Secretary (Sustainable Coastal and Ocean Research Institute)

The Opportunity

The University of the South Pacific (USP) is seeking a Secretary to join the Research Office at Laucala Campus. Under the direction of the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation), the Secretary will be responsible for the provision of comprehensive administrative, secretarial, and financial support to the Sustainable Coastal and Ocean Research Institute (SCORI) Project, serving as the first point of contact. The role coordinates schedules, travel, meetings, documentation, events, procurement, and budget tracking, ensures policy compliance, supports donor and grant reporting, and enables efficient, professional operations across SCORI and stakeholder engagement within USP.

The Secretary position directly supports the effective implementation of the SCORI Project by ensuring smooth administrative, communication, and operational coordination, and contributes to the organization’s purpose of delivering high-quality research, capacity-building, and regional engagement by enabling project staff to focus on core technical and academic objectives, while administrative processes, documentation, and stakeholder communications are managed efficiently and professionally.

The Person We Seek;

To be considered for this position, applicants must have:

• A degree in Commerce, Management and Public Administration, Business Administration, Management or related field with one (1) year of relevant work experience; or
• A diploma in Office/Business Administration or Secretarial Studies, or related field and three (3) years of relevant work experience, specialist expertise or broad knowledge in technical or administrative fields; or
• An equivalent combination of relevant experience and /or education/training;
• Demonstrated proficiency in written and spoken English;
• Proven experience in providing administrative and secretarial support in a professional office environment;
• Knowledge of administrative procedures, office systems, and record management;
• Experience in coordinating meetings, travel arrangements, and events;
• Demonstrated experience with procurement processes and financial administration, including requisitions and expense tracking; and
• Ability to work with Finance Banner Systems or similar financial systems.

Remuneration

The position is available for a Fixed Term until 20 April 2028.

Salary Range:  FJ $40,624.81 to FJ $49,381.15 per annum.  

Enquiries and further information: Professor Gurmeet Singh, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor - Research and Innovation, Research Office. Email: gurmeet.singh@usp.ac.fj

Closing date for applications:  15 March 2026.

How to Apply

Click the Apply button to apply for this position online.

The advertisement criteria is available on our University website (www.usp.ac.fj) under Employment Opportunities.

Please include the following documents in your application: Certified Academic Credentials/Transcripts, Cover letter clearly addressing key Selection Criteria and Resume with names of three referees, one of which must be your current or most recent direct work supervisor. Referees will only be contacted if you are selected.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

The University of the South Pacific is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and equitable environment that protects the rights of children; nurture, promote and facilitate mutual respect, constructive empowerment and progress amongst its employees, students, stakeholders including visitors, without being hampered by any form of sexual harassment, sexual abuse or sexual exploitation. We reserve the right to conduct police checks and other screening procedures to ensure a safe environment.

USP is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities to work in an inclusive environment. USP encourages all qualified candidates to apply regardless of their racial, ethnic, religious and cultural background, gender, sexual orientation or disabilities.