Technical Officer – Electronics

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 Geoscience Energy and Maritime (GEM) 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 – Technical Officer – Electronics will predominantly work with a maintenance team to provide support component of the Climate and Oceans Support for the Pacific (COSPPAC) Project. The Officer will assist with a wide range of maintenance, verification and return-to-service tasks on sea level stations as well as marine monitoring and surveying throughout the Pacific Region. The jobholder will also assist with basic training to local National Meteorological Services staff and other relevant departments.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Equipment Maintenance

• Support the development and maintain and document a Test and Evaluation Plan for functional testing of equipment and components prior to their deployment.
• Maintain familiarity with new equipment’s and keep abreast of new techniques.
• Assist in the servicing of all electronic equipment’s down to module level.
• Assist in the calibration and maintenance of tide gauge sensors including working with PC hardware, software and satellite communications equipment.

Technical Field Support

• Investigate and report on unusual or unexpected equipment conditions.
• Perform a range of work (including the more complex tasks on specific equipment) associated with the installation, maintenance and testing of a variety of electronic and other equipment’s.
• Assist in coordinating with technical in-country counterparts, where assigned, and carry out on-the-job training as required.
• Assist BoM Sea Level maintenance staff with the installation, verification & maintenance visits at the 14 sea-level station sites in the Pacific region.

Documentation and reporting

• Prepare reports on sea-level station visits and surveys and transfer information into the equipment database.
• Participate in the development and implementation of the workshop’s strategies in relation to installation and upgrade of equipment, evaluation and assessment of the equipment and its effectiveness, and meeting observational requirements
• Generate summary reports from meta data records to support survey planning and scheduling of works.
• Provide information to manager on project level reporting and review.

Logistics

• Assist work plans and surveys with equipment supply chain (e.g. Procurement and freighting) and any other aspects critical to schedule of surveys and site visits.
• Ensure that requirements and procedures stipulated by biosecurity, customs, etc. are adhered to and there are no delays in sending or receiving equipment to / from countries.
• Liaise closely with technical stakeholders in advance of the visits to ensure availability of resources for on-site work and effective coordination of survey and installation activities.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Diploma or trade certificate in electronics from a recognized institution.

Technical expertise

• 4 years of progressive work experience.
• Valid driving License.
• Good understanding of the working environment in Pacific Island countries.
• Troubleshooting skills.
• Knowledge of various Interfacing software and hardware.
• Flexible approach and ability to meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work without supervision.

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 August 2026 – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – The Technical Officer – Electronics 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.