Job Description

• Noumea-based position
• Attractive expatriate package
• Join the principal development organisation in the region

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 Principal Lead – One SPC Transformation Programme (OTP) will oversee and lead the implementation of the One-SPC Transformation Programme across divisions and flagships. It will provide strategic advice and support to the SPC Leadership team to ensure the organisation is adaptive and fit-for-purpose to anchor the operational services of flagships and division’s integrated projects. This leadership role ensures alignment with SPC’s strategic goals, CROP and 2050 Strategy harmonisation principles, and fosters collaboration to achieve organisational efficiency and resilience.

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

Leadership and Management of OTP

• Lead the design of key actions in collaboration with technical teams.  
• Oversee the implementation of the One-SPC Transformation Programme to ensure timely delivery of objectives and within budget.
• Oversee the development of the MEL Framework for OTP.
• Provide strategic advice to the DDG O&I on operations and integration quick wins to anchor the flagships and integrated programmes.
• Represent SPC and the DDG O&I at regional fora and high-level engagements.  
• Socialise and communicate OTP results to SLT, divisions, CROP Heads and High-Level Consultations.

Team Management Operational Efficiency

• Oversee the team development, succession planning, and foster a high-performing and collaborative team environment.
• Provide people leadership, engagement, and operational guidance to contribute to the effective delivery key actions.
• Provide leadership and direction to the OTP Team and technical specialists.
• Oversee coordination, and operations of the OTP and foster cross divisional business systems.

Integrated Programming and Flagships

• Facilitate integration of the OTP into SPC’s flagships and divisions to enhance business efficiencies.  
• Liaise with DDG S&C and Flagship leads to better facilitate integration between OTP and Flagships.
• Support the DDG O&I in leading change in the organisation, developing corporate policies and plans, enhancing overall performance and promoting a culture of sharing and learning.
• Representing the DDG O&I at internal and external events/meetings, as appropriate, and communicate effectively to media and partners.
• Support new approaches or partnerships to enhance results.
• Support and promote communities of practice, participatory workshops, learning events on integrated O&I policies, processes, digital solutions, to facilitate a One-SPC organisational culture of sharing and learning.

Resource Mobilization and Sustainability

• Identify funding opportunities and partnerships to support programme implementation.  
• Ensure long-term sustainability through effective resource mobilisation strategies.
• Explore new work opportunities that align to new / emerging development priorities of PICTs.
• Budget allocations within areas of responsibility are managed with appropriate costings in place.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Master degree in project management, development, or a related field or equivalent body of knowledge and experience.

  Technical expertise

• At least 15 years in a public sector or regional development and/or management position ideally in the Pacific Islands region.
• At least 15 years of proven experience in managing large-scale transformation programmes within complex organisations or regional bodies.  
• Demonstrated experience in relationship building and working with a wide variety of donors and development partners.
• Proven history of successfully building and leading multi-disciplinary teams, including people of different national and cultural backgrounds, and demonstrated ability to manage professional, technical, and programme support staff in a team environment, ensuring everyone’s role contributes to successful team outputs.
• Demonstrated ability to lead strategically with a solid understanding of Programme Management, preferably in the development sector.
• Demonstrated experience of leading and coordinating high level strategic consultation processes for regional positioning across a relevant sectoral agenda.
• Proven ability to influence work collegially and in partnership with stakeholders and internal partners towards an agreed outcome.
• Demonstrated skills and experience in continuous improvement and facilitating innovation across teams.
• Proven ability in project design, management, and reporting.
• Ability to work constructively to resolve issues, concerns, or differences of opinion.
• Demonstrated skills and experience in continuous improvement and facilitating innovation across teams.

Language skills

• SPC’s official working languages are English and French. Fluency in English is required for this role.

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

Remuneration – the Principal Lead – One SPC Transformation Programme (OTP) is a band 14 position in SPC’s 2025 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 6,299-7,777 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately XPF 920,650-1,136,756 (USD 8,378-10,344; EUR 7,715-9,526). 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 New Caledonia.

Benefits for international staff employees based in New Caledonia – SPC provides subsidised housing 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).

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.

Application procedure

Closing date: 1 June 2025 – 11:00 pm (Noumea time)

Job Reference: CR000416

Applicants must apply online at

Hard copies of applications will not be accepted.

For your application to be considered, you must provide us with:

• an updated resume with contact details for three professional referees
• a cover letter detailing your skills, experience and interest in this position
• responses to all screening questions

Your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed at shortlisting stage if all the above documents are not provided. Applicants should not attach copies of qualifications or letters of reference.  

Please ensure your documents are in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.

SPC does not charge a fee to consider your application and will never ask for your banking or financial information during the recruitment process.

Screening questions (maximum of 2,000 characters per question):

1. Briefly outline your experience in roles relating to large scale transformation programmes, particularly highlighting specific challenges.
2. This role will oversee the implementation of the OTP across divisions and flagships, how would you balance competing priorities from internal stakeholders to ensure mutually beneficial outcomes.
3. Demonstrated experience in guiding, advising, and training senior executives or management on transformation process is required. Please provide one example that illustrates how you meet this criterion.

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