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, 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 – Operations and Advisory will be responsible for providing timely, high quality and customer-focused advice, support and services to managers across a broad spectrum of Human Resources needs and under the direction of the Senior Human Resources Manager in the areas of employee relations, performance management, Human Resources operations, change management and policy advice.
The key responsibilities of the role include:
HR Advisory Services
- Under the direction of the Senior Human Resources Manager, 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 Senior Human Resources Manager, provide support for the planning implementation and monitoring of change management processes.
- Provide orientation to new managers and ongoing training on Human Resource systems and processes.
- Develop, promote and embed Human Resource policies and practices.
HR Services
- Work with assigned portfolios to proactively manage staff contracts, Human Resource system data management, employee mobility/off-boarding, employee induction, employee benefits, payroll coordination, role approvals and visas.
- Collate and organize key audit documents for audit verification exercises.
- Advise managers on processes around internships, secondees and PHD, volunteer placements.
- Support the Senior Human Resources Manager with medical and life insurance processes.
HR Projects, Policy and Process Development
- Contribute to the updating and publishing of Human Resource forms, templates, best practice processes (SOPs) and guidelines to be accessible for managers.
- Assist with the development, review and implementation of Human Resource policy, tools and best practices guidelines.
Team Effectiveness
- Contribute to a positive team culture that enables high performance of the Human Resources Team.
- Practice a continuous improvement approach by reviewing own work methods and maintain a positive approach to solving problems/issues.
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 human resources, industrial relations or a related discipline.
Technical expertise
- At least 5 years of Human Resource experience, with 3 years in a similar role ideally in an international setting and medium to large organization structure in the Pacific region.
- Sound knowledge and experience across a range of Human Resource 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 suite and able to learn a new applications when required.
- A high level of organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize 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).
Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness
- Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment.
Salary, terms and conditions
Contract Duration – 6 months
Remuneration – The Human Resources Officer – Operations and Advisory is a band 8 position in SPC’s 2024 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 2,044‒2,555 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 6,091–7,614 (USD 2,719–3,398; EUR 2,534–3,167). 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 on temporary contracts – SPC provides a housing allowance of FJD 1,350–3,000 per month. Relocation airfares, excess luggage, health and life and disability insurances are available for employees. Employees are entitled to 25 working days of annual leave per annum and other types of leave, prorated on contract length and access to SPC’s Provident Fund (contributing 8% of salary, to which SPC adds a matching 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: 30 June 2024 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)
Job Reference: JM000692
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):
- Describe a change that you had to contribute to or implement in your current or previous organization. What was your role and the challenges faced, if any? Please also share any lessons learnt from your experience.
- Tell us about your experience in conducting training on either HR systems or HR policies/procedures? How would you describe your communication style?
- Give an example where you had to provide advice on a complex staffing issue (e.g., poor performance).