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 Land Resources Division (LRD) provides effective expert scientific advice, capacity building and services on conservation, development and utilization of plant genetic resources, forest and landscape management, resilient agricultural systems, diversification of livelihood strategies and access to markets to maintain ecosystem services and improve land productivity and the food, nutrition security and resilience of Pacific communities. LRD has expertise in genetic resource conservation, resilient agriculture, biosecurity, pest and disease management, agricultural extension, plant pathology, entomology, and animal health. It collaborates with governments, regional organisations, civil society and other SPC divisions to pinpoint the needs and priorities of Pacific countries and communities and provide technical expertise to address them. This mission is realized through four main thematic work areas, or pillars, and a progressively integrated approach to programming that works towards achieving SPC’s development goals.
The role – Animal Health and Production Adviser is responsible for the development of the Animal Health and Production Unit within the pillar of sustainable agriculture and will take the lead role in executing the activities under the Pacific Head of Veterinary and Animal Production Service -PHOVAPS’ workplan. Specifically, the AHPA will provide strategic and expert advice and coordination support on animal health and production across LRD programs, SPC member countries and stakeholders in the region. The incumbent will take lead role in developing and implementing programmes that contribute to sustainable improved animal health and production in the Pacific Region.
The key responsibilities of the role include:
Strategic and policy advice
- Provide strategic and policy advice to LRD and the Pacific stakeholders on animal health and production in the region to contribute to sustainable livelihoods and healthy food systems.
- Build capacities of Member countries in early warning and response mechanisms to curb the outbreak of animal pests and diseases.
- Keep abreast with the development issues related to animal health and production relevant to the region and develop strategic research priorities and activities to support improvement in animal husbandry practices in countries.
- Ensure effective and timely response to animal health problems in countries through effective partnerships.
- Conduct policy analysis and actively provide policy advice to contribute to sustainable animal production in countries.
Scientific, technical advice and activity implementation
- Ensure the establishment of an SPC AH&P accredited veterinarian laboratory.
- Assess, identify and develop priority training programmes related to animal health and production in countries.
- Execute animal health and veterinary support programmes in countries through surveillance and diagnostic and development of early warning systems and emergency response plans.
- Coordinate with other regional and global food systems actors. Provide technical and scientific advice countries on animal husbandry practices related to genetics, breeds and breeding, animal feeds and housing and waste management.
- Taking lead role in coordinating and executing animal health & production activities under PAHPF, PAHPCBP and other projects
- Actively coach, mentor and develop capacity of internal personnel and external stakeholders on animal health and production practices.
Resource mobilisation and partnerships
- Support the strengthening of the role and governance of the Pacific Heads of Veterinary and Animal Production Services Network (PHOVAPS)
- Under the guidance of the Pillar leader, manage and coordinate the work of PHOVAPS to strengthen its functions and effective linkages across the region – addressing issues concerned with animal related biosecurity concerns.
- Support the One Health Coordinator to implement the One Health activities where relevant and lead the activities to ensure the outcomes are achieved.
- Coordinate and pursue effective partnership mechanisms internally and externally through strategic alliances and partnerships to support effective resource mobilisation.
Monitoring, evaluation and reporting
- Responsible for the effective planning, implementation and monitor, evaluate and report on animal health and production activities.
- Ensure research processes and results are documented, managed and disseminated to countries and development partners.
- Lead the development and timely processing of scientific and results reports and dissemination through existing information and knowledge management platforms and support advocacy needs for the sustainability and scaling of lessons.
- Support the Pillar Leader with representational duties as and when required.
For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description.
Key selection criteria
Qualifications
- Master’s degree in agriculture, veterinary science, animal production/science or equivalent body of knowledge and experience
Technical expertise
- At least 10 years’ experience working on animal health and production
- Proven knowledge and experience on managing donor funded projects
- Proven experience in negotiating, building and maintaining professional, client-focused relationship and mutually beneficial partnerships
Language skills
- Excellent English communication skills
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 31 December 2026 and is subject to renewal depending on performance and funding.
Remuneration – The Animal Health and Production Adviser is a band 11 position in SPC’s 2025 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 3,091‒3,864 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 9,303–11,629 (USD 4,111–5,138; EUR 3,786–4,732). 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.
How to apply
Application procedure
Closing Date: 2 March 2025 – 11:00 pm (Noumea time)
Job Reference: CR000372
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):
- Animal production systems in the Pacific are predominantly based on family farming, often practiced within isolated communities with limited access to technical services. From your professional experience, can you describe the types of actions you would recommend to improve livestock performance in this context?
- The countries and territories of SPC represent significant cultural diversity, as well as notable differences in animal production systems and the resources available to animal health stakeholders. What working methods would you implement to achieve the objectives outlined in the job description?
- Animal production in the Pacific faces major challenges, including the growing impacts of climate change, the emergence of health risks, rising feed costs, and the limited availability of local resources. In this context, can you provide concrete examples of strategies you would implement to address a zoonotic disease outbreak?