Procurement and Grants Team Leader (Suva)

• Suva-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 Operations and Management Directorate (OMD) provides corporate services to all SPC Divisions and Programmes. It consists of three key departments: Finance, Human Resources and Information Services. OMD is focused on improving the effectiveness of systems, policies and management to provide high-quality customer-oriented services.

The role – the Procurement and Grants Team Leader will lead and manage the Suva-based Procurement and Grants Team members to deliver high quality advice and service for procurement and grants activities; to provide accurate, expert and specialist advice on complex procurement activities; to build organisational capacity, capability and understanding of SPC’s Procurement and Grants Policies; identify and implement improvements in processes.

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

Operations: procurement and grants

• Manage the Suva-based procurement and grants staff to:
  • achieve quality outcomes from procurement and grants activities,
  • deliver high quality advice; and
  • harmonized and consistent service across SPC
• Manage and maintain the external relationships with vendors and bidders, including preferred suppliers
• Ensure quality customer service is provided to SPC’s divisions undertaking procurement activities

Advice

• Provide expert advice on SPC procurement and grants processes
• Advice to decision-makers on complex procurement and grants issues taking into account stakeholder’s requirements
• Advice provided to decision-makers on how to manage ethical issues; integrity demonstrated
• Risks identified, mitigated and/or escalated

Management of staff

• Manage the procurement and grants staff and resources

Outreach, education and training

• Provide capacity building to SPC staff in procurement and grants functions
• Provide capacity development support to potential grant applicants
• Ensure communication with key stakeholders and builds strong relationships

System and processes

• Identify and implement improvement to procurement and grants tools and systems to assist with building understanding and compliance
• Identify recommendations on policy and process updates
• Lead on a component of the procurement and grants reform

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a related field (or equivalent experience)
• CIPS Level 4 Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations (or equivalent experience)

Knowledge and experience

• At least 8 years of experience leading a team providing advice on procurement matters in a public sector environment
• Experience in procurement sourcing and supply management, including providing advice and support

Essential skills

• Advocacy, negotiation, influencing skills
• Excellent analytical skills
• Ability to influence decision-making through advice and support
• People management skills
• Change management and planning skills
• Customer relationship management skills

Language skills

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written) with a working knowledge of French being an advantage

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Strong people skills and ability to work in a multi-cultural, inclusive and equitable environment
• Knowledge of Pacific Island countries and territories is an advantage

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – 3 years – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance. Due to the current travel restrictions caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic, and the priority SPC places on its staff safety, health and well-being, please note that there may be delays in taking up the appointment. These matters will be discussed thoroughly with successful candidates. In most cases, any appointment and on-boarding would only commence when relocation to the duty station is permitted.

Remuneration – the Procurement and Grants Team Leader is a band 11 position in SPC’s 2022 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 3,015‒3,769 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 8,896–11,120 (USD 4,312–5,390; EUR 3,619–4,523). 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. Remuneration of expatriate SPC staff members is not subject to income tax in Fiji; Fiji nationals employed by SPC in Fiji will be subject to income tax.

Benefits for international employees based in Fiji – SPC provides a housing allowance of FJD 1,350–3,000 per month. 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 matching 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.

Application procedure

Closing date: 30 June 2022 – 11:59 pm (Fiji time)