Senior Technical and Engagement Advisor – Europe Office

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 role – the Senior Technical and Engagement Advisor – Europe Office will establish a presence for the Pacific Community (SPC) in Europe to enhance scientific and technical support for Pacific government representatives. This role is pivotal in fostering engagement and partnerships with the European Union and other Europe-based partners while strengthening resource mobilization efforts to support implementation of the 2050 Implementation Plan and SPC Strategic Plan.

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

Establishment of SPC presence

Lead the development of the terms of reference for SPC’s representation and regional office (mandate, location, budget etc) in Europe to ensure effective operation, visibility, and cooperation with the Geneva-based Pacific agencies:

• Discussion with SPC ‘s divisions, to explain the mandate and the added value of the Office
• Engage in dialogue with SPC’s members (to demonstrate the value of this Office in supporting them with the global agenda and strengthening relations with donors: Representants of the Pacific PICTs in Europe (PIF Geneva office, OACPS in Brussels, PICTs ambassadors to the EU and the UN, etc) and European SPC member States (France, UK)
• Cooperation with the CROPs agencies (PIF, SPREP) in order to identify/leverage common activities that could be implemented in Europe and facilitate resource mobilisation for the 2050 Implementation Plan.
• Cooperation with UN agencies based in Europe (Geneva, Roma, France, Germany, etc) related to SPC’s missions
• Cooperation with EU in Brussels.

SPC Representation at key engagements

Organize and facilitate SPC’s participation in international and regional meetings, conferences, and European workshops, ensuring the SPC Executive has the necessary support for their official visits:

• As required, SPC is represented at global and regional Conferences and other Forum (i.e. 2025 UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France in June)
• Provide support to plan and organize for SPC Executive (DG and DDGs) official visits in Europe in 2025
• Researches and analyses the relevance of international / European conferences, workshops for SPC.

Project Management Support

Collaborate with the EU-based Pacific representatives and SPC Leadership Team on new funding opportunities, guiding project design and management to align initiatives with SPC’s strategic objectives:

• Design and development of strategic programme, projects and concept notes (with EU or France AFD for instance)
• In collaboration with internal stakeholders, support related and in particular EU funded projects, programmes, flagships resource mobilisation and implementation
• Follow up on partner’s requirements and procedures to ensure compliancy of EU processes.

Resource Mobilization and Visibility

Enhance SPC’s visibility and strengthen resource mobilization efforts through strategic collaboration with internal divisions, such as PIRMO, EU PMU, and Legal, to ensure alignment with SPC’s mission:

• Promote awareness of SPC among other partners, our strategic plan, our values, and understanding our role, our skills and competencies
• Establish strong contacts with partners
• Benchmark for new potential resources by creating or responding to opportunities with new partners
• Explore targeted resource mobilisation efforts, including where feasible, mobilise resources for the OCTs, Smaller Island States (SIS) and/or sub-regional approaches or policy actions.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in international development; political science; project management or equivalent body of knowledge and experience.

Technical expertise

• A minimum of 15 years’ relevant experience in leadership, project management, policy development and advice
• Strong experience working in or providing advice to developing countries, including relevant knowledge of the development and political context in the Pacific region
• Relevant experience working with European development partners and/or countries
• Demonstrated capacity to work autonomously in developing partnerships and representing the interests of an organisation
• Experience in resource mobilisation, the design or management of programmes and projects, and thorough knowledge of the project management cycle
• High levels of flexibility to work across time zones
• Strategic thinker with well-developed analytical skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work isolated
• Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Word and Excel)

Language skills

• SPC’s official working languages are English and French. For this position excellent proficiency in both is required (both oral and writing skills)

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Ability to work in a multi-cultural and gender-sensitive environment

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – This vacant position is budgeted for 364 days.

Remuneration – the Senior Technical and Engagement Advisor – Europe Office is a band 13 position in SPC’s 2025 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 5,605–6,898 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately EUR 6,865–8,449 (USD 7,454–9,174). An offer of appointment for an initial contract will normally be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration being given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale is based on annual performance reviews. SPC salaries are not presently subject to income tax in France.

Benefits for international staff employees – SPC provides a housing allowance of EUR 1,050 to 1,500 and will reimburse excess accompanied luggage of up to two additional bags. Airfares, medical and life insurance are available for eligible employees. Employees are entitled to 25 days of annual leave per year of contract and access to SPC’s Provident Fund (contributing 8% of salary, to which SPC adds a 10% contribution).

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.