Project Officer

Full time Accounting/Audit

Job Description & Skills/Qualifications Required

The Opportunity

Through the USP’s Institute of Applied Sciences (IAS), we seek to hire Project Officer for Laucala Campus in Suva (Fiji) for a fixed-term period expiring on 1 December 2027.

A new research project on Water Security for Locally Relocated Coastal Communities in the Western Pacific Islands funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) is looking at climate-forced relocation options for coastal subsistence-oriented communities on islands in the western Pacific Ocean. It is proposed that such localized (upslope, inland) relocation will be sustainable only if relocated communities are able to access enough water for their diverse needs. This project will work with selected communities in Fiji and Vanuatu to identify pathways for sustainable relocation, underpinned by adequate and safe water access and availability.

The positions of the Project Officers will be to support the project, specifically to;

  • Liaise with in-country agencies, including government departments and non-government (community) organizations, to explain the goals/progress of the project.
  • Work with project staff, both at USP and overseas, to achieve project milestones,
  • Contribution to the analysis, write-up and dissemination of project findings.
  • Including obtain necessary permissions and permits from the governments and relevant ministries in Fiji and Vanuatu for culturally appropriate methods of engagement with communities in these countries.
  • Source relevant policies, guidelines, frameworks and acts relating to climate change, adaptation, relocation, food and water security.
  • Collection and analysis of information (data) pertaining to water security in rural (subsistence-oriented) communities in Fiji and Vanuatu.
  • Archival data collection from in-country museums and archives.
  • Identification of potential case-study communities, as well as contact with community leaders and local governments to ascertain the suitability of these communities as case studies.
  • Knowledge exchange with selected case-study communities.
  • Arrange and organize meetings between collaborators, local governments communities and the team from the donor organisation, ACIAR.
  • Perform other duties as required by the project staff at USP, UniSC, Lincoln University, CSIRO, and others.  

Applicants should note that these positions may require considerable time travelling within Fiji or Vanuatu. 

The Person we Seek

The Project Officers should have considerable research experience in the Pacific Islands, preferably with rural (subsistence-oriented) communities which are being affected by climate change. This research experience should include a demonstrable understanding of how to conduct research in rural Pacific contexts that is ethical and equitable. The ability of Project Officers to effectively represent the views of community stakeholders is essential.

To be considered for this position, applicants must have:

  • A degree from a relevant discipline; and
  • Three (3) years of relevant experience and management expertise in technical or administrative fields such as Pacific Islands, preferably with rural (subsistence-oriented) communities which are being affected by climate change.
  • Excellent English communication skills (oral and written)
  • Be strong team players, hard-working and flexible.

 

Enquiries and further information: Dr. Isoa Korovulavula – Acting Director - Institute of Applied Science; email: isoa.korovulavula@usp.ac.fj  

The position is available for a term since appointment until 1 December 2027. 

Salary Range

  • FJ $45,408.30 to FJ $55,627.11 per annum.

Closing Date

The closing date for applications is: 23 February 2025

Job Functions

Assistant Accountants /Finance, Programme & Project Management

Industry

Education & Training