Communications Assistant

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 Polynesia Regional Office will lead on strengthening engagement and relationships with members towards better coordination, planning and delivery of regional programmes and services across the Polynesia sub-region. This includes strengthening integrated programming efforts and development of strategic approaches to country programming in Polynesian countries to increase sustainable development impacts and results for SPC members in particular progressing their Sustainable Development Goals. As part of programming, the work of PRO will also facilitate the harmonisation of approaches and contextualised models for programme execution in Polynesia.

The Communications Assistant will support the Polynesia Regional Office (PRO) in planning, coordinating and delivering high-quality communications and visibility activities that strengthen SPC's impact across Polynesian member countries and territories. The position will identify, develop and disseminate compelling stories, multimedia products and communications that showcase SPC's work, promote regional priorities and enhance engagement with governments, partners, donors, media and communities.

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

Content development and storytelling

• Working closely with the Regional Director to contribute in developing a Polynesia sub-regional content plan aligned with PRO priorities, member engagement objectives and SPC corporate communications campaigns.
• Assisting with public-awareness campaigns and creative initiatives that make SPC and PRO relevant, accessible and memorable to different audiences, including schools, youth, communities, government and development partners.
• Identifying and documenting stories and achievements across Polynesian countries and territories.

Media relations and engagement

• Building and maintaining relationships with media and communications focal points to secure regular opportunities for SPC/PRO visibility across Polynesia.
• Monitoring regional media coverage and identifying proactive opportunities to enhance SPC visibility.
• Maintaining a media engagement calendar (radio, television, digital, key events, international days or member priorities).

Regional engagement and member visibility

• Producing event materials including programmes, presentations, signage, social media coverage and post-event communications products.
• Coordinating photography, videography and branding requirements for regional events.
• Supporting an annual SPC Day or SPC Week and other public engagement initiatives in collaboration with members and SPC programmes.

Corporate Communications and One SPC Alignment

• Supporting implementation of SPC corporate communications policies, branding standards and One SPC communications approaches within the region.
• Coordinating communications inputs from SPC programmes, SCOPE and other communications focal points to ensure public-facing campaigns, awareness activities and content remain aligned with One SPC messaging and corporate priorities.
• Supporting internal communications and regular contributions to the SPC intranet.

Other Administration

• Supporting routine PRO administration, including filing, records management, finance-related administrative tasks, tax refund documentation, procurement and processing of routine administrative paperwork.
• Providing administrative and logistical support for meetings, missions, venue/logistics coordination and follow-up.
• Maintaining contact lists, media lists, stakeholder records, content schedules.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification (e.g. diploma) in communications, journalism, digital media, marketing, business, international development or a related field, or equivalent body of knowledge and experience.

Technical expertise

• 5 years professional experience in communications or closely related sector
• Experience in content creation across multiple digital platforms.
• Knowledge in translating technical or scientific information for non specialist audiences.
• Understanding of Pacific regional development contexts, cultural values, and communications sensitivities.
• Proven ability to coordinate communications activities across multiple stakeholders.
• Ability to multi-task and work on multiple initiatives concurrently.

Language skills

• Good interpersonal and communication skills, and ability to work effectively in a cross-cultural environment.

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• High level of interpersonal skills to work within a multi-cultural work environment.

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – This position is budgeted until 31 December 2027.

Remuneration – the Communications Assistant is a Band 7 position in SPC’s 2026 salary scale, with a starting salary range of TOP 22,248 –27,816 per year, plus local staff benefits. An offer of appointment for an initial contract will be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration being given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale will be based on annual performance reviews.

Benefits for Staff in a position advertised locally (EPAL) whose duty station is Tonga – SPC provides medical and life insurance for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Employees are entitled to 25 days of annual 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 be given to the Pacific Islander. Applicants will be assured of complete confidentiality in line with SPC’s private policy.

Please note that applicants must be Tonga Nationals currently residing in the country, or hold the proper work permit for salaried employment there.