Programme 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 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 Micronesia Regional Office (MRO) situated in Kolonia, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), is the main hub for SPC's projects and partnerships with the Micronesian members of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), the Republic of Palau, and the United States territories of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), and Guam. The MRO opened in January 2006.

The role – the Programme Officer will support programme coordination, implementation and delivery of SPC’s services in the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

Coordination of SPC services and country engagement

• Serve as the primary in-country liaison between SPC and the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
• Facilitate coordination between SPC divisions and national ministries to support effective programme and projects delivery.
• Support alignment of SPC technical assistance with national development priorities and sector strategies.
• Coordinate strategic engagements between SPC leadership, divisions and national partners.
• Support the planning and facilitation of SPC missions and technical visits to RMI.

Support Implementation and Monitoring of the RMI Country Programme

• Support the implementation and monitoring of SPC’s Country Programme and related activities in RMI.
• Coordinate annual reflection meetings and programme review processes with national stakeholders and SPC divisions.
• Track progress of programme activities and support reporting on results.
• Facilitate collaboration across SPC divisions to support integrated programme delivery.

Promote Human Rights, Gender Equality and Social Inclusion

• Provide technical assistance in the design and delivery of human rights, gender equality and social inclusion work in RMI and other SPC members in Micronesia.
• Support the integration of human rights, gender equality and social inclusion across SPC programmes implemented in RMI and other SPC members in Micronesia.
• Facilitate collaboration with relevant government ministries, civil society organisations and development partners.
• Support activities related to SPC’s Gender Equality Flagship and Women in Leadership initiatives where relevant.
• Assist with planning and coordination of awareness activities, consultations and capacity-building initiatives.

Communication, Reporting and Knowledge Sharing

• Prepare briefing notes, reports and analytical summaries on SPC activities in RMI.
• Facilitate communication and information sharing between SPC divisions, MRO and national stakeholders.
• Support reporting requirements to SPC management, partners and donors.
• Work with SPC Communications teams to highlight programme achievements and results.
• Support monitoring, evaluation and learning processes in collaboration with the Strategy, Planning and Learning Division.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant field such as management and administration, human rights, law, gender, international relations or other relevant social science from a recognized university or equivalent body of knowledge and experience.

Technical expertise

• At least 7 years of program management experience in development projects specifically in the areas of women in leadership and/or gender equality and social inclusion and/or human rights…
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience performing administrative and coordination functions.
• Sound and applied knowledge of work planning, budgeting and financial control, results-based management, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.
• Excellent analytical, organizational skills, and abilities to work effectively in a matrix team structure.
• Demonstrated experience in in finance and administration.
• Sound experience in logistics management inclusive of travel for workshops and training programs.

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 for 3 years and is subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – the Programme Officer is a Band 9 position in SPC’s 2026 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 3,051–3,748 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately USD 4,089–5,022. 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. SPC salaries are not presently subject to income tax.

Benefits for Staff in a position advertised internationally (EPAI) whose duty station is Majuro – SPC provides a housing allowance of USD 1,000–2,000. Establishment and relocation grant, removal expenses, airfares, home leave, medical and life insurance, and education allowance are available for eligible employees and their recognised 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 begiven to the Pacific Islander. Applicants will be assured of complete confidentiality in line with SPC’s private policy.