assessment Programme (EQAP) is to be ‘The agency for educational quality in the Pacific region’. Its mission is to enhance the quality of education and training for Pacific learners, so they realize the benefits of lifelong learning. EQAP seeks to promote the following core values within the context of SPC’s corporate values:

• a culture of quality;
• a culture of continuous improvement;
• cultural and political sensitivity;
• respect for the autonomy and priorities of the education system in each Pacific Island country and territory (PICTs); and
• assimilation of the expressed needs of countries in its delivery of technical services.

The role – Communications Assistant will carry out communications and visibility activities to enhance and promote EQAP reputation and develop positive relationships with key stakeholders.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Coordination Support

• Align and maintain the calendar of key communications events/activities with the calendar updated by the division’s M&E team.
• Provide support on the ground as requested for EQAP events and activities.
• Oversee the EQAP visibility items matrix and notify the Communications Officer to ensure items are always available for staff use.
• Assist in coordinating media interviews and enhancing visibility efforts for the EQAP team.

Multimedia content creation

• Draft original written content for Corporate Communications and the EQAP website.
• Create and edit short video content, including interviews and quick messages.
• Assist in revising and restructuring media releases, blogs and feature stories.
• Provide photography support.

Digital Platform Management Assistance

• Draft original SM content appropriate for the platform.
• Update EQAP website on a regular basis following instructions from the EQAP Communications Officer.
• Ensure that all interactive features of the website are functional and up to date.

Support the Communications and Visibility Officer

• Provide quarterly updates on the number of social media and web stories published by EQAP.
• Assist in reaching out to stakeholders and member countries to request for Communications content for campaigns and activities finalized by the Communications Officer.
• Manage the list of vendors that are used to create the division’s visibility items.
• Provide any ad-hoc support requested by the Communications Officer.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• An undergraduate degree in communications, journalism, or similar communication in science and or equivalent work experience.

Technical expertise

• At least 4 years working in a professional capacity in the communications field.
• Experience working on location at events in support of communications.
• Fluent in all major social media platforms.
• Proven experience with two different platforms in designing and publishing content for the web and social media for a range of audiences and platform.
• Proven experience in videography (filming and editing).
• Ability and willingness to travel if required.

Language skills

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written).

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 Communications Assistant is a band 7 position in SPC’s 2024 salary scale, with a commencing taxable salary range of FJD 2,287-2,859 per month, plus local staff benefits. 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.

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 – 17th March 2024 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)

Job Reference: JM000590

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.

Only Fijian citizens are eligible to apply for this role.

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. Your role will involve developing, managing and dissemination of information and knowledge products related to strengthening the quality of education in the Pacific. Please explain how you will go about developing communications products, how you would choose where to publish it, and what process you would follow to ensure wider use and adoption with donor visibility?
2. Please provide your experience in writing and editing for a diverse audience, including partners, donors, media and the general public. Include experience in social media writing and promotion.
3. Provide an example of a piece of multimedia content that you are most proud of and explain what your role was in developing, publishing or completing this piece of work?