Gender and Human Resources Advisor

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 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 – Gender and Human Resources Advisor will play a key role in within the SPC Human Resources department, providing technical advice and assistance on gender equality and social inclusion across SPC through policy reform and review work, alignment of HR related activities, strategy and workplan with the Women in Leadership (WIL) programme, and supporting capacity building, analysis and reporting. This role will be pivotal to the implementation of the 2022 Leadership/Gender Audit recommendations and other related audits pertaining to the HR department. Additionally, the individual will lead processes to debias all relevant HR policies, processes and systems, and ensure that key policies related to Gender Based Violence (GBV), Domestic Violence (DV), Child Protection and the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) are implemented and kept relevant for SPC.

The position will work closely with the Gender-Based Violence Advisor – Prevention and Response and stakeholders to ensure that the established policies above are maintained working closely with HR to drive compliance across all SPC staff and can contribute effectively to safeguarding SPC, meeting donor and stakeholder requirements and mainstreaming gender equality and social inclusion across all SPC.

The implementation of the key policies above will also ensure an accurate gender power and inclusion baseline which are key activities that represent some of the core recommendations of the 2022 Leadership/Gender Audit and undertaking them will be of paramount importance for the HR Department and SPC.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Gender mainstreaming in HR Department and across SPC

• Conduct a gender assessment and analysis on HR to identify scope of work, timeline and resources required.
• Review HR Action plan on the 2022 WIL Gender/Leadership Audit and update for implementation.
• Collaborate with HRSD and WIL Programme to conduct gender analysis for HR to support design of an SPC Gender Equality strategy and support initiatives for the organisation.
• Develop guidelines and standards for gender equality and social inclusion considerations across all pillars of HR.
• Develop gender equality and social inclusion awareness and advocacy package for HR and across SPC.

Advisory and technical support on gender equality for HR

• Provide technical advice and support to HR as and when required from for advisory, sensitive and complex matters on gender equality and social inclusion.
• Lead the drafting, review, and updating of gender-specific policies and strategies, including gender, power and inclusion baseline.
• In close collaboration with the HRSD Division and the WIL Programme, implement GBV/DV policies, PSEAH and Child Protection policies and supporting processes reviewed and strengthened.
• Mentor and guide the HR Department and other SPC staff in building their capacity to integrate gender considerations into their work.
• Co-Lead with the HR GBV Adviser to rollout mandatory self-paced courses which includes GBV/DV, Bullying, Harassment.

Coordination, Monitoring and Knowledge Management

• Develop a M&E and Learning Plan to support gender equality and social inclusion activities.
• Collaborate with HR Department and SPC Divisions to ensure the smooth implementation of gender policies and strategies.
• Ensure that adequate resources (financial, human, and technical) are allocated for effective policy development and implementation.
• Manage the budget for gender policy and strategy-related initiatives.
• Prepare detailed reports on the progress of gender policy initiatives, challenges encountered, and outcomes achieved.

People Management

• Supervision of staff, including leave approvals, management plans and performance appraisals staff.
• Creating a team environment that fosters and develops effective working relationships and high performance.
• Building a strong and effective team capable of providing services of the highest quality.
• Provide mentoring and leadership to staff.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• A postgraduate qualification in a relevant field such as gender studies, social sciences, public policy, international relations, development studies, or equivalent body of knowledge and experience.

Technical expertise

• At least 10 years of professional experience in policy development, gender mainstreaming, or related roles.
• Expertise in developing and implementing gender-focused strategies and policies in an organisation.
• Skilled in a wide range of capacity-building modalities involving gender equality and related disciplines.
• Experience in implementing strategies to advance gender equality and safeguards in a medium to large organisation.
• Programme management experience, including developing, delivering, and reporting against work plans.

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 30 June 2026 – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – The Gender and Human Resources Advisor is a band 11 position in SPC’s 2024 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 3,091‒3,864 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 9,211–11,513 (USD 4,111–5,138; EUR 3,831–4,789). 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 1,350–3,000 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.