Data Outreach and Engagement Adviser

• Noumea or Suva-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 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 Operations and Management Directorate (OMD) provides corporate services to all SPC Divisions and Programmes. It consists of three key departments: Finance, Human Resources and Information Services. OMD is focused on improving the effectiveness of systems, policies and management to provide high-quality customer-oriented services.

The role – the Data Outreach and Engagement Adviser will lead community outreach and engagement activities for the Pacific Data Hub programme at SPC, championing our mission to drive data-informed decision making for sustainable development in the Pacific region.

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

Community and Stakeholder Engagement

• Establish and nurture a trusted relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, CROP agencies, development partners, NGOs, and academic institutions.
• Organise regular events, workshops, and training sessions to engage stakeholders and foster collaboration.
• Ensure stakeholder participation and feedback indicate high levels of engagement and satisfaction with PDH’s community outreach efforts.
• Establish an effective collaboration with internal teams and external organisations to align efforts and maximise the impact of PDH’s data resources.
• Ensure collaborative initiatives with stakeholders lead to tangible improvements in data sharing, integration, and utilisation across the Pacific region.

Engagement and Awareness

• Design and implement effective advocacy initiatives to promote the use and value of data in policy-making and regional development.
• Develop high-quality outreach materials, including case studies, presentations, training guides, reports, and social media content.
• Increase awareness and understanding of PDH’s mission and data offerings among target stakeholders, as evidenced by surveys and feedback.

Data Useability Promotion

• Establish regular channels to gather user feedback and insights for enhancing the uptake and use of PDH’s data products and services.
• Analyse and translate user feedback systematically into actionable recommendations for improving data accessibility and user experience.
• Ensure measurable improvements are made to the useability of PDH’s services based on user feedback, leading to increased user satisfaction and engagement.

Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

• Use the PSD 2 monitoring and evaluation framework to track the effectiveness of outreach and advocacy activities.
• Ensure quantitative and qualitative indicators are available to demonstrate how PDH is being used and areas for expansion.
• Collect monitoring data for advocacy and awareness activities to inform the planning and any necessary adaptations.
• Provide regular reports on engagement and awareness activities and updates to the PDH Programme Manager and relevant stakeholders on the progress and impact of engagement initiatives.
• Adapt and optimize engagement strategies continuously based on monitoring and evaluation findings to maximise their effectiveness.

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 Data Management, Communication, Information Science, International Development, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related discipline.

Technical expertise

• At least 6 years of experience in outreach, engagement, or related roles, preferably within an international development context.
• Experience in data governance, open data initiatives, or related fields is highly desirable.
• Ability to communicate with a diverse range of technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience in developing training programmes, delivering training, mentoring, and coaching.
• Experience with the development of awareness and communications products.
• Workshop/training facilitation skills.

Language skills

• Fluency 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 2027 and is subject to renewal depending on performance and funding.

Remuneration – The Data Outreach and Engagement Adviser is a band 10 position in SPC’s 2024 salary scale.

For a Noumea based position – a starting salary range of 3,568–4,364 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately XPF 527,770–645,457 (USD 4,745–5,804; EUR 4,423–5,409). SPC salaries are not presently subject to income tax in New Caledonia.

For a Suva based position – a starting salary range of 2,575‒3,218 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 7,672–9,591 (USD 3,424–4,280; EUR 3,191–3,989). 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.

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.

Benefits for international staff employees – SPC provides a housing allowance (or subsidised housing in Noumea). 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 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: 27 October 2024 – 11:00 pm (Noumea time)

Job Reference: SH000348

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.

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):

1. How have you contributed to enhancing the usability or accessibility of data products or services in your previous roles? Provide an example of how your actions led to increased adoption or satisfaction among users.
2. Have you led an advocacy or awareness campaign that involved promoting a complex concept, such as open data or data for development? Please describe your approach and the outcomes of the campaign.
3. This role requires developing and implementing innovative outreach strategies. Can you share a time when you had to think strategically and creatively to overcome a challenge in a similar role? What was the impact of your strategy?

Position Description