Project Manager – PCCOS

• Noumea-based position
• Attractive expatriate package
• Join the principal development organisation in the 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, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.

The role – the Project Manager – PCCOS will manage the PCCOS programme, overseeing the anchor investments and related projects. It will play a pivotal role in leading and coordinating collaborative efforts between SPC Divisions and external partners. The role’s responsibilities will encompass strategic planning, project design, project execution, resource management, resource mobilization, knowledge management, and ensuring timely and successful project deliverables.

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

Project planning and execution

• Lead the management of the PCCOS project budget, scope and schedule.
• Lead PCCOS planning exercises, including PCCOS funds and related project.
• Identify and manage project issues and risks.
• Provide effective project management leadership and support across the PCCOS project portfolio and leadership.
• Contribute to coordination of project activities with stakeholders.
• Oversee project finances with timely expenditure monitoring and reporting.
• Lead inception phases of new projects as Project Manager.
• Contribute to the recruitment of project teams.

Monitoring, evaluation, learning and reporting

• Drive implementation of PCCOS’s MEL plan and strategy, ensuring alignment with donor and SPC MEL requirements.
• Develop and manage all performance monitoring activities and systems, including necessary data management and visualization software.
• Conduct regular and ad-hoc data analysis and provide quality assurance over the preparation of donor reports and PCCOS contributions to SPC corporate reports and evaluations.
• Lead internal learning and use of MEL findings and facilitate opportunities to increase learning across PCCOS and with other SPC divisions and programmes.

Programme/project development (UN decade of Ocean Science, COP, IOM)

• Contribute to development and implementation of Integrated Ocean Management and Marine Spatial Planning in the organisation and for the region, including facilitation of design, planning workshops and communities of practice.
• Contribute to the development and monitoring of programmes and projects within the UN decade of the Oceans context.
• Collaborate in efforts to advance integrated programming efforts across SPC, including sharing lessons from PCCOS.
• Collaborate and foster partnership with organisations involved in implementing the UN Ocean Decade in the regional and globally, including IOC-UNESCO, national UNESCO committees, CROP partners, and other relevant organisations.

Resource Mobilisation

• Develop and lead on the implement PCCOS’ Resource Mobilisation Strategy, which would include innovative funding mechanism and alternative business models.
• Coordinate the preparation of grant proposals and negotiation of contracts for new science and research concepts aligned to PCCOS objectives and using skills, services and tools across SPC’s divisions to achieve the best outcomes.
• Research potential donors and partners and submit with innovative concepts related to the development of science and research concepts and proposals to appropriate and interested donors.

Knowledge management and communications

• Drive implementation of PCCOS’s Knowledge Management and Communications Strategy including ensuring quality and consistent messaging about PCCOS’s programme learnings, lessons, outcomes and impacts to external audiences, and ensuring alignment with donor and SPC communications requirements.
• Collaborate on and quality assure PCCOS knowledge products for alignment with donor and SPC requirements.

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

 

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Master degree in relevant field such as international development, project management, design, monitoring and evaluation, economics.

Technical expertise

• At least 10 years of experience in international development project management, implementation and monitoring, evaluation and learning, with good understanding of international best practices in development effectiveness.
• Demonstrated experience of effective project delivery within budget and project scope.
• Demonstrated skills in a wide range of quantitative and qualitative evaluation methods and data analysis.
• Experience in international development, including design and implementation of M&E Frameworks.
• Strategic thinker with well-developed analytical skills and attention to detail and experienced in strategic planning and consultation processes.
• Advanced facilitation skills.
• Experience in communicating programme learnings to a wide range of audiences through a variety of user-friendly knowledge products.
• Experience in programme communication, visibility and marketing.
• Advanced planning and programme learning skills and experience.
• Skilled user of databases for entering, processing/cleaning and extracting data, including some experience with web-based Monitoring and Reporting systems. Ability to train and motivate divisional staff on M&E systems and use of online reporting tools.

Language skills

• Excellent communication and report writing skills in English.

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Knowledge of Pacific Island countries and territories is an advantage.

 

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – This vacant position is budgeted until 30 June 2025.

Remuneration – the Project Manager – PCCOS is a band 11 position in SPC’s 2024 salary scale, with a starting salary range of SDR (special drawing rights) 4,206-5,161 per month, which converts to approximately XPF 622,159-763,470 (USD 5,594-6,865; EUR 5,214-6,398). 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 New Caledonia.

Benefits for international staff employees based in New Caledonia – SPC provides subsidised housing in Noumea and will reimburse excess accompanied luggage of up to two additional bags. Airfares, medical and life insurance are available for eligible employees. Employees are entitled to 25 days of annual leave per year of contract 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.

 

Application procedure

Closing date: 18 August 2024 – 11:00 pm (Noumea time).

Job Reference: CR000255

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

Please ensure your documents are in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.

All positions at SPC have specific screening questions. If you do not respond to all of the screening questions, your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed at shortlisting stage.

 

Screening questions (maximum of 2.000 characters per question):

1. Describe a situation where you have supported or led the design of a new project or programme. What was the outcome and what did you learn from the experience?      
2. Describe a situation where you have supported or led an approach to a donor to fundraise or mobilise resources. What was the outcome and what did you learn from the experience? Based on your knowledge of the PCCOS, what could be the possible sources of funding for PCCOS activities.
3. Describe MEL approaches and methods you have used previously that have involved participatory approaches with a diverse range of stakeholders.

Position Description