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 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 two programmes: Coastal Fisheries and Aquaculture Programme (CFAP) and the Oceanic Fisheries Programme (OFP). The Director’s Office provides divisional support and strategic direction across the programmes and cross-cutting projects. Working with all 22 Pacific Islands Countries and Territories (PICTs), FAME has strong partnerships with regional, subregional and national entities working in the marine sector. The role – Research Assistant (NACA Project) will assist in the baseline assessment study on national innovation and investment plans for nature-based (climate) solutions in aquaculture as part of the NACA project in Fiji. The key responsibilities of the role include: Ensure collaborations with stakeholders and programmes within and across SPC sections Facilitate national meetings and dialogues needed between relative stakeholders. Compose a national team to undertake various activities allocated in the project. Facilitate exchange of information on priorities among different stakeholders involved in innovation and investment. Work closely with AQUADAPT national research team in developing small network of stakeholders to conduct baseline scoping. Assist with national scoping and baseline assessment survey and data collection Provide support to develop methodology for the survey. Facilitate review of national statistics. Collate data related to climate change adaptation, mitigation and disaster risk reduction, disease prevention and management, gender diversity inclusion, resource utilization, aquaculture systems, policies etc. Identify important innovations in aquaculture focusing on nature-based solutions. Assist national team in developing recommendations on priorities and pathways for national aquaculture system innovation and investments. Administration reporting, documentation and communication Prepare and submit progressive reports of the survey. Work closely with the ScoFA Aquaculture Officer in attending the country in regional meetings organised by the project. Communicate with regional project investigator on progress and issues that may arise during the project’s implementation. For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description. Key selection criteria Qualifications A Diploma in a relevant field such as tropical aquaculture, or biology, marine science or environmental science or equivalent body of knowledge and experience. Technical expertise At least 3 years of experience working with aquaculture enterprises involved in mariculture/freshwater aquaculture in the Pacific. Previous interaction with and knowledge of aquaculture agencies in the Pacific region. Detailed knowledge and understanding of government systems and protocols, with sound knowledge of regional Fisheries policies and legislations. Practical knowledge and understanding of innovations in aquaculture systems and operations. Excellent interpersonal skills in multicultural environment of the Pacific islands. Excellent computer skills across necessary applications. Language skills Excellent English communication skills (oral and written). Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment. Salary, terms and conditions Contract Duration – Until 30 September 2025 – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance. Remuneration – The Research Assistant (NACA Project) is a band 7 position in SPC’s 2025 salary scale, with a commencing taxable salary range of FJD 2,287-2,859 per month, plus local staff benefits. 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. 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 bilingualism, 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 Privacy Policy. How to apply Application procedure Closing Date – 26 January 2025 at 11:59pm (Fiji time) Job Reference: SS000008 Applicants must apply online at http://careers.spc.int/ 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. Only Fijian citizens are eligible to apply for this role. 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): Can you provide examples of nature-based solutions that have been successfully implemented in aquaculture? What experience do you have working with nature-based solutions in aquaculture or related fields? How do you stay updated on the latest developments and research in nature-based solutions for aquaculture?