Team Leader – Energy 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 organisation works across more than 25 sectors. We are known for our knowledge and innovation in such areas as fisheries science, education, public health, 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 four (4) areas of scientific programming 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 Water Resilience Programme (DWRP) – 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.
4. Earth and Ocean Observation Services – Promoting spatial data and systems analysis and capacity to improve decision-making to improve resilience and sustainable resource management.

The role – Team Leader – Energy Security is a senior position within the Georesources and Energy Programme of the Geoscience, Energy and Maritime Division. This position focuses on providing advice to Pacific Island countries and territories on policy and regulatory matters, and renewable energy and energy efficiency, spearheading and coordinating the implementation of the Framework for Energy Security and Resilience in the Pacific (FESRIP) and monitoring the region’s progress on SDG 7, participating in GEP’s resource mobilisation efforts, and coordinating SPC’s effort in implementing PICTs Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) relating to energy transition. The position works with teams across the GEM Division in Climate Change and Resilience domains.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Leadership and Management

• Provide sound leadership to the Energy Security Unit (ESU); planning, prepare annual work plan and budget for the ESU.
• Liaise with the PCREEE, NDC Hub, MTCC, CCES, and FSM.Se to ensure better collaboration and complementarity of efforts.
• Provide the necessary support to the Deputy Director – GEP and GEM Division Director.
• Represent SPC at relevant national, regional and international meetings.

Leading and coordinating FESRIPs implementation 2021-2030

• Develop the FESRIP Brief Outline every 3 years in consultation with PICTs and partners; Coordinate the implementation of the FESRIP Brief Outline in partnership with PICTs and partners; Enhance engagement with existing partners and seek their support through Technical Assistance and/or funding for the implementation of the FESRIP; Explore and establish new partnerships that will strengthen the implementation of the FESRIP.
• Coordinate the gathering of relevant data and information to track progress against energy targets, including SDG-7.
• Provide regular updates on the implementation progress of the FESRIP and SDG 7 to SPC Executives, PICTs, partners and Energy Ministers.

Spearheading the Resource Mobilisation / Fundraising efforts for Energy

• Collaborate with the SPC’s Integration and Resource Mobilisation Office (IRMO) and GEP Volunteers to progress GEP’s resource mobilisation efforts.
• Work with members of GEP Resource Mobilisation Committee (RMC) in discussing, developing, reviewing and submitting project concept notes and proposals (including Theory of Change, Logical Framework, and concept notes) to donors.
• Lead GEP’s effort in developing joint energy concept notes and proposals with relevant partners and submitting them to donors.
• Explore new partnerships / funding opportunities to support the implementation of the FESRIP 23 priority initiatives with partners / donors / philanthropies, private sector, etc.

Leading and coordinating the implementation of other Energy Activities

• Lead / coordinate SPC’s assistance in the implementation of specific tasks of the EDF11 FSM Sustainable Energy (FSM.SE) Project.
• Provide technical assistance and advice to PICTs on energy policy, Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and other aspects of energy.
• Coordinate the implementation of the Pacific Energy Gender Strategic Action Plan (PEGSAP) 2020-2030.
• Discuss and agree with the Pacific NDC Hub the countries’ NDCs that can be implemented by SPC alone and/or in collaboration with other partners; Coordinate the implementation of specific NDCs in consultation / collaboration with the countries and partners.
• Provide sound advice and technical assistance to the OPERA Coordination Expert and ADB in relation to the engagement of consultants and the implementation of OPERA activities.
• Coordinate the planning and implementation of other GEP energy projects in collaboration with the beneficiary countries and partners.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field such as energy, renewable energy, climate change mitigation or equivalent body of knowledge and experience.

Technical expertise

• At least 10 years of relevant experience in the energy sector with 5 years of leadership experience at project/programme management level.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritise and deliver timely and high-quality project outputs and outcomes.
• Experience in research and analysis, including in-depth technical knowledge in an energy sub-sector.
• Experience in fundraising, proposal preparation and project management.
• Previous experience working with donors and developing country partners.
• Strategic planning and organisational development experience.
• Awareness of the PICTs energy policy and status.
• Demonstrated ability to engage with donors, partners and other stakeholders.

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 December 2027 – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – The Team Leader – Energy Security is a band 12 position in SPC’s 2025 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 3,565‒4,456 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 10,730–13,413 (USD 4,741–5,927; EUR 4,367–5,459). 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 based in Fiji – SPC provides a housing allowance of FJD 1,500-5,200 per month. Establishment and repatriation grant, removal expenses, airfares, home leave travel, health and life and disability insurances and education allowances are available for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Employees are entitled to 25 working days of annual leave per annum and other types of 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 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.