Deputy Director (Marine Ecology and Ecosystems Programme)

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 Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems (FAME) Division is composed of three programmes: the Coastal Fisheries and Aquaculture Programme (CFAP); the Oceanic Fisheries Programme (OFP); and the Marine Ecology and Ecosystems Programme (MEEP). The Director’s Office provides implementation support and strategic direction across the three programmes and cross-cutting projects. Working with all 22 PICTs, SPC FAME has strong partnerships with regional, sub-regional and national entities working in the marine sector. SPC FAME staff are based in New Caledonia, Fiji, Federated States of Micronesia, Solomon Islands, and Tonga, with most of the staff being based in New Caledonia.

Role Overview

The Deputy Director (Marine Ecosystems Programme) will provide strategic direction, leadership, management and technical oversight of the Marine Ecology and Ecosystems Programme through the three Section Heads – covering climate science and the impacts of climate on oceanic and coastal fisheries, ecosystem ecology, and ecosystem-based management – to ensure the annual work plans for the programme are in line with the SPC FAME Business Plan and SPC Strategic Plan, are fully implemented within budget, adhere to all SPC policies and procedures, and address the needs and priorities of the Members. The position will have a senior role in the implementation of existing and the design and mobilisation of future projects that integrate across SPC FAME’s work programmes. This will include management and oversight of SPC FAME’s collections and research facilities that are essential for the implementation of the GCF-RTP. The position will design and establish a third work programme (Marine Ecology and Ecosystems Programme) within SPC FAME that complements existing activities to ensure SPC FAME meets new and emerging member needs for sustainable fisheries and biodiversity management in the face of climate change. This position will contribute to ensuring that SPC provide the highest quality, independent scientific information and advice on the region’s marine ecosystems to SPC members, and other regional and sub-regional agencies.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership, management, reporting and technical oversight of MEEP

Coordinates with SPC FAME team leaders, managers and direct reports, input from members and others for strategic planning, annual work plans and work plan reports. Participates and coordinates GCF-RTP Ecosystem-based Management & SPC-FAME collections and research facility inputs to joint country missions and strategies. Authorizes travel and procurement of goods and services. Oversees and/or takes lead on donor reporting for projects. Oversees and participates in the recruitment of new staff.

Resource mobilisation, budgeting, finances and donor liaison

Coordinates the development of significant projects to help deliver outcomes in line with the SPC FAME Business Plan, SPC Strategic Plan and member requests. Assists the Division Director and/or take the lead in developing larger multi-agency funding proposals. Assists the Division Director plan MEEP Funding allocations from the annual core, programme and project budgets. Ensures adequate funding is available for the implementation of the GCF-RTP Ecosystem-based Management & SPC-FAME collections and research facility annual work plan. Ensures that financial and activity reporting is carried out according to agreements.

Technical oversight and science thought leadership

Participates in one or more of the technical work areas of the Programme, according to skills and experience. Provides technical support and coordination for marine science across FAME. Ensures that scientific methods applied are technically sound and apply international best-practice. Contributes and provides oversight to the preparation of peer-reviewed scientific and technical publications. Promotes inter-agency networking, cross-sectoral collaboration and strengthens engagement and collaboration with members and partners in marine ecology and marine ecosystems. Maintains awareness with SPC member country needs in marine sciences, and participates in or contributes to the development of national-level strategies and work plans. Leads discussions with FFA, PNA Office, OPOC, SPREP, USP and any other relevant sub-regional groups on planning of scientific support for the respective work programmes of these organisations. Leads discussions with WCPFC on contracted scientific support in the areas of climate change, ecosystem based management and biodiversity.

Science communication and outreach

Oversees the communication of GCF-RTP, Ecosystem-based Management & SPC FAME collections and research facility work internally across SPC and externally to clients, the scientific community and the general public. Contributes and coordinates inputs to Divisional and Corporate publications. Enhances the impact of the scientific work of FAME through media outreach, and presentations at regional and international fora.

Key Selection Criteria

Qualifications

PhD degree in marine science or related discipline, or equivalent body of knowledge and experience.

Technical Expertise

At least 15 years of relevant technical experience in one or more of the following: climate change, ecosystem-based fisheries science; fisheries monitoring; fisheries oceanography, ecology and biology. At least 10 years of successfully leading multidisciplinary teams of fisheries and marine scientists, database specialists, fishery monitors and support staff, and conducting large field research programmes. Proven history of successfully managing research assets (e.g. collections, laboratories). Demonstrable project and financial management skills including resource mobilisation and the development of large and small funding proposals. Extensive experience in the provision of scientific advice in management of marine ecosystems. Interpersonal skills of a high order, including the ability to manage scientific and support staff in a team environment and to manage relationships critical for collaborative research projects. Able to translate broad Divisional direction into detailed activities. Experience with the Microsoft 365 ecosystem.

Language Skills

Communication skills in English of a high order, particularly in written and oral presentation of scientific results to diverse audiences; and 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 Deputy Director (Marine Ecosystems Programme) is a band 14 position in SPC’s 2026 salary scale, with a starting salary range of SDR (special drawing rights) 6,595-8,147 per month, which converts to approximately XPF 951,532-1,175,533 (USD 8,837-10,917; EUR 7,974-9,851). SPC salaries are not presently subject to income tax in New Caledonia. 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.

Benefits for Staff in a position advertised internationally (EPAI) whose duty station is Noumea – SPC provides housing support in Noumea. 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 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.

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