Geodetic Officer

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 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 – Geodetic Officer will play a critical role to support the Geodetic Unit within SPC, in the management and execution of geodetic surveying and related activities. Specifically, the job holder will provide support in the planning and implementation of geodetic activities under the Climate and Oceans Support Programme in the Pacific (COSPPac).

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Technical support and assistance

• Support technical solutions towards the use of the different survey methodologies for survey applications such as topographical surveys using Total Stations, GNSS survey equipment and Drones as per standard operating procedures.
• Plan, actively support, and coordinate, with national counterparts in conducting field survey campaigns and related activities.
• Support the development and implementation of a 6-monthly infrastructure maintenance program for the Pacific Sea Level and Geodetic Monitoring (PSLGM) Project under the Climate and Oceans Support Programme in the Pacific (COSPPac).
• Schedule and arrange the geodetic activities under the COSPPac programme, ensuring deliverables are completed on schedule.

Data analysis and reporting

• Post Process and analyse survey data related to geodetic surveys and topographical surveys using different survey applications such as Global Navigation Satellite System, Total Station, and Drones.
• Adopt and adhere to standard operating procedures or best practices during post-processing and analysis for surveying, mapping, and charting requirements.
• Support the update of the geospatial and surveying data into relevant database.
• Operate various geospatial and survey software packages for post processing and analysis of field survey data into final products.

Capacity building

• Train national staff in the use of geospatial and surveying instruments for data acquisition.
• Support national counterparts in procuring instruments, software and other relevant tools as required.
• Assist to integrate and identify knowledge gaps and user requirements into training materials.
• Provide support to the Pacific Geospatial and Surveying Partnership Desk (PGSPD) for capacity building in the region.

Geodetic logistics

• Lead the mobilization of survey equipment for geospatial and surveying activities.
• Arrange the maintenance of surveying equipment.
• Initiate and manage in-field survey schedules and survey teams in the project member countries.
• Provide logistics support in terms freight clearance for survey equipment.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Degree in surveying or closely related field is essential with at least 5 years of progressive work experience in the field of geodetic surveys, analysis and reporting.

Technical expertise

• At least 5 years of progressive work experience in the field of geodetic surveys, analysis, and reporting.
• 5 years regional development experience.
• Good working knowledge of the institutional context and partners within at least one of the following sectors: (i) lands and surveying, (ii) maritime (iii) meteorological services.
• Understanding of practices, techniques, concepts and theoretical principles around precise first order levelling, control surveys and Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS).
• Knowledge in geodesy and surveying relating to horizontal and vertical reference framework, locally, nationally and regionally.
• Ability to post process and analyse survey data collected using different survey technologies such as Total Station Height Traversing and GNSS Surveys
• Ability to problem-solve at technical level.
• Experience with data handling and data management system.
• Experience in capacity development needs and networks.

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 2027 – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – The Geodetic Officer is a band 8 position in SPC’s 2024 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 2,044‒2,555 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 6,091–7,614 (USD 2,719–3,398; EUR 2,534–3,167). 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.