Data Assistant

• Attractive local package
• Friendly and supportive team environment
• Join the principal development organization in the Pacific 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 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 – Data Assistant will support data management processes in gathering, organizing and analysing assessment data.  This role will also assist data analysts in their roles, improving efficiency in data analysis. The Data Assistant will perform regular maintenance checks and monitor the operations of databases to identify and report any issues to the relevant team.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Data management and organisation

• Conduct regular data audits and data cleaning to identify and rectify inaccuracies.
• Implement validation checks during data entry processes to minimize errors.
• Set up a schedule for timely data entry and monitor adherence.

Reporting and analysis support

• Establish a reporting calendar with clear deadlines for each report.
• Utilize data analysis tools to identify trends and patterns for insightful reporting.
• Collaborate with members of the team and stakeholders to understand report requirements and expectations.

Data security and compliance

• Support with all areas relating to data matters always ensuring the highest standards of compliance.
• Conduct regular security audits and address vulnerabilities promptly.
• Ensure country assessment data is secure and not shared unless approval is given by the Director.

Support administrative procedure in the use of data

• Conduct regular process reviews to identify areas for improvement in the collection and the use of data.
• Support with administration and co-ordination of pupil data collections and analysis.
• Support in collecting school enrolment; census and sampled countries.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such computer studies, analytics, mathematics, commerce from a recognized institution or equivalent work experience.

Technical expertise

• At least 3-4 years of experience in a data related field.
• Experience in building teamwork, initiative and ability to adhere to strict multiple timelines.
• Experienced and highly competent user of MS Office products including MS Word, Excel and SharePoint.
• Work with highly sensitive information and maintain strictest levels of confidentiality.
• Experience in data gathering, analysis, interpretation and reporting.         

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 – Until 31 October 2027 – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – The Data 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.

Application procedure

Closing Date – 13 October 2024 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)

Job Reference: JM000766

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. In your view, identify two personal characteristics a data assistant should have and give a brief explanation why you chose these two characteristics.
2. Identify the steps you would take and software you would use for data cleaning.
3. Why do you want to be a data assistant in this organisation?

Position Description