Project Manager, Enhancing Adaptation and Community Resilience by Improving Water Security

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 Geoscience Energy and Maritime Division provides advice, technical assistance, research and training support to Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs). There are three (3) areas of scientific programming and two areas of focus within this division:

1. Oceans and Maritime Programme (OMP) – assists member countries with services that provide applied ocean science and knowledge for evidence-based policy-making and technical solutions for improved ocean and maritime governance, management and capacity development.
2. Georesources and Energy Programme (GEP) – assists member countries by applying technical knowledge in the areas of geoscience and sustainable energy use.
3. Disaster and Community Resilience Programme (DCRP) – assists member countries to demonstrate strengthened resilience through integrated action on disaster risk management, climate change adaptation, natural resource management and increased access to water and sanitation.

The role – the Project Manager, Enhancing Adaptation and Community Resilience by Improving Water Security will primarily be responsible for the overall project management and delivery of the Enhancing Adaptation and Community Resilience by Improving Water Security project (herewith referred to as the Vanuatu Water Security project). This includes project management, procurement, team coordination, oversight of financial management, performance and reporting, risk management and the provision of high-level advice to participating Government of Vanuatu agencies, partners and SPC.

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

Overall leadership and governance of the Vanuatu Water Security Project

• Strategic leadership of the project at all levels, and development of effective working relationships.
• Establishment and maintenance of the resources, systems and enabling environments needed for effective Project implementation.
• Day-to-day management, implementation and coordination of all Project activities.
• Oversight and management of all funded services, supplies and equipment.
• Effective monitoring, evaluation and reporting of Project implementation.

Coordination and management of agreed project deliverables

• Effectively coordinate and manage project actions to empower communities to plan and manage climate resilient water resources.
• Effectively coordinate and manage project actions to enhance rural water infrastructure in target communities.
• Effectively coordinate and manage project actions to strengthen capacity of provincial and national institutions to address climate risks associated with water security.

Management and maintenance of working relationships between key project partners, actors and stakeholders

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships between key project partners, actors and stakeholders.

Provision of strategic advice and support to strengthen the efficacy of SPC programmes and support to Vanuatu and other Member countries

• Provide high level expert strategic advice and support on climate change adaptation, resilient infrastructure, water, sanitation and hygiene, rural and remote programme implementation.

Effective management of people and teams

• Establish a functional and effective PMU.
• Maintain positive work environments and effectively manage SPC project team.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• A postgraduate degree from a recognised institution in a discipline relevant to project management, international development, water resources management, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), climate and disaster resilience, geosciences, engineering, construction, surveying, community development, and/or another relevant field or equivalent body of knowledge and experience.

Technical expertise

• At least 10 years in the management of complex infrastructure and/or community development projects, including for the augmentation of water supply infrastructure and for projects carried out in remote locations, preferably in a Pacific Island Country environment.
• Thorough understanding of project management including project cycles, log-frames, and risk management.
• Demonstrated ability to work in relative isolation, while effectively maintaining necessary consultation and reporting requirements.
• Demonstrated skills in leadership, coordination and the mentoring of staff.
• A demonstrated proficiency in meeting the monitoring and reporting requirements of development partners such as the GCF.
• Demonstrated experience managing a high volume and high dollar value procurement.
• Excellent computer skills across necessary applications

Language skills

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written), including report writing and preparation of communicative presentation materials.

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Excellent interpersonal skills in a diverse multicultural environment such as the Pacific Islands region generally, or Vanuatu specifically

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 Project Manager, Enhancing Adaptation and Community Resilience by Improving Water Security is a band 12 position in SPC’s 2024 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 4,173–5,168 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately USD 5,550– 6,874. An offer of appointment for an initial contract will normally be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration being given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale is based on annual performance reviews. SPC salaries are not presently subject to income tax in Vanuatu.

Benefits for international staff employees– SPC provides a housing allowance of USD 1,000–2,000. Establishment and relocation grant, removal expenses, airfares, home leave, medical and life insurance, and education allowance are available for eligible employees and their recognised dependents. Employees are entitled to 25 days of annual 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.